This study, conducted during 1995, evaluated the effects of relatively high copper concentrations on near-field benthic macroinvertebrate communities.  Both total and dissolved copper concentrations were measured at upstream, wastewater effluent, and downstream locations.  At the immediate downstream monitoring location, the average total copper concentration was 11 ug/L and the average dissolved copper concentration was 3 ug/L.  Evaluation of the instream benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage indicated that both species richness and a benthic community index was highest at the near-field monitoring location.  This study showed how metal speciation, combined with relevant biological data, can be used to evaluate potential stressor effects.

Rob worked with scientists from EA Engineering, Science & Technology to determine the temperature tolerance of two common freshwater fish species (redhorse suckers).  The study was important as results affected how much heat could be released by two AEP power plants located on the Muskingum River.  The study found that the two fish species could tolerate a higher temperature than was assumed by Ohio EPA, and subsequently the allowable heat released by the power plants was increased.