Aquatic Biology at Lakehead University The ATRC has been operationg at Lakehead Uiniversity since Lakehead University was a major contributoer

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1 Aquatic Biology at Lakehead University The ATRC has been operationg at Lakehead Uiniversity since Lakehead University was a major contributoer to the acute test, now a tool that is used to monitor environmental discharge across Canada. The bag test was developed by Professor George Ozburn in association with the Canadian Envrionmental Protection Services. ATRC currently employs five staff, all Lakehead University graduates.

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3 The Lakehead University Greenhouse is located next to the Centennial Building, adjacent to parking Lot 5. This building is a centre of activity, frequently used by faculty members for teaching plant ecology, care and maintenance of boreal forest tree species, and the experimental processes required for experimentation on plant life. Several experiments hosted by the L.U. greenhouse include; nutrient cycling, exposure to varying levels of carbon dioxide, plant growth elation and inhibition experiments. One ongoing study performed by Dr. Parker in the Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment is focused on the distribution of white spruce, a species found almost everywhere within Ontario. Despite its widespread distribution and the high quality of both its lumber and pulp, research and tree improvement efforts for this species have fallen far behind. As forest management in Ontario is becoming more balanced and accountable, more attention is being paid to reforestation and afforestation of white spruce together with a renewed interest in developing a comprehensive tree improvement program for this species. This requires an understanding of the species patterns of adaptive variation. The development of focal point seed zones across the province were established and resulting seed samples were germinated in the L.U. Greenhouse. Growth and phonically variables in regards to climatically changes and elevation variation were studied from these samples.

4 Microbiology Sample Analysis Students taking part in this laboratory tour will be introduced to the world of microbiology by analyzing the many various microorganisms present in samples of water from fishtanks. Bacteria, protozoans, and other classes of microorganisms will be identified in the water samples via a microscope with a television viewscreen. Students will compare what they find on the slide to pictures of known microorganisms in order to identify what is present in their samples. Freshwater and saltwater fish tanks will also be compared to study the effect of salt on microorganism populations. In addition, other slides of various plants, animals and insects will be available for viewing by the students.

5 Toxicity Identification Evaluation System (TIE) Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) is a method of determining what toxic effluent is composed of, and what part of the effluent is toxic to the environment. All industries in Ontario are required to test the toxicity of their effluent using standardized testing with both Daphnia (water fleas) and Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout). If the effluent fails these tests then the industries need to find out what part of their effluent is toxic and where the problem is coming from within their processes. The TIE test method consists of a series of experiments that gradually breaks down the chemicals and compounds within the effluent, in the end determining exactly what chemical or combination of chemicals are toxic. This demonstration is interactive, allowing the students to perform their own experiment using Daphnia (water fleas). Students, under laboratory supervision will be setting up a dilution series test using an unknown effluent and determine which effluents may be toxic to the environment. No materials hazardous to humane health will be used. Dilution series of effluent (100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.3%) Daphnia (Water Flea)