EPA conducting in-depth water quality research in Lake Ontario

Alongside universities and other federal agencies, the EPA is studying how pollutants move through the lake’s food web, how harmful nutrient pollution changes throughout the year, how invasive mussels affect water quality and more, according to Elizabeth Hinchey Malloy, an official at the EPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office.

She says that data will fill in gaps in the pre-existing research so that scientists and government officials can keep drinking water clean, beaches open and fishing viable.

“That all helps us understand how we can take action and where we can control things to improve conditions,” Hinchey Malloy said.

Using two of the EPA’s largest research vessels, the 180-foot Lake Guardian and the Lake Explorer II, researchers collect samples from 72 “stations” throughout the lake. Hinchey Malloy says the stations form a representative sample of different lake conditions and allow scientists to compare their findings with data from previous years.

At each station, the research team may sample surface water, use a collection of metal bottles called a rosette sampler to gather water samples from all depth levels, use sensors to collect water quality data and take samples of the lake’s sediment. They may also catch mussels and larval fish for analysis.

Each vessel’s crew and research team take turns working shifts lasting as long as 12 hours to collect samples 24/7, according to Hinchey Malloy. They may be on the water for weeks at a time, even in rough waters.

But scientists and crew members won’t be having all the fun. Several science teachers from across New York State will be joining one of the EPA’s surveys in July, allowing educators to use what they learn to redesign their curriculums and engage students.

Hinchey Malloy says the EPA sets up…