microalgae distribution and diversity
in hypersaline habitats

The algae of the Great Salt Lake are the primary producers of the ecosystem and serve as the first trophic level. Little has been published on the diversity of these species and how their population shifts in the lake may impact the brine shrimp and fly populations. Since the avian species, whose life cycle depends on this lake, in turn depend on the invertebrates, understanding the phytoplankton composition and concentrations is an important part of the whole system. The project in conjunction with Westminister College is developing cell and DNA-based methodology that will be directly applicable to state algal monitoring programs, augmenting the current methods. Genetic data on the diversity of algal species of the GSL is also being collected.

North Arm of Great Salt Lake

South Arm of Great Salt Lake

collaboration

Dr. Bonnie Baxter
Westminister College
Salt Lake City, Utah

http://www.westminstercollege.edu/gsl/lake_microbes/

acknowledgements

Funding for this research provided by the Utah Department of Natural Resources (Utah DNR).