Lab Projects

Protein expression profiles as bioindicators for marine pollution in the marine mussel Mytilus and the oyster Crassostrea gigas

We are interested in how pollutants affect marine invertebrates, specifically mussels that bioaccumulate pollutants and that are used as indicator species, e.g. in the mussel watch network.  We are focusing on the effect of nitrate, a pollutant that is common in coastal waters, mainly due to anthropogenic input through agriculture and human waste disposal.

Nitrate levels peak during heavy winter rains when freshwater run-offs wash nitrate into coastal waters.  Thus we are studying the combined effects of hyposaline stress and simultaneous exposure to nitrate.  In addition to Mytilus californianus we are also studying the stress proteome of the oyster Crassostrea gigas that is farmed in Morro Bay. 

The studies are conducted to help resource managers and state agencies to design a sustainable management plan for the Morro Bay watershed.  For more information on this project, visit the website of the San Luis Obispo Science and Ecosystem Alliance (or SLOSEA).  This work is supported by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation.