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- Conventional Hydro
Environmental DNA is an effective tool to track recolonizing migratory fish following large‐scale dam removal
Lead Companies
U.S. Geological Survey
Lead Researcher (s)
- Jeffrey Duda
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is potentially a powerful tool for use in resource management, including for tracking the recolonization dynamics of fish populations. USGS and partners used eDNA to assess the effectiveness of dam removal to restore fish passage on the Elwha River in Washington State, and showed that most targeted anadromous species were able to pass upstream of both former dam sites. The timing and spatial extent of recolonization differed among species during the four years of post‐dam removal monitoring. More abundant species migrated farther into the upper portions of the watershed than less abundant species. Environmental DNA from Brook Trout, a non‐native species was detected downstream of Elwha dam but rarely upstream of the Glines Canyon Dam suggesting that the species has not expanded its range appreciably in the watershed following dam removal. We found that eDNA was an effective tool to assess the response of fish populations to large‐scale dam removal on the Elwha River.
Technology Application
Conventional Hydro
Research Category
Environmental and Sustainability
Research Sub-Category
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Status
complete
Completion Date
2020
- Conventional Hydro
Eradication of invasive quagga and zebra mussels using engineered disseminated neoplasia
Lead Companies
Bureau of Reclamation
Lead Researcher (s)
- Sherri Pucherelli
Like humans and most other animal species, marine bivalves can develop cancer. Malignant hemic neoplasia (HN) -- analogous in some ways to leukemia in humans -- is lethal to mollusks and has been studied extensively for its impact on species of commercial interest. Although HN was characterized as a pathological condition in mollusks several decades ago, it has only been revealed recently that some large-scale bivalve die-offs are caused by horizontal mollusk-to-mollusk direct transmission of cancerous HN cells referred to as disseminated neoplasia (DN). Using cutting-edge methods of cell culture, genetic engineering, and genomic modification, we propose to engineer normal quagga and zebra mussel hemocytes into "induced" DN cells (iDNCs) that can be used to transmit and foster lethal cancer into populations of these invasive species in open waters.
Technology Application
Conventional Hydro
Research Category
Environmental and Sustainability
Research Sub-Category
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Status
ongoing
Completion Date
2021
- Conventional Hydro
Evaluating Chirp Technology for Measuring Reservoir Sedimentation Thickness and Stratigraphy
Lead Companies
Bureau of Reclamation
Lead Researcher (s)
- Daniel Dombrowski
This study will evaluate the feasibility of using a new technology for characterizing the type and distribution of sediments deposited in reservoirs. Chirp sonar transmits high-powered acoustic pulses over a broad range of frequencies, making portable units capable of penetrating several meters into sediments for remote characterization of deposits. This project will further evaluate the capabilities and limitations of the technology in a reservoir setting to understand under what reservoir and sediment conditions is chirp technology appropriate for studying the depositional profile.
Technology Application
Conventional Hydro
Research Category
Environmental and Sustainability
Research Sub-Category
Water Resources
Status
ongoing
Completion Date
2020
- Marine Energy
Evaluating Potential for Impacts from Seal Collisions with Tidal Turbines
Lead Companies
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Lead Researcher (s)
- Andrea Copping
While no collisions between marine mammals and tidal turbines have been observed, regulators continue to have concerns about potential impacts. Addressing these concerns can improve project permitting timeframes and reduce costs to developers. This project investigated the risk to marine mammals, including the consequences to the animal of a collision and the likelihood of a collision happening. Specifically, project researchers estimated the biomechanical properties of the skin and underlying tissues (in addition to the morphology and mass) of harbor seals; modeled the mechanics and forces associated with collision and assessed the consequences to tissues and the general physiological state of the harbor seal struck by a tidal turbine blade; and utilized information on the behavior of harbor seals in tidal waters and around tidal turbines to determine the risk of collision with a turbine blade.
Technology Application
Marine Energy
Research Category
Environmental and Sustainability
Research Sub-Category
Environmental Impact
Status
complete
Completion Date
2017
- Conventional Hydro
Evaluation of Bar Rack Designs to Allow for the Downstream Passage of Silver American Eels at Hydropower Facilities
Lead Companies
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Lead Researcher (s)
- Tresha Melong Price
Concerns regarding the decreasing population of the American eel (reported by Castonguay et al. 1994; Haro et al. 2000) have led to design restrictions for hydropower facilities in the Eastern United States. However, the effects of these restrictions on eel passage and their impacts on power generation have not been fully researched. The goal of this study was to evaluate design parameters for bar racks that have potential to prevent entrainment of silver American eels, but also have minimal impacts on power generation. Hydraulic and biological assessments were used to determine the role of bar spacing, rack angle, and approach velocity on head loss across bar racks and the effects of bar spacing and approach velocity on eel bypass efficiency. The hydraulic assessments included computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses and laboratory experiments conducted in a re-circulatory flume at Alden Research Laboratory (Alden) in Holden MA. The flume allowed for determination of head losses across bar racks placed at angles of 45 and 90 degrees to the flow direction, with bar spacings of 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5 inches (19, 25 and 38 mm) and approach velocities of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 ft/sec (0.46, 0.61 and 0.76 m/s). Biological assessment, supported by funding from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), used the same flume and included experiments with a 90 degree rack angle, bar spacings of 0.75 and 1.0 inches (19 and 25 mm), and approach velocities of 1.5 and 2.0 ft/sec (0.46 and 0.61 m/s). Bypass efficiencies, defined by the percentage of eels moving through the bypass, were evaluated for eels using three 2-hour replicate trials with nighttime releases of 30 eels per trial. Eel behavior in the vicinity of the racks was observed to the extent possible using a DIDSON acoustic camera. Experiments for the 90 degree configuration showed that the guidance efficiencies for the 0.75 inch (19 mm) spacing were greater than those for the 1.0 inch (25 mm) spacing, while the head losses for the 0.75 inch (19 mm) spacing exceeded the head losses for the 1.0 inch (25 mm) spacing by more than 10 percent. Linear regression analysis indicated that 53 percent of the variations in head width are explained by changes in the length of the eel. Results of the hydraulic evaluations were used to develop a new head loss equation that has a correlation coefficient of 98.6 percent. The results of the hydraulic and biological assessments provide a basis for quantifying the impacts of bar rack design on hydropower operation and downstream passage for American eels.
Technology Application
Conventional Hydro
Research Category
Environmental and Sustainability
Research Sub-Category
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Status
complete
Completion Date
2014
- Conventional Hydro
Evaluation of Modular and Scalable Downstream Passage Systems for Silver American Eels
Lead Companies
Department of Energy, Alden Research Laboratory, Lakeside Engineering, Blueleaf
Lead Researcher (s)
- Steve Amaral, Jenna Rackovan, Kim Capone, Kimball Hall, Eric Truebe, Jon Truebe, Corey Wright
Implementation of effective downstream passage for silver-phase American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) at hydropower dams using methods that are economically feasible has been a challenge for many project owners. Due to the potential for high mortality rates during turbine passage, resource agencies have focused on mandatory prescriptions that prevent entrainment by physically excluding eels (i.e., narrow trash rack bar spacing) or eliminating turbines as a passage route (i.e., unit shutdowns at night during migration). Both of these options can significantly impact the economic viability of a project. Consequently, there is a need for alternative technologies that can provide safe and effective downstream passage for silver eels without having a major impact on the ability of a project to generate power during the eel downstream migration period. To address the need for biologically and cost effective eel bypass systems, Alden Research Laboratory received an award from the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct a biological evaluation of two new bypass designs developed specifically for silver eels. Both systems can be classified as modular and scalable and require very little flow compared to conventional bypass designs. The primary goals of this research project were to provide information and data on the biological performance and design and operation of the two bypass systems and to assess their potential application at hydropower projects within the range of American Eel in the US. To achieve these goals, Alden conducted laboratory and field evaluations of each bypass system and assessed the feasibility of application of the two technologies at a wide range of hydro projects, including what the expected operational impacts and costs will be relative to the current standards for providing downstream eel passage. Numerical hydraulic modeling was also conducted for a subset of the laboratory flume test conditions and for the intake channel and turbine intakes at the field study site. The laboratory results indicated that the two systems, operated alone or in combination, had potential to effectively bypass silver eels at turbine intakes under certain design and operational conditions. The ineffectiveness of the bypass systems at the field site was attributed primarily to high velocities at the turbine intake (up to about 4 ft/s based on CFD modeling) that made it difficult for eels to locate a bypass opening before becoming entrained or impinged. Additionally, for three of the four test releases about 40 to 60% of test fish were last detected in the impoundment, indicating they moved upstream out of the power canal and likely passed downstream over the spillway. The results of four case studies completed as part of the technology application assessment indicate that the two eel bypass systems evaluated for this study may not achieve acceptable levels of bypass efficiency and total downstream passage survival for silver eels, but the two systems would be less costly to implement mainly due to bypass flow requirements that can be one to two orders of magnitude less than conventional submerged and surface bypasses.
Technology Application
Conventional Hydro
Research Category
Environmental and Sustainability
Research Sub-Category
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Status
complete
Completion Date
2021
- Conventional Hydro
Evaluation of preservation methods for veliger detection field samples
Lead Companies
Bureau of Reclamation
Lead Researcher (s)
- Yale Passamaneck
A variety of different methods are currently in use for preservation of dreissenid mussel detection field samples. Previous research has demonstrated that proper preservation of these samples is critical for subsequent detection of both veliger shells by microscopy and mussel-specific DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The USBR mussel detection laboratory in Denver, CO recommends the usage of isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol/rubbing alcohol) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) for preservation of field collected water samples. Isopropyl alcohol provides preservation of tissues and DNA, allowing for detection by PCR. Baking soda buffers against acidification of the sample, thereby preserving the calcareous shells of veligers and allowing detection by cross polarized light microscopy (CPLM). Isopropyl alcohol and baking soda where selected as the preservatives of choice because they are inexpensive and readily obtained even in remote sampling locations. A study by the Western Regional Panel subcommittee on mussel field sampling methods has evidenced that other laboratories vary in the preservation methods they request for field samples. For alcohol preservation, some laboratories request the use of absolute or reagent grade ethyl alcohol (ethanol). This choice is based on the general belief that ethyl alcohol is a superior preservative of DNA integrity, as compared to isopropyl alcohol. However, research on this topic is scant and studies of other tissue types have suggested that isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol may be equally effective for short term preservation. There is also concern that rubbing alcohol obtained from retail stores may contain additives which could inhibit extraction and recovery of DNA from samples. With regards to practicality for field sampling, while absolute or reagent grade ethyl alcohol is frequently used for sample preservation in research laboratories, it is significantly more expensive.
Technology Application
Conventional Hydro
Research Category
Environmental and Sustainability
Research Sub-Category
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Status
ongoing
Completion Date
2020
- Conventional Hydro
Evaluation of the WHOOSHH Fish Transport System
Lead Companies
PNNL
Lead Researcher (s)
- Alison Colotelo
Completed projects with no scope descriptions
Technology Application
Conventional Hydro
Research Category
Environmental and Sustainability
Research Sub-Category
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Status
complete
Completion Date
2019
- Conventional Hydro
Evaluation of veliger survival on boats
Lead Companies
Bureau of Reclamation
Lead Researcher (s)
- Sherri Pucherelli
The goal of this research project is to better understand the effectiveness and limitations of current boat decontamination protocols and to possibly test alternative methods. Data will be gathered to determine if mussel DNA is detected on infested boats that have been decontaminated and to determine if mussels survive, and if DNA persists inside mussels that have been exposed to a range of temperatures experienced during the decontamination process. The effectiveness of dip-tank methods for decontamination may also be examined.
Technology Application
Conventional Hydro
Research Category
Environmental and Sustainability
Research Sub-Category
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Status
ongoing
Completion Date
2020
- Conventional Hydro
Experimental Flows that Reduced Hydropeaking, Increased Gross Primary Productivity for 400 River Kilometers Downstream
Lead Companies
Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey
Lead Researcher (s)
- Bridget R. Deemer
- Charles B. Yackulic
Aquatic primary production is the foundation of many river food webs. Dams and associated flow regulation change the physical template of rivers, often driving food webs toward greater reliance on aquatic primary production. Nonetheless, the effects of regulated flow regimes on primary production are poorly understood. Hydropeaking is a common dam flow management strategy that involves sub-daily changes in water releases proportional to fluctuations in electrical power demand. This flow regime causes an artificial tide, wetting and drying channel margins and altering river depth and water clarity, all processes that are likely to affect primary production. In collaboration with dam operators, we designed an experimental flow regime whose goal was to mitigate negative effects of hydropeaking on ecosystem processes. The experimental flow contrasted steady-low flows on weekends with routine hydropeaking flows on weekdays. Here, we quantify the benefit of this experimental flow on springtime gross primary production (GPP) 90-to-400 km downstream of Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, AZ, USA. Across all reaches, GPP during steady-low flows was 38% higher than during hydropeaking flows, mostly due to reduced turbidity during steady-low flow days. At the weekly scale, the experimental flow increased GPP even after controlling for variation in weekly mean discharge, demonstrating a negative effect of hydropeaking on GPP. We estimate that the environmental flow increased peak springtime carbon fixation by 0.34 g C m-2 d-1, which is ecologically meaningful considering median C fixation in 365 U.S. rivers of 0.44 g C m-2 d-1 and the fact that native fish populations in this river are food-limited.
Technology Application
Conventional Hydro
Research Category
Environmental and Sustainability
Research Sub-Category
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Status
ongoing
Completion Date
Expected 2022
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Contact Marla Barnes at: marla@hydro.org