Research Projects

Truckee River Biomass Monitoring Program

PI: Christian H. Fritsen

Project Period: March 2000 - October 2002

Funded by: City of Reno, City of Sparks, and Washoe County

Right: Mark Green holding a large piece of algae from the Truckee River.

Keywords: biomass monitoring, periphyton, macrophytes, Truckee River

Project Description

The goal of the Truckee River Biomass Monitoring Program (TRBM) is to determine the seasonal distribution, stocks and dynamics of aquatic plant material (primarily periphyton and macrophytes) in context of the changing seasonal environment within the lower Truckee River (i.e. Nevada's state line to Pyramid Lake). This plant material is known to be the primary agent in determining the oxygen levels in this segment of the river which drive water quality that in turn affect the river's beneficial uses (e.g. consumption and recreation). Such information is being used in efforts (analytical, experimental and modeling) seeking to characterize and predict the reciprocal interactions between water quality dynamics and the ecosystem that will be used in the continuing efforts for resource preservation and ecosystem management.

As the image above effectively shows- trophy sized algae are grown in the Truckee River on occasion. It is the intention of our sponsors (Washoe County, and the cities of Reno and Sparks) to minimize growth of nuisance algal populations through effective water and land management practices.

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