Missouri reservoirs: are they toxic?
Online Presentation by Dr. Rebecca North, PhD, Limnologist with MU Limnology Lab
Dr. North shared some of the research she’s been doing on harmful algal blooms in Missouri lakes and reservoirs.
Published: September 8, 2020

Online Presentation by Dr. Rebecca North, PhD, Limnologist at MU Limnology Lab, University of Missouri – Columbia
Hosted by Missouri River Relief on Zoom and live-streamed on YouTube.
Streaming sponsored by Rivermiles, the folks that bring you the MR340
Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Dr. Rebecca North is co-lead of the MU Limnology Lab, and she will be sharing some of the basics on harmful algal blooms impacting Missouri reservoirs. Globally, lakes and reservoirs are getting greener and are predicted to become more toxic. We know that cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms like it hot- with a side of light and nutrients, therefore, we anticipate cyanotoxins in the summer in reservoirs with high algal biomass (i.e., green).
Dr. North and her lab’s research is challenging this assumption and asking – are hot spots and hot moments in cyanotoxin production happening in the cold? Long-term and year-round data from Missouri reservoirs are being explored to determine if our indicators of toxic reservoirs are failing us.
She’ll also share info on some of the great citizen science projects that her lab supports –
- Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program (LMVP) and the Statewide Lake Assessment Program (SLAP)- funded by EPA through MDNR
- Reservoir Observer Student Scientists (ROSS)
- MU Soil and Water Conservation Club.
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The Big Muddy Speaker Series in Rocheport
is hosted by these wonderful partners.
- Missouri River Relief
- Les Bourgeois Vineyards
- Katy Trail Bed & Breakfast
- Missouri River Cultural Conservancy (MoRivCC)
Streaming is sponsored by Rivermiles, the folks who bring you the MR340.
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Special thanks to Les Bourgeois Vineyards for giving us the opportunity to use their beautiful space overlooking the Missouri River. All speakers are presenting for free! Thank you all for sharing your knowledge with us!
The Big Muddy Speaker Series also takes place in Kansas City and St. Charles.
The views and opinions expressed by our presenters do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of Missouri River Relief, the Big Muddy Speaker Series or any of the partners that support this public forum. The Big Muddy Speaker Series believes that hearing diverse perspectives is a crucial building block for an informed public.