Author: US Army Corps of Engineers Detroit Group

Author Affiliation:

Publication:LRE-2010-00463-56-A19

Abstract:  See document

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: LCWC Report; July 2025

 Abstract:

Waters and selected fish species were examined for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) content to develop baseline data. PFOS concentrations recovered from LC waters were at, or below, the instrumentation detection limit of 1.25 part per trillion. Levels of PFOS found in fish muscle was consistently lower than in fatty tissue. Concentrations of PFOS in Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) averaged 12.8 parts per billion, a similar range reported by the MI Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). As of 2023, PFOS levels in LC fish are considered the standard to which fish from other MI waters bodies are compared by MDNR and EGLE.

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: Compilation

Document contains links to various sources for articles on microplastics.

Neila Gross,1 Johnathan Muhvich,2 Carly Ching,2 Bridget Gomez,2 Evan Horvath,2 Yanina Nahum,3 Muhammad H. Zaman2,3

Author Affiliation:

1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachu­ setts, USA

2Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

3Center on Forced Displacement, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Journal: Applied and Environmental Microbiology

Abstract:

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a significant environmental pollu­ tant with profound implications for public health, particularly as substrates to facili­ tate bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recently, studies have shown that MPs may accommodate biofilm communities, chemical contaminants, and genetic mate­ rial containing AMR genes. This study investigated the effects of MP concentration, composition, and size on the development of multidrug resistance in Escherichia coli. Specifically, we exposed E. coli to varying concentrations of different MP types, including polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene, across a range of sizes (3–10, 10–50, and 500 µm). Results indicated that the biofilm cells attached to MPs had elevated multidrug resistance (in E. coli. Notably, MPs exhibited a higher propensity for facilitating biofilm and resistance than control substrates such as glass, likely due to their hydropho­ bicity, greater adsorption capacities, and surface chemistries. Notably, we found that the bacteria passaged with MPs formed stronger biofilms once the MPs were removed, which was associated with changes in motility. Thus, MPs select cells that are better at forming biofilms, which can lead to biofilm-associated AMR and recalcitrant infections in the environment and healthcare setting. Our study highlights the importance of developing effective strategies to address the challenges posed by MPs.

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: LCWC Report March 2025; Overview of Plastic Waste and Their Impact on Our Enviroment

Abstract:

This is an overview of the pervasive nature of plastic waste, its environmental and health impacts as well as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Plastics are widely used in various commodities, but they pose a significant environmental problem due to their long-lasting nature and the large volume of over 400 million tons of plastic waste generated annually around the globe. Microscopic plastic breakdown particles, nanometers in size, contaminate air, soil, and water, and have been found in human organs, potentially causing health issues. Single-use plastics make up about 45% of all plastic waste. Measures that can be taken by individuals and communities to limit exposure to single-use plastics include reducing purchase of pre-packaged foods, using water filters and improving municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities. Developing alternatives to petroleum-based plastics using packaging materials from natural ingredients such as seaweed and polysaccharides can help reduce environmental plastic contamination and offer cost-competitive solutions.

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: Unpublished Report

Abstract:

During the period 2019 through 2023, acoustic recorders were used to monitor bat echolocation signals in six locations within the Les Cheneaux Islands (App. 1). The monitoring was conducted to identify trends in bat activity as an indicator of population trends. Overall bat activity has increased in the Les Cheneaux area over the five years, suggesting that there is at least a short-term, two-fold upward trend in bat activity. Average detections per night increased from 276 to 673 across the area during the study period.

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: LCWC Report; January 6, 2025

Abstract:

Ensuring recreational water quality is a critical requirement for the tourist-based economy of the Les Cheneaux Islands. The Les Cheneaux Watershed Council has monitored nutrient levels and algal biomass in island channels during the past 22 years. This report summarizes data from an abridged monitoring meth-od which provides a valid trophic assessment yet reduces time and effort to assign the water quality status of local waters. Results of the abridged procedure compare favorably with historic patterns of total phos-phorus and chlorophyll-a concentrations. Based on findings herein, the amended water quality monitor-ing protocol can be recommended for continued use.

 

Abstract:

At the 5 distributed monitoring sites the total number of detections shows an increasing trend over the last 4 years.  At the fixed monitoring site the total number of detections increased by approximately 34% from 2021 to 2022. The number of detections per night increased cumulatively 75% from 2021 to 2022.

 

Mike Hindy and CISMA crew mechanically cutting and re-
moving T X glauca at the Pearson Creek outfall into Cedarville bay

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: LCWC Report; January 30, 2023

 

Abstract:

Les Cheneaux waters continue to be rated as excellent for recreational purposes based on analytical results from water samples collected during the summer of 2022. As has been the case since 2001, areas of our channels that have historically been rated as low in nutrients and algae concentrations have remained so. Similarly, areas which have been rated as higher in nutrients and algae densities have also remained in this category.

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: LCWC Report; February 10, 2023

 

Abstract:

A study published in 2021 tracked the changes in nutrients, plankton and temperatures in Les Cheneaux Islands (LCI) waters during a seven-year period from 2013 through 2020 in which L Huron (LH) increased to a record high level and at a record rate (Ref. 1). The LH level has decreased during both 2021 and 2022 since the record high was documented in 2020 by the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This report quantifies changes in the same three variables during the period of decline that were monitored during the time of rapid rise.

Seasonal water temperatures within LCI channels increased from 2020 through 2022 by 1.5°-2.5° C (3.2°-5.3° F) during which time LH level declined by 66 cm (26 inches).   With lower depths in the LCI channels one could expect water column nutrient concentrations to increase. As a result of warmer water and increased nutrients one could also expect plankton densities to increase. This was not the case. Rather, plankton density decreased by about 20% from 2020; the year of record high LH level.

It is not obvious why the plankton density dropped during a time of seasonal water temperature and nutrient increases. Conversely, a plankton concentration increase could be expected under these circumstances. One possible explanation is that micronutrients provided in the LH water were reduced in concentration due to the lower LH level. Another possibility is that the three year observation is not sufficient to accurately track trends of the complex water chemistry dynamics between LH and the LCI channels.  Monitoring of these variables continues.

Author Affiliation: LCWC

Journal: Unpublished Report

Abstract:

In 2019, 2020, and 2021, Wildlife Acoustics detection meters were used to record echolocation signals in six locations in the Les Cheneaux Islands to monitor local bat activity. The monitoring was conducted in an attempt to identify trends in activity that might reflect on populations. Five of the locations were monitored at specific time frames during the season. A second monitor remained in place at a fixed location throughout the season, roughly April 29th through September 19th. The results were normalized as detections per night for comparison of activity levels at the different locations and comparison of overall activity from year to year. Overall bat activity has increased in the Les Cheneaux area over the last 3 years implying that there is at least a short term trend in bat activity. Area activity rose from 279 detections per night in 2019 to 599 in 2021.

Author Affiliation: Aquacide Company, White Bear Lake, MN

Journal: Brochure

Abstract: This guide lists common aquatic plants found in the great lakes and surrounding waters.  The guide provides photographs of each species.

Author Affiliation:

Journal: Report for Georgian Bay Great Lakes Foundation

Abstract:

An analysis of the historic water level fluctuations between 1850 and 2016 was completed for Lake Erie and
Lake Michigan-Huron, based on historical records, to determine the major harmonic constituents with periods
less than about 60 years. These data were supplemented with paleo lake levels derived from beach ridge
records and reconstructed lake levels from tree-ring chronologies.