Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection

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    Thirty Years of Local Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) Population Dynamics in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada: A Long-Term Study on Factors Influencing the Rate of Population Change Over Time

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Brown, Andrew, Thesis advisor (ths): Nol, Erica, Degree committee member (dgc): Davy, Christina, Degree committee member (dgc): Catlin, Daniel, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>I used 31 years of Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) population data to assess the effects of vital rates on a local breeding population of plovers in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. I used three similar Bayesian Integrated Population Models (IPMs), with the last a coupled IPM population viability analysis (PVA) approach to predict the impact of changing spring temperatures on… more

    Remote Camera-traps as a Management Tool: Estimating Abundance and Landscape Effects on the Density of White-tailed Deer

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Bullington, Grace A, Thesis advisor (ths): Patterson, Brent R, Thesis advisor (ths): Northrup, Joseph M, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Quantifying the impacts of environmental conditions on the abundance of wildlife populations is important for making informed management decisions in the face of increasing environmental threats. Managers require robust tools to estimate abundance and density of wildlife rapidly and with precision. Within the context of studying white-tailed deer, I evaluated the use of camera-traps and… more

    Dietary fatty acid content changes the long-term acclimation response of a captive bird (Taeniopygia guttata) to ambient temperatures

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Campbell, Michael John, Thesis advisor (ths): Mastromonaco, Gabriela F, Thesis advisor (ths): Burness, Gary, Degree committee member (dgc): McClelland, Grant B, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Due to climate change and managed care, birds may face interacting effects of novel diets and environmental temperatures. I examined how captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) responded to a 6-month acclimation to either thermoneutral or cool temperatures when provided with saturated or unsaturated fatty acid enriched diets. Body mass was lower on the unsaturated fatty acid diet,… more

    Evaluating the Relationships Between Land Use and Stream Nutrient and Chloride Concentrations Across Southern Ontario

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Chan, Roshelle, Thesis advisor (ths): Eimers, Catherine, Thesis advisor (ths): Thompson, Karen, Degree committee member (dgc): Arhonditsis, George, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Agricultural and urban land uses have been linked to the recent resurgence of eutrophication and salinization issues in the lower Great Lakes. This thesis examined the relationship between watershed land use and stream nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), total phosphorus (TP), and chloride (Cl) concentrations across southern Ontario. Using a self-organizing map analysis, the watersheds were… more

    Biogeochemical Responses to a Non-Industrial Wood Ash Addition in a South-Central Ontario Forest

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Conquer, Shelby M., Thesis advisor (ths): Watmough, Shaun A., Degree committee member (dgc): Yan, Norman D., Degree committee member (dgc): Eimers, M. Catherine, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Recovery of forest soils from chronic acidification can be enhanced with the use of non-industrial wood ash (NIWA). Non-industrial wood ash is alkaline and contains high concentrations of macronutrients, but trace metal concentrations must be evaluated to limit risk of metal toxicity following application. Additionally, understanding how different forest ecosystem components respond to… more

    Behavioural responses of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) to cyclic declines in the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus)

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Derbyshire, Rachael, Thesis advisor (ths): Murray, Dennis, Thesis advisor (ths): Boutin, Stan, Degree committee member (dgc): Schaefer, Jim, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Population cycles are characterized by predictable temporal oscillations in population size and are influenced by densities of both predators and prey. These oscillations are influenced by the predator functional response, i.e. the influence of prey density on predator kill rate. The Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) is a predatory mammal with cyclic northern populations driven by snowshoe… more

    Genes respond in a dose dependent manner to nutritional stress in the freshwater zooplankter, Daphnia pulex

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Dlugosz, Anna Patrycja, Thesis advisor (ths): Frost, Paul, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>We studied the physiological and molecular responses of lab-grown Daphnia pulex to shifts in dietary (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and cyanobacteria) and growth media (calcium) nutrient supply using a set of potential biomarkers via qPCR. Each examined nutrient had a strong effect on Daphnia mass-specific growth rate, and we found significant dose-dependent effects of treatment level (… more

    Rapid Assays to Test for Flavohemoglobin Inhibitors

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Henao, Elias, Thesis advisor (ths): Rafferty, Steven, Degree committee member (dgc): Brunetti, Craig, Degree committee member (dgc): Martic, Sanela, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Giardia intestinalis is a parasitic protozoan that possesses a flavohemoglobin (gFlHb), an enzyme that plays a role in the detoxification of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) via its nitric oxide dioxygenase (NOD) activity as well as its NADH-oxidase activity. This enzyme is a potential target for imidazole-based antigiardial drugs that act as ligands of… more

    Development of Forest Degradation Indicators from Long-term Trajectories of Multispectral Satellite Images, and their Projections into the Future under Climate Change, in Ontario, Canada

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Hoque, Md Mozammel, Thesis advisor (ths): Ponce-Hernandez, Raul, Degree committee member (dgc): Gibson, Carey, Degree committee member (dgc): Jones, Trevor, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>ABSTRACT</p><p>Development of Forest Degradation Indicators from Long-term Trajectories of Multispectral Satellite Images, and their Projections into the Future
    under Climate Change, in Ontario, Canada</p><p>Md. Mozammel Hoque</p><p>Ontario forests are affected by natural and anthropogenic disturbances leading to forest degradation, which significantly… more

    Effects of tile drainage, seasonality, and cash crop rotation on edge-of-field nitrogen and phosphorus losses from southern Ontario Watersheds

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): McNeill, Laura Mary, Thesis advisor (ths): Eimers, Catherine, Degree committee member (dgc): Watmough, Shaun, Degree committee member (dgc): Thompson, Karen, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Eutrophication is an ongoing global problem and agriculture is an important non-point source of nutrient loading. Specifically, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses from agricultural landscapes continue to drive water quality issues. In southern Ontario, agriculture has intensified in recent decades, with major expansions of cash crop production and extensive tile drainage (TD).… more

    Impacts of invasive hybrid cattail Typha x glauca and reduced marsh interspersion on muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) in North America

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Melvin, Gregory Paul, Thesis advisor (ths): Bowman, Jeff, Degree committee member (dgc): Freeland, Joanna, Degree committee member (dgc): Metcalfe, Robert, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Muskrat populations are declining across North America. In recent decades, hybrid cattail Typha x glauca has been invading wetlands in North America. This invasion is degrading wetland habitat, leading to reduced interspersion of water and vegetation. Muskrats are wetland-obligates and their populations are positively linked to marsh interspersion. Therefore, muskrat populations may be… more

    Genomic Signatures of Speciation in Sympatric Flying Squirrels

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Menelon, Laurelie, Thesis advisor (ths): Bowman, Jeff, Thesis advisor (ths): Wilson, Paul, Degree committee member (dgc): Shafer, Aaron, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Hybridization contributes to the genetic diversity and can impact speciation. This study investigates the genetic evidence of recent hybridization under climate change in sympatric populations of northern and southern flying squirrels in Ontario. Using low-coverage whole-genome sequences, my research examines the existing population structure and measures the genomic variation of the… more

    The search for myco-hormones in the metabolome of the model organism Sordaria macrospora via LC-MS/MS.

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Molina Bean, Kimberly, Thesis advisor (ths): Emery, Neil, Degree committee member (dgc): Kisiala, Anna, Degree committee member (dgc): Morrison, Erin, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Fungi are a diverse group of organisms that play crucial roles in various ecological processes and have immense economic importance. Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying fungal growth and development is fundamental to harnessing their potential and exploring their applications in different fields. Signalling molecules, such as hormones, have been identified as key regulators… more

    The ecological, evolutionary, and behavioural context of ultrasonic vocalizations in flying squirrels

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Newar, Sasha Lynn, Thesis advisor (ths): Bowman, Jeff, Degree committee member (dgc): Davy, Christina M, Degree committee member (dgc): Burness, Gary, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Acoustic communication is vital for mediating interactions between individuals and their environment. From echolocating bats to isolated rodent pups, ultrasonic vocalizations are a useful mechanism for producing localized and cryptic acoustic signals. Flying squirrels have been demonstrated to produce almost exclusively ultrasonic calls which is rare in both squirrels and mammals, though… more

    Assessing Mercury and Methylmercury levels in the Wabigoon River with special attention on mercury methylation

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Paiva Bento, Beatriz, Thesis advisor (ths): Hintelmann, Holger, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>The Wabigoon River is known for an historic mercury (Hg) pollution source, caused by a chlor-alkali facility operating in the 1960s. As legacy Hg contamination continues to cause serious adverse health effects to the local communities living in the Wabigoon River region, it is imperative to undertake additional research to understand the deposition and transport of historical mercury in… more

    Within-Generation and Transgenerational Thermal Plasticity in Cold-Adapted Salmonids of the Genus Salvelinus

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Penney, Chantelle, Thesis advisor (ths): Wilson, Chris C, Thesis advisor (ths): Burness, Gary, Degree committee member (dgc): Scott, Graham, Degree committee member (dgc): Craig, Paul, Degree committee member (dgc): Freeland, Joanna, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Climate change is a major conservation concern, especially for many cold-adapted species. The rate of warming due to climate change will likely outpace adaptive responses, and many populations will likely need to rely on phenotypic plasticity to cope with environmental warming. It is currently unclear whether plasticity in physiological responses to warming will be sufficient to offset… more

    Movement patterns, food availability, and fungal diets of sympatric flying squirrels in the Kawartha Highlands

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Persad, Rebekah, Thesis advisor (ths): Bowman, Jeff, Degree committee member (dgc): Nol, Erica, Degree committee member (dgc): Davy, Christina, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Northern flying squirrels (NFS) are mycophagous specialists (fungi-dominated diet) thatmay be displaced with southern flying squirrel (SFS) range expansion, thereby limiting
    fungal dispersal in forest communities. To understand the implications of squirrel
    species turnover on mycophagy, we investigated the home ranges of both flying squirrel
    species who are living in stable sympatry. We… more

    Advancements and Challenges in Ciguatoxin Detection: Developing a High- Resolution Mass Spectrometric Method for the Identification of P-CTX-3B

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Prytulka, Natasha Grace, Thesis advisor (ths): Hintelmann, Holger, Thesis advisor (ths): Stock, Naomi, Degree committee member (dgc): Metcalfe, Chris, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>The detection of ciguatoxins (CTXs) in biological samples is challenging due to their low concentrations, the presence of various congeners, and the absence of standardized methods. This study uses high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) with P-CTX-3B as a reference standard. The protonated molecules ([M+H]+) were most prevalent, especially when acetonitrile/water was utilized,… more

    Soil health and soil microbial responses to cash crop management in Ontario

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Ranasinghe, Oshadhi Ruwanthika, Thesis advisor (ths): Thompson, Karen, Degree committee member (dgc): Eimers, Catherine, Degree committee member (dgc): Dang, Huy, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>In Ontario, farmers commonly use a MZ (Maize (Zea mays L.))-SB (Soybean (Glycine max))/WW (Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum)) – CC (mixed cover crop) rotation to maximize economic benefits. This study aimed to investigate the short-term impacts of the crop rotation phases and their associated management practices in this diversified cash crop rotation on soil health and the abundance of… more

    Calibration of accelerometer transmitters for estimating field metabolic rates in walleye (Sander vitreus)

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Ritchie, Erin, Thesis advisor (ths): Raby, Graham, Thesis advisor (ths): Brownscombe, Jake, Degree committee member (dgc): West, Sarah, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>The Great Lakes represent nearly a fifth of the global freshwater surface supply, and support culturally, economically, and ecologically important fish species such as Walleye (Sander vitreus). With water temperatures projected to rise by several degrees in the coming century, understanding the energetic impacts on fishes is crucial for effective habitat and fisheries management. I… more

    The Characterization of Model Naphthenic Acid Adsorption onto Activated Carbons: Effects of both Textural and Functional Properties

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Roy, Tyler, Thesis advisor (ths): Vreugdenhil, Andrew AV, Degree committee member (dgc): Parnis, Mark MP, Degree committee member (dgc): Shetranjiwalla-Merchant, Shegufta SM, Degree committee member (dgc): Rafferty, Steven SR, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p> Naphthenic acids are a major contaminant of concern and a focus of much research around remediation of oil sand process affected waters, OSPW. Using activated carbon adsorbents are an attractive option given their low cost of fabrication and implementation. A deeper evaluation of the effect naphthenic acid structural differences have on uptake affinity is warranted. In this thesis an in… more

    Investigation of Dynamics of Particulate Transport under Varying Climate Conditions

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Schweighofer, Christopher John, Thesis advisor (ths): McKenna Neuman, Cheryl, Degree committee member (dgc): Power, Ian, Degree committee member (dgc): Aherne, Julian, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>A key knowledge gap in aeolian transport research concerns the adjustment of saltation processes to the extreme conditions found within high-latitude regions. A series of wind tunnel experiments were carried out under full climate control and over a wide range in humidity. Particle entrainment and transport within shearing flows of varied wind speed were monitored over beds of varied… more

    Conservation Genomics of the Lake Superior Caribou

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Solmundson, Kirsten, Thesis advisor (ths): Wilson, Paul, Thesis advisor (ths): Bowman, Jeff, Degree committee member (dgc): Patterson, Brent, Degree committee member (dgc): Manseau, Micheline, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Globally, wildlife populations are experiencing increasing rates of range loss, population decline, and extinction. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) have experienced dramatic declines in both range and population size across Canada over the past century. Boreal caribou (R. t. caribou), one of twelve Designatable Units, have lost approximately half of their historic range in the last 150 years… more

    Assessing the drivers of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) migration: Exploring changing predation risk and food availability in an Ontario population

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Sucharzewski, Stephen, Thesis advisor (ths): Northrup, Joseph M, Thesis advisor (ths): Patterson, Brent R, Degree committee member (dgc): Shafer, Aaron B, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Animal migration is defined as the seasonal movement from one independent and non-overlapping range to another. Understanding how and why animals migrate is important not only to understand their life history processes but also for informing other important ecological processes such as the spread of wildlife disease and habitat alteration. Animal migrations have been impacted by human… more

    Regional diet and isotopic niche of predatory fish following a regime shift in Lake Huron

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Taylor, Courtney Erin, Thesis advisor (ths): Dunlop, Erin S, Degree committee member (dgc): Lauzon, Ryan, Degree committee member (dgc): Raby, Graham, Degree committee member (dgc): Rennie, Michael, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Lake Huron's food web has experienced drastic changes in response to multiple stressors including declines in offshore productivity, decreased trophic transfer efficiency and a transformation of the benthic food web. However, how these changes have affected the diets and isotopic niches of predatory fish is largely unexplored. My diet study analysed stomach contents from five… more

    Insights from Dictyostelium: Examining the role of cellular stress in Batten disease

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Thanabalasingam, Aruban, Thesis advisor (ths): Huber, Robert J, Degree committee member (dgc): Yee, Janet, Degree committee member (dgc): Donaldson, Micheal, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), commonly known as Batten disease, are a family of fatal neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect children. Several subtypes of NCLs have been reported, each being caused by a mutation in a distinct ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal (CLN) gene; this results in aberrant lysosome function and the accumulation of lipoprotein aggregates (known… more

    Spatiotemporal patterns of dissolved organic matter in Boreal Shield lakes and ice of the Laurentian Great Lakes

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Arsenault, Anthony, Thesis advisor (ths): Xenopoulos, Marguerite A., Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a vital role in lake ecosystems, yet its temporal and spatial variations in lakes remain poorly understood. This study investigates DOM dynamics in boreal lakes during the warm season and the Laurentian Great Lakes ice during winter. Sampling 10 boreal lakes in early and late June 2022, revealed subtle changes in DOM in the epilimnion and hypolimnion… more

    Length of stay and habitat use of shorebirds at two migratory stopover sites in British Columbia, Canada

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Blondin, Anne, Thesis advisor (ths): Nol, Erica, Degree committee member (dgc): Drever, Mark, Degree committee member (dgc): Flemming, Scott, Degree committee member (dgc): Burness, Gary, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Many species of shorebirds depend on stopover sites to rest and refuel during their long-distance migrations. To determine how shorebirds use migratory stopover sites, we tracked three species of shorebirds at two stopover sites in British Columbia, Canada from 2018-2021 during northward and southward migration using automated telemetry. Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) stayed longer… more

    The ecology and evolution of animal migration – an integrative approach to the drivers of phenotypic variation

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Bonar, Maegwin, Thesis advisor (ths): Northrup, Joseph M, Thesis advisor (ths): Shafer, Aaron BA, Degree committee member (dgc): Koen, Erin, Degree committee member (dgc): Schaefer, James, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Animal migrations are ubiquitous and one of the most threatened ecological processes globally. Because of the multifaceted nature of migration – seasonal movements between home ranges – it can be difficult to tease apart the underlying mechanisms influencing this behaviour. It is necessary to understand these mechanisms, not only to deepen our fundamental understanding of migration in… more

    The Influence of Atmospheric Circulation on Snowmelt and Carbon Fluxes in the Canadian Low Arctic

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Braid, Alexandra Stephanie Lind, Thesis advisor (ths): Lafleur, Peter, Degree committee member (dgc): Hember, Robert, Degree committee member (dgc): Aherne, Julian, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>This study examines the atmospheric (synoptic) controls on snowmelt and snow-free season carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes at Daring Lake, Northwest Territories. Atmospheric circulation patterns were derived from 500 hPa geopotential height and classified using the self-organizing maps artificial neural network. Snowmelt timing was not found to be influenced by atmospheric circulation patterns… more

    The effect of cytokinins on the metabolite secretome of Giardia intestinalis during trophozoite growth, nutrient deprivation, and encystation

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Vedanti, Ghatwala Vijaykumar, Thesis advisor (ths): Emery, Neil RJ, Thesis advisor (ths): Yee, Janet, Degree committee member (dgc): Kisiala, Anna B, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Giardia intestinalis is the causative agent of a diarrheal disease in mammals, but the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis are unclear. While proteins secreted by Giardia affect the host cells, the potential of hormone secretion has not been investigated to date. Cytokinins (CKs) are classified as phytohormones, but little is known about their role beyond plants. Mass spectrometry-based… more

    Bottom-up pathways for arthropods and forest breeding birds in a southern Ontario forest

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Walters, Benjamin James, Thesis advisor (ths): Nol, Erica, Degree committee member (dgc): Buttle, James M, Degree committee member (dgc): Watmough, Shaun A, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Long-term avian population declines, particularly for the avian insectivore guild, are a conservation concern. With widespread and continuing population trends, climate change and its negative effects on avian food resources is a plausible cross-species driver. My goal was to evaluate whether bottom-up trophic effects of climate change could be influencing avian populations. I used a… more

    The effects of forest disturbance on dissolved organic carbon in the Algoma region, central Ontario

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Watkins, Matthew, Thesis advisor (ths): Buttle, Jim, Thesis advisor (ths): Leach, Jason, Degree committee member (dgc): Emilson, Erik, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Many communities in Canada rely on water sourced from boreal forest headwaters for their drinking water. The Boreal Shield Ecozone is highly susceptible to climate change which threatens to exacerbate the effects of natural and human-driven disturbances such as wildfire, insect infestation and harvesting on water quality. Therefore, examining source water quality in headwater catchments… more

    Range Expansion of Invasive Hybrid Cattails (Typha × Glauca) in the Prairie Pothole Region

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Joyee, Sanjuti Deb, Thesis advisor (ths): Dorken, Marcel, Thesis advisor (ths): Freeland, Joanna, Degree committee member (dgc): Bowman, Jeff, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Wetlands are highly susceptible to the invasion of invasive species. The invasive hybrid cattail (Typha × glauca) is prevalent in the southeastern Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) wetlands. However, concerns arise about its recent proliferation in the northwestern PPR without maternal T. angustifolia. To determine taxonomic distribution, I used species-specific PCR-RFLP and microsatellite… more

    Dissolved organic phosphorus and dissolved organic matter in Lake Erie and its tributaries

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): King, Sarah Selina Euphemia, Thesis advisor (ths): Xenopoulos, Marguerite A, Degree committee member (dgc): Koprivnjak, Jean-François, Degree committee member (dgc): Winter, Jennifer G, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Phosphorus is the growth-limiting nutrient in freshwater environments. Dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) refers to phosphorus within dissolved organic matter (DOM). Much of DOP is bioavailable, but it is poorly understood due to its complexity. This thesis explores the export DOP to Lake Erie from its tributaries, by investigating its speciation and concentration seasonally through… more

    Animal-mediated elemental cycling across time, space, and animal functional traits

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Klemet-N'Guessan, Sandra, Thesis advisor (ths): Xenopoulos, Marguerite A., Degree committee member (dgc): Paterson, Michael J., Degree committee member (dgc): Fox, Michael G., Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Animals are essential to freshwater biogeochemistry and productivity. Through their excretion, aquatic consumers release bioavailable nutrients and carbon that can vary with animal taxonomic rank, trophic position, and abiotic factors such as light and nutrient supply. In fresh waters, light and nutrient supply is often modulated by dissolved organic matter (DOM), a "murky"… more

    Concentration-Dependent Effects of Cadmium on Mouse Angiogenesis In Vitro

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Knight, Caitlyn, Thesis advisor (ths): Kapron, Carolyn, Degree committee member (dgc): Tobin, Stephanie, Degree committee member (dgc): Huber, Robert, Degree committee member (dgc): West, Sarah, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Cadmium is a toxic metal that has detrimental effects on blood vessel development and function. To examine the effect of varying concentrations of cadmium on angiogenesis, two in vitro assays were used. First, developing yolk sac blood vessels were studied in gestation day 8 mouse embryos exposed to medium alone, 1.25, or 1.75 μM cadmium chloride (CdCl2). Embryos exposed to 1.25 μM… more

    Accuracy and reliability of microscopic characteristics to identify Typha species and their hybrids

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Kowalczyk, Olivia Samantha, Thesis advisor (ths): Freeland, Joanna, Thesis advisor (ths): Dorken, Marcel, Degree committee member (dgc): Bowman, Jeff, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Advanced generation/backcrossed (non-F1) hybrids can be challenging to identify when their traits are similar to those of parental taxa, F1 hybrids, or both. This is particularly evident in the North American hybrid zone involving Typha latifolia, T. angustifolia, F1 T. × glauca and non-F1 hybrids. Cattails are challenging to differentiate based on gross morphological characteristics.… more

    Short-Term Impacts of Agricultural Land Use Change on Soil Health and Nitrogen Cycling Microbial Communities

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Kularathne, Ridmani Hansika, Thesis advisor (ths): Thompson, Karen, Degree committee member (dgc): Eimers, Catherine, Degree committee member (dgc): Power, Ian, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Glyphosate burndown and tillage, followed by the cultivation of cash crops, are frequently used techniques in LUC from perennial cropping systems (PS) to annual cropping systems (AS). Agricultural LUC can result in the loss of soil nitrogen (N) via emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the short-term impacts of… more

    Nutrient dynamics and stoichiometry in stormwater management ponds

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Lamond, Marisha, Thesis advisor (ths): Xenopoulos, Marguerite A., Degree committee member (dgc): Frost, Paul C., Degree committee member (dgc): Eimers, M. Catherine, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Although stormwater management ponds (SWMPs) are frequently used to mitigate flooding in urban areas, we still do not fully understand how these systems impact water quality in a watershed. Currently, most research focuses on the effectiveness of SWMPs to retain nutrients during high flows, even though there is potential for internal nutrient releases to occur in these systems during low… more

    Impacts of embryo incubation temperature on ontogenic thermal tolerance of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

    Year: 2024, 2024
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Lechner, Emily Rebekka, Thesis advisor (ths): Raby, Graham D, Thesis advisor (ths): Wilson, Chris C, Degree committee member (dgc): Kapron, Carolyn, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>I investigated the climate vulnerability of a cold-water salmonid by observing the upper thermal tolerance of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) across multiple life stages. Using hatchery- and wild-ancestry fish, I assessed variation in thermal tolerances and carryover effects within and among brook trout life stages and populations that were reared under varying winter thermal regimes… more

    Trace elements in lake catchments surrounding Iqaluit, Baffin Island, NU

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Brown, Rachel, Thesis advisor (ths): Aherne, Julian, Degree committee member (dgc): Koprivnjak, Jean-François, Degree committee member (dgc): Sager, Eric, Degree committee member (dgc): Lafleur, Peter, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>In this study, twenty lake catchments surrounding Iqaluit, Baffin Island, were assessed for trace element concentrations (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, THg, V, Zn) in lake water, catchment soil, lake sediment, and moss (Hylocomium splendens). Additionally, the sources of each trace element were determined through the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and… more

    The effect of oncology camp on the psychosocial health of childhood cancer patients

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): O'Connell, Sarah Caroline, Thesis advisor (ths): West, Sarah L, Degree committee member (dgc): Kerr, Leslie, Degree committee member (dgc): Wells, Greg D, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Objectives/purpose: This study examined the psychosocial health (including resilience, hope, social functioning, mental wellbeing, and stress) of childhood cancer patients attending a recreational oncology camp (ROC).Methods: Childhood cancer patients enrolled for ROC participated in a survey on the first (T1) and last (T2) day of camp, and 3 months post-camp (T3). This survey included… more

    The design of DNA-containing biomaterials for forensic science

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Orr, Amanda, Thesis advisor (ths): Stotesbury, Theresa, Thesis advisor (ths): Wilson, Paul, Degree committee member (dgc): Stotesbury, Theresa, Degree committee member (dgc): Wilson, Paul, Degree committee member (dgc): Stock, Naomi, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Access to human blood for forensic research and training in bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) can be difficult due to many ethical, safety and cost concerns. Mammalian blood alternatives can be sourced, especially from local and willing abattoirs, but some concerns remain, and the added difficulties of high variation and species-specific differences in cellular components pose other… more

    Sex-specific spawning behaviour of lake whitefish in Lake Huron revealed by fine-scale acoustic telemetry

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Ryther, Camilla, Thesis advisor (ths): Dunlop, Erin S, Degree committee member (dgc): Lauzon, Ryan, Degree committee member (dgc): Raby, Graham D, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) are ecologically, economically, and culturally significant across their range, yet little is documented about the species' spawning behaviour. Recruitment of lake whitefish has dramatically declined over the past two decades across many regions of the Laurentian Great Lakes, most notably in lakes Huron and Michigan, prompting research efforts… more

    Impacts of Cover Crops on Soil Health, Soil Nitrogen Dynamics, and Cytokinin Profiles

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Perera, Ushettige Imesha Dimuthuni, Thesis advisor (ths): Thompson, Karen A, Thesis advisor (ths): Emery, Neil, Degree committee member (dgc): Kisiala, Anna, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>In Ontario, the dominant cash crop rotations consist of soybean (SB), which is a leguminous crop grown in rotation with maize (MZ) and winter wheat (WW). In addition to these crops, some farmers integrate cover crops (CC) into crop rotation, especially during the fallow period and winter seasons, to reduce nitrogen (N) losses via nitrate (NO3-) leaching and emission of N2 and the… more

    In situ chlorophyll measurements with fluorometry: In-lab validation and use in lake vertical profiling

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Annan, Melanie Joslyn, Thesis advisor (ths): Frost, Paul C, Degree committee member (dgc): Koprivnjak, Jean-François, Degree committee member (dgc): Bailey, Robert, Degree committee member (dgc): Raby, Graham, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>In situ chlorophyll sensors are beneficial for monitoring of long-term impacts of algal blooms and accessing water quality issues in bodies of water. However, more research is needed to validate their efficacy and understand how environmental conditions can influence sensor measurements. I assessed the performance of an in situ chlorophyll sensor under controlled environmental conditions… more

    Electrochemical versus Chemical Oxidation of Bulky Phenols: 2,6-diphenylphenol and 2,2-dihydroxybiphenol

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Gao, Stephanie, Thesis advisor (ths): Martic, Sanela, Degree committee member (dgc): Shetranjiwalla-Merchant, Shegufta, Degree committee member (dgc): Stock, Naomi, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Phenolic compounds are used in industry, such as agriculture and biotechnology, and inevitably end up in our environment. These compounds may serve as a phenolic precursor to produce raw materials for a wide range of applications. Chemical oxidation has been the common synthetic pathway to oxidize phenols and related compounds. However, traditional chemical approaches suffer from use of… more

    Abundance and Distribution of Microplastics in Lake Scugog Catchment, Ontario

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Karl, Katrina Anna-Marie, Thesis advisor (ths): Aherne, Julian, Degree committee member (dgc): Sager, Eric, Degree committee member (dgc): Liang, Tanner, Degree committee member (dgc): Hickie, Brendan, Degree committee member (dgc): McKenna-Neuman, Cheryl, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Plastic pollution is a growing concern, owing to its durability, ubiquity, and potential health impacts. The overall objective of this study was to assess the abundance and distribution of microplastics within Lake Scugog catchment, Ontario. This was fulfilled through two tasks (i) the development of a microplastic particle budget for the lake catchment, and (ii) the determination of the… more

    Exploring the Role of Natural Antisense Transcripts in the Stress Response of Ustilago maydis

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Lariviere, Monique, Thesis advisor (ths): Saville, Barry, Degree committee member (dgc): Brunetti, Craig, Degree committee member (dgc): Donaldson, Michael, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Fungal pathogens adapt to environmental changes faster than their hosts, due in part to their adaptive mechanisms exhibited in response to stress. Ustilago maydis was used to investigate potential natural antisense transcript (NAT) RNA-mediated mechanisms that enhance fungal adaptation to stress. Of the 349 NATs conserved amongst U. maydis and two related smut fungi, five NATs were… more

    Land Cover Effects on Hydrologic Regime within Mixed Land Use Watersheds of East-Central Ontario

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Lockett, Brandon Robert, Thesis advisor (ths): Eimers, Catherine M., Degree committee member (dgc): Buttle, Jim M., Degree committee member (dgc): Sorichetti, Ryan J., Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Land cover change has the potential to alter the hydrologic regime from its natural state. Southern Ontario contains the largest and fastest growing urban population in Canada as well as the majority of prime (Class I) agricultural land. Expansions in urban cover at the expense of agricultural land and resultant 'agricultural intensification', including expansion of tile… more

    Linking large scale monitoring and spatially explicit capture–recapture models to identify factors shaping large carnivore densities: case study of the American black bear in Ontario, Canada

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): McLellan, Brynn, Thesis advisor (ths): Northrup, Joseph, Degree committee member (dgc): Ray, Justina, Degree committee member (dgc): Ford, Adam, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Understanding the spatial ecology of large carnivores in increasingly complex, multi-use landscapes is critical for effective conservation and management. Complementary to this need are robust monitoring and statistical techniques to understand the effect of bottom-up and top-down processes on wildlife population densities. However, for wide-ranging species, such knowledge is often… more

    Bayesian Network Model of Mercury Exposure to Aquatic Ecosystems of the Mackenzie Watershed

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Jermilova, Una, Thesis advisor (ths): Hintelmann, Holger, Thesis advisor (ths): Kirk, Jane L, Degree committee member (dgc): Hintelmann, Holger, Degree committee member (dgc): Kirk, Jane L, Degree committee member (dgc): Landis, Wayne, Degree committee member (dgc): Buell, Mary-Claire, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>A significant portion (15-20%) of mercury (Hg) in the Arctic Ocean is believed to originate from Arctic rivers, such as the Mackenzie River watershed in the NWT. Recent (2005- 2020) Hg monitoring data of freshwater and fish tissue and environmental model outputs were compiled and used to develop a Bayesian Network Relative Risk model (BN-RRM), a probabilistic model capable of analyzing… more

    The biogeochemistry of regreened forests on a mining and smelting degraded landscape

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Levasseur, Patrick, Thesis advisor (ths): Watmough, Shaun, Degree committee member (dgc): Aherne, Julian, Degree committee member (dgc): Sager, Eric, Degree committee member (dgc): Emilson, Erik, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Mining and smelting degraded landscapes are characterised by heavily eroded soils that are acidic, contaminated with toxic metals, and depleted of essential nutrients. Regreening degraded landscapes has been proposed to support global carbon (C) mitigation measures and protect biodiversity. One of the world's largest regreening programs in the City of Greater Sudbury, Canada has… more

    Predicting and monitoring drainage chemistry during mineral weathering for CO2 sequestration

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): McDonald, Duncan, Thesis advisor (ths): Power, Ian M, Degree committee member (dgc): Paulo, Carlos, Degree committee member (dgc): Dang, Huy, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Mineral feedstocks, including alkaline mine wastes, can sequester CO2 as a dissolved phase (e.g., HCO3-) or a solid carbonate via enhanced rock weathering (ERW). For this thesis, the release of easily accessible Ca and Mg from non-carbonate sources was determined for kimberlite residues from several diamond mines and commonly proposed ERW rock types, including wollastonite and olivine.… more

    Spatial Patterns of Resource Subsidies in Great Lakes Tributaries from Migratory Fishes

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): McKenzie, Michael Warren, Thesis advisor (ths): Jones, Nicholas E, Degree committee member (dgc): Wilson, Chris, Degree committee member (dgc): Schaefer, Jim, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Migratory fish can influence the rivers where they spawn by depositing nutrients and organic matter which increase primary and secondary production. Past research in the Laurentian Great Lakes has focused on individual tributaries, accordingly, the spatial extent of subsidies and how environmental factors influence subsidies are not clear. To determine which tributaries received… more

    Laboratory Wind Tunnel Experiment on Dust Generation During the Saltation of Aggregates Formed from Owens Lake Playa Sediments

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Saarenvirta, Gianna, Thesis advisor (ths): McKenna Neuman, Cheryl, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>This study reports on as series of laboratory wind tunnel experiments aimed at furtheringour understanding of aggregate breakdown and dust release during aeolian transport, and
    thereby, has implications for air quality and the management of dust emission through water
    application. Particles aggregates 500 um in diameter were formed and isolated by the
    wetting, drying, and screening of… more

    Short-term biogeochemical response of hardwood forest soils to wood ash additions in central Ontario

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Smith, Edward Philip, Thesis advisor (ths): Watmough, Shaun A, Degree committee member (dgc): Eimers, Catherine, Degree committee member (dgc): Sager, Eric, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>The accelerated recovery of base-poor soils from the legacy effects of acidic deposition may be possible by applying industrial wood ash as a soil amendment. Wood ash may be an effective soil amendment due to its high alkalinity and concentrations of several essential nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, that are retained after the volatilization of the… more

    Non-industrial wood ash chemistry and its biogeochemical effects on sugar maple (Acer saccharum, Marsh.) in three central Ontario sugar-bushes

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Syeda, Batool, Thesis advisor (ths): Watmough, Shaun SW, Degree committee member (dgc): Yan, Norman NY, Degree committee member (dgc): Eimers, Catherine CE, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Nutrient losses from forest soils caused by decades of acid deposition and intensive tree harvesting have affected tree growth and forest health in North America and Europe. Non-industrial wood ash (NIWA), a substance rich in macronutrients, may be a potential remediation strategy to return lost nutrients to forest. However, the chemical composition of NIWA and its effects on soil and… more

    Electrochemical and Surface Analysis of Metal Ions and TDP-43 Protein Interactions

    Year: 2023, 2023
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Tabobondung, Meaghan O. F., Thesis advisor (ths): Martic, Sanela, Degree committee member (dgc): Emery, Neil, Degree committee member (dgc): Huber, Robert, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss in function of motor neurons. Elevated levels of biologically important metal ions, such as copper (II) (Cu(II)), zinc (II) (Zn(II)) or iron (III) (Fe(III)), may contribute to the disease. Moreover, Cu(II) interactions with other proteins associated with ALS have been investigated;… more