Spectrum Framework – Louise Cominassi (Post-Doc)
The Segarra Lab is collaborating with the Lydy Lab at SIU to measure the effects of insecticides on Chinook Salmon. Louise Cominassi, a postdoc, is observing the physiological and behavioral effects of two commonly used insecticides. This data will provide a framework of reference for law makers to know how the pesticides we use today might be affecting aquatic life. Below on the left Chinook Salmon are exposed to Bifenthrin, the most commonly used insecticide. On the right, Louise measures swimming performance.
Chinook Salmon behavior is also recorded and analyzed. Here you can see our Ethovision system at work tracking the movements of each individual fish.
When it Rains, it Pours – Stormwater Contaminants
During the wet season in California, rain washes agricultural runoff and other contaminates into aquatic ecosystems. This is especially apparent in urbanized areas, such as the California Bay-Delta system. In addition, rainy season coincides with the spawning of fish species of concern.
In the stormwater project Delta Smelt, a small fish endemic to the SF Bay-Delta system, are exposed to stream water before, during and after a rainstorm.
To study behavior on small fish, such as Delta Smelt larvae, we use a system called DanioVision to record the fish on a temperature controlled well plate. The recording is then analyzed by tracking software.
Contaminants in the Sacramento Deep-Water Shipping Channel
