Addressing Indigenous community concerns of lake health by assessing water quality in Constance Lake, ON and biomarker responses in freshwater mussels, Pyganodon grandis and Lampsilis siliquoidea

Abstract

Constance Lake First Nation has had concerns regarding the health of a culturally significant lake, Constance Lake, for several years. There are several external stressors to this lake including urbanization and forestry, and as a result the community has stopped utilizing the lake for cultural and recreational purposes. To investigate these concerns, specifically regarding eutrophication and algal blooms, this study examined water chemistry and biomarker responses pertaining to energy and stress in freshwater mussels Lampsilis siliquoidea and Pyganodon grandis. The purpose was to determine current trophic status and potential for future algal blooms, as well as determine stress levels in mussels from eutrophication. Studies on glycogen levels over the winter season also provided some insight into overwintering strategies for freshwater mussels. Indigenous Knowledge from Constance Lake First Nation was used to guide this study, and tissue from the gills and foot of mussels were assayed to determine levels of glycogen and lipid peroxidation, specifically 4-hydroxynonenal. It was found that Constance Lake is still in a eutrophic state and has the potential to produce harmful cyanobacterial blooms for years to come. [...]