GLNF CESU: Diatoms and Water Quality in Great Lakes National Parks- GLKN

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Analysis of diatoms in lake sediments is a powerful tool to detect environmental change, or to place modern conditions in a regional and historical context. Interpreting diatom data depends on accurate environmental measurements including amounts of nutrients and chlorophyll. Objective - identify diatoms collected from lake sediment and analyze water samples for nutrients and chlorophyll. 1 ) The project engages recipients, partners, communities, and/or visitors in shared environmental stewardship. 2) The scientific community and/or researchers external to NPS gains by new knowledge provided through research and related results dissemination of natural, cultural and/or historical resource information. 3) The project assists in the creation, promotion, facilitation, and/or improvement of the public’s understanding of natural, cultural, historic, recreational and other aspects of areas such as ecological conservation areas, and state and local parks.  In accordance with established GLKN monitoring protocols, the Science Museum of Minnesota will identify diatom species in sediment samples, upload diatom data to the online database Neotoma, analyze nutrient and chlorophyll levels in water samples, and interpret and report results. The Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network, in cooperation with park staff, will collect sediment and water samples, provide additional water chemistry data to the Science Museum of Minnesota, acquire necessary permits, and collaborate on data analysis and report writing.

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