Education

B.S. & M.S. University of Western Ontario

Description

Trace Metal Biogeochemistry, Phytoplankton & Harmful Algal Bloom Ecology

Research interests

My current research is on the biogeochemical cycling of essential trace metals (Fe, Cu) and how the availability of these metals influences the growth, productivity and composition of marine phytoplankton communities. I am using a novel, shipboard continuous culture system to effectively assess the trajectory of the phytoplankton assemblage in response to trace metal additions in both coastal and oceanic waters. The goal is to contribute a better understanding of trace metal and nutrient dynamics and their impact on phytoplankton productivity and the success and toxicity of harmful algal species.

Publications

• Chase, Z., Johnson, K.S., Elrod, V.A., Plant, J.N., Fitzwater, S.E., Pickell, L.D. and Sakamoto, C.M. 2005. Manganese and iron distributions off central California influenced by upwelling and shelf width. Mar. Chem. 95: 235-254
• Wilhelm, S.W., DeBruyn, J.M., Gillor, O., Twiss, M.R., Livingston, K., Bourbonniere, R.A., Pickell, L.D., Trick, C.G., Dean, A.L. & McKay, R.M.L. 2003. Effects of phosphorus amendments on present day plankton communities in pelagic Lake Erie. Aquat. Microb. Ecol. 32: 275-285.
• Pickell, L.D., Wells, M.L., Trick, C.G. and Cochlan, W.P. (submitted), A sea-going continuous culture system for investigating phytoplankton community response to macro- and micro-nutrient (trace metal) manipulations, Limnology and Oceanography: Methods.

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