Freshwater Colloquium – First Flush: Rapid Interdisciplinary Response to a 5 Billion Gallon Combined Sewer Overflow

Devastating rain washed chemicals, biomass, and combined sewerage into the Milwaukee Harbor from SE Wisconsin. Twice as strong as a 2008 event, it briefly changed the aquascape of Milwaukee. Our lab time series put the first month of impact into focus using 5 survey cruises including teams from  student classes. Cycles of layering – mixing and wind patterns showed vigorous plankton growth and its chemical draw-down responding on 2-3-day scales to weather patterns. Nutrient evasion into nearshore waters did not persist, but phytoplankton communities were diversified compared to earlier in the year. Fine coincidence with salmon and perch fishing action.

Our very own Senior Scientist, Dr. Russell Cuhel, will present his talk “First Flush: Rapid Interdisciplinary Response to a 5 Billion Gallon Combined Sewer Overflow”. Sure to be a fascinating discussion on very current topic for all of us. Please join us Monday September 29^th @ 3PM in the Ballroom. Arrive before 3PM to enjoy some light refreshments.