James Kunz
James is a Fish Biologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.
Science and Products
Bringing Back Mussels: CERC's Restoration Efforts in the Clinton Watershed
CERC scientists plan to reintroduce mussels in an area where species have diminished.
Linking Mussel Habitat Conditions to Restoration Outcomes and Ecosystem Services
Supported by: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and U.S. Geological Survey Species Management Program, Ecosystems Mission Area
New Technology to Support Culturing of Freshwater Mussels for Research and Restoration
Freshwater mussels are one of the most critically imperiled groups of organisms worldwide. Encouraging mussel reproduction in a controlled setting has become an area of interest due to their widespread population declines and regional extinctions (Williams et al., 1993; Lydeard et al., 2004; Strayer et al., 2004; Haag 2012; Lopes-Lima et al., 2017). With constantly evolving techniques, rearing...
Science Partnership between USGS and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to Support Conservation of Freshwater Mussels
Western Pearlshell ( Margaritifera falcata) is a native mussel species of conservation concern in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. This species is of cultural importance to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). The current project is a collaboration between the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC), the CTUIR, and USFWS to better understand...
An Evaluation the Chronic Toxicity of Metals in Water and Sediment to the Unionid Mussel, Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea), in Exposures Representing Conditions in the Tri-States Mining District
The Tri-State Mining District (TSMD) is a large (about 500 sq. mi.) historical lead and zinc mining area that includes portions of Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The TSMD yielded about 460 million tons of ore between 1885 and 1970, resulting in contamination of surface water, groundwater, sediments, and soils in the Spring River and Neosho River basins by lead, zinc, and other heavy metals.
An assessment of Deep Fork River Effluent Toxicity to the Unionid Mussel Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea)
Nearly 70% of the 300 mussel species in North America are endangered, threatened, of special concern, or extinct. Environmental contaminants have been identified as a contributing factor to the decline of mussel populations.
Filter Total Items: 13
Water Quality Data from the Clinton River watershed near Detroit, MI Water Quality Data from the Clinton River watershed near Detroit, MI
This data release contains water quality data collected in the field during an in-situ mussel exposure. We collected dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, and water depth data using a sensor silo to assess habitat conditions for a potential mussel restoration. Additionally, we collected particle count data to quantify food availability for mussels and water quality data...
Survival of early life stages of Lampsilis siliquoidea exposed to Syngenta Crop Protection product SYN549522B Survival of early life stages of Lampsilis siliquoidea exposed to Syngenta Crop Protection product SYN549522B
This data set contains toxicity data from 24- and 96-hour water bioassays to assess the effects of a Syngenta Crop Protection product on early life stages of a freshwater mussel. We used ASTM International methods to conduct tests with juveniles and glochidia of the freshwater mussel Lampsilis siliquoidea. Analytical chemistry and water quality analysis results are included as well.
Chemical and Biological Data from a Study on Evaluation of Survival and Growth of Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) in Short-Term Chronic Toxicity Tests with Nickel and Ammonia Chemical and Biological Data from a Study on Evaluation of Survival and Growth of Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) in Short-Term Chronic Toxicity Tests with Nickel and Ammonia
Short-term 7-day ammonia and nickel toxicity tests were conducted with juvenile Fatmucket. This data release reports individual biological, chemical, and water quality measurements in each toxicity test.
Chemical and Biological Data from a Study on Evaluation of Chronic Effects of Potassium Chloride and Nickel on Survival, Growth, and Reproduction of a Unionid Mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) Chemical and Biological Data from a Study on Evaluation of Chronic Effects of Potassium Chloride and Nickel on Survival, Growth, and Reproduction of a Unionid Mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea)
We conducted multiple toxicity tests to (1) evaluate the survival and growth of juvenile mussels (Fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) in a standard 4-week and a longer-term 12-week exposures following a method refined from the standard method using two common reference toxicants (potassium chloride [KCl] and nickel [Ni]); (2) evaluate reproductive endpoints from reproductive KCl and Ni...
Survival and growth of the freshwater mussel Lampsilis siliquoidea during a 28-day chronic zinc exposure and subsequent grow-out period Survival and growth of the freshwater mussel Lampsilis siliquoidea during a 28-day chronic zinc exposure and subsequent grow-out period
This dataset contains the results of a laboratory chronic bioassay with 6-week-old juvenile mussels (Fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) in a 28-day zinc exposure (120 and 240 micrograms zinc per liter) with endpoints of survival and growth (biomass and length) following standard ASTM methods. Surviving mussels were transferred from the control and treatment groups into a culture pond and...
Chemical and biological data from a study on sensitivity of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) to a permitted effluent and elevated potassium Chemical and biological data from a study on sensitivity of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) to a permitted effluent and elevated potassium
The data release includes data from four studies: (1) toxicity of a permitted effluent, which entered the Deep Fork River (DFR), Oklahoma, USA, to a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) and to 2 standard test species (cladoceran Ceriodaphnia dubia; and fathead minnow Pimephales promelas) in short-term 7-d effluent tests; (2) relative sensitivities of the 3 species to potassium (K), an...
Filter Total Items: 45
Evaluation of the effects of sediments contaminated by industrial discharges to a unionid mussel (Fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) and a common test benthic organism (Amphipod, Hyalella azteca) Evaluation of the effects of sediments contaminated by industrial discharges to a unionid mussel (Fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) and a common test benthic organism (Amphipod, Hyalella azteca)
Freshwater mussels are among the most sensitive species to a variety of chemicals in water exposures. However, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of toxicants in sediments on mussels. Industrial discharges containing polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and metals entered the Kanawha River surrounding Blaine Island, South Charleston...
Authors
Chris D. Ivey, Jeffery A. Steevens, Ning Wang, Kathleen Patnode, James L. Kunz, John M. Besser
Evaluating episodic sediment deposition zones in freshwater mussel habitats across Missouri, USA Evaluating episodic sediment deposition zones in freshwater mussel habitats across Missouri, USA
Point-source sedimentation, such as spills from construction-related activities, can introduce substantial sediments into streams in the short term, potentially leading to mussel burial. To estimate downstream areas where freshwater mussels might face threats from sediment burial within the mussel habitats of Missouri streams and rivers, we examined 49 reaches where both field...
Authors
Qingqing Sun, Bin Wang, Brandon James Sansom, Kathleen Trauth, Henry Brown, Wenyu Zhu, James L. Kunz, M. Christopher Barnhart, Stephen E. McMurray, Andrew D Roberts, Christopher Shulse, Caleb Knerr, Jeffery A. Steevens, Baolin Deng
Evaluation of the sensitivity of a federally endangered freshwater mussel (Venustaconcha trabalis) to selected chemicals Evaluation of the sensitivity of a federally endangered freshwater mussel (Venustaconcha trabalis) to selected chemicals
Protection of critically endangered species requires identification of factors limiting their survival and growth. Previous studies have demonstrated that unionid mussels are sensitive to some chemicals and the sensitivity was similar among different taxonomic families and tribes of mussels. However, common species of mussels were generally used in these previous studies; little is known...
Authors
Ning Wang, Chris D. Ivey, Danielle M. Cleveland, James L. Kunz, Rebecca Schapansky, Timothy W. Lane, M. Christopher Barnhart
Evaluation of short-term mussel test for estimating toxicity Evaluation of short-term mussel test for estimating toxicity
Effect concentrations of ammonia, nickel, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride from short-term 7-day tests were compared to those from standard chronic 28-day toxicity tests with juvenile mussels (fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) to evaluate the sensitivities of the 7-day tests. The effect concentrations for nickel (59 µg Ni/L), chloride (316–519 mg Cl/L, a range from multiple tests)...
Authors
Ning Wang, James L. Kunz, Chris D. Ivey, Danielle M. Cleveland, Jeffery A. Steevens
A model for evaluation of sediment exposure and burial for freshwater mussels from heavy particle sedimentation A model for evaluation of sediment exposure and burial for freshwater mussels from heavy particle sedimentation
Freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) are an ecologically important faunal group. Excessive sediments, both in suspended and deposited formats, are believed to have negative effects on survival of freshwater mussels. However, there is a lack of quantitative tools for assessing the impact of abrupt and excessive sedimentation on freshwater mussel habitats. This gap in knowledge poses...
Authors
Bin Wang, Brandon James Sansom, Wenyu Zhu, James L. Kunz, M. Christopher Barnhart, Henry Brown, Stephen E. McMurray, Andrew D Roberts, Christopher Shulse, Caleb Knerr, Kathleen Trauth, Jeffery A. Steevens, Baolin Deng
Evaluation of chronic effects of potassium chloride and nickel on survival, growth, and reproduction of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) Evaluation of chronic effects of potassium chloride and nickel on survival, growth, and reproduction of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea)
The ASTM International standard test method for freshwater mussels (E2455‐13) recommends 4‐week toxicity testing with juveniles to evaluate chronic effects on survival and growth. However, concerns remain that the method may not adequately address the sensitivity of mussels to longer term exposures (>4 weeks), particularly in relation to potential reproductive impairments. No standard...
Authors
Ning Wang, James L. Kunz, Danielle M. Cleveland, Rebecca A. Dorman, Jeffery A. Steevens, Sandy Raimondo, Tom Augspurger, M. Christopher Barnhart
Science and Products
Bringing Back Mussels: CERC's Restoration Efforts in the Clinton Watershed
CERC scientists plan to reintroduce mussels in an area where species have diminished.
Linking Mussel Habitat Conditions to Restoration Outcomes and Ecosystem Services
Supported by: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and U.S. Geological Survey Species Management Program, Ecosystems Mission Area
New Technology to Support Culturing of Freshwater Mussels for Research and Restoration
Freshwater mussels are one of the most critically imperiled groups of organisms worldwide. Encouraging mussel reproduction in a controlled setting has become an area of interest due to their widespread population declines and regional extinctions (Williams et al., 1993; Lydeard et al., 2004; Strayer et al., 2004; Haag 2012; Lopes-Lima et al., 2017). With constantly evolving techniques, rearing...
Science Partnership between USGS and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to Support Conservation of Freshwater Mussels
Western Pearlshell ( Margaritifera falcata) is a native mussel species of conservation concern in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. This species is of cultural importance to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). The current project is a collaboration between the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC), the CTUIR, and USFWS to better understand...
An Evaluation the Chronic Toxicity of Metals in Water and Sediment to the Unionid Mussel, Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea), in Exposures Representing Conditions in the Tri-States Mining District
The Tri-State Mining District (TSMD) is a large (about 500 sq. mi.) historical lead and zinc mining area that includes portions of Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The TSMD yielded about 460 million tons of ore between 1885 and 1970, resulting in contamination of surface water, groundwater, sediments, and soils in the Spring River and Neosho River basins by lead, zinc, and other heavy metals.
An assessment of Deep Fork River Effluent Toxicity to the Unionid Mussel Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea)
Nearly 70% of the 300 mussel species in North America are endangered, threatened, of special concern, or extinct. Environmental contaminants have been identified as a contributing factor to the decline of mussel populations.
Filter Total Items: 13
Water Quality Data from the Clinton River watershed near Detroit, MI Water Quality Data from the Clinton River watershed near Detroit, MI
This data release contains water quality data collected in the field during an in-situ mussel exposure. We collected dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, and water depth data using a sensor silo to assess habitat conditions for a potential mussel restoration. Additionally, we collected particle count data to quantify food availability for mussels and water quality data...
Survival of early life stages of Lampsilis siliquoidea exposed to Syngenta Crop Protection product SYN549522B Survival of early life stages of Lampsilis siliquoidea exposed to Syngenta Crop Protection product SYN549522B
This data set contains toxicity data from 24- and 96-hour water bioassays to assess the effects of a Syngenta Crop Protection product on early life stages of a freshwater mussel. We used ASTM International methods to conduct tests with juveniles and glochidia of the freshwater mussel Lampsilis siliquoidea. Analytical chemistry and water quality analysis results are included as well.
Chemical and Biological Data from a Study on Evaluation of Survival and Growth of Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) in Short-Term Chronic Toxicity Tests with Nickel and Ammonia Chemical and Biological Data from a Study on Evaluation of Survival and Growth of Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) in Short-Term Chronic Toxicity Tests with Nickel and Ammonia
Short-term 7-day ammonia and nickel toxicity tests were conducted with juvenile Fatmucket. This data release reports individual biological, chemical, and water quality measurements in each toxicity test.
Chemical and Biological Data from a Study on Evaluation of Chronic Effects of Potassium Chloride and Nickel on Survival, Growth, and Reproduction of a Unionid Mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) Chemical and Biological Data from a Study on Evaluation of Chronic Effects of Potassium Chloride and Nickel on Survival, Growth, and Reproduction of a Unionid Mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea)
We conducted multiple toxicity tests to (1) evaluate the survival and growth of juvenile mussels (Fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) in a standard 4-week and a longer-term 12-week exposures following a method refined from the standard method using two common reference toxicants (potassium chloride [KCl] and nickel [Ni]); (2) evaluate reproductive endpoints from reproductive KCl and Ni...
Survival and growth of the freshwater mussel Lampsilis siliquoidea during a 28-day chronic zinc exposure and subsequent grow-out period Survival and growth of the freshwater mussel Lampsilis siliquoidea during a 28-day chronic zinc exposure and subsequent grow-out period
This dataset contains the results of a laboratory chronic bioassay with 6-week-old juvenile mussels (Fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) in a 28-day zinc exposure (120 and 240 micrograms zinc per liter) with endpoints of survival and growth (biomass and length) following standard ASTM methods. Surviving mussels were transferred from the control and treatment groups into a culture pond and...
Chemical and biological data from a study on sensitivity of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) to a permitted effluent and elevated potassium Chemical and biological data from a study on sensitivity of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) to a permitted effluent and elevated potassium
The data release includes data from four studies: (1) toxicity of a permitted effluent, which entered the Deep Fork River (DFR), Oklahoma, USA, to a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) and to 2 standard test species (cladoceran Ceriodaphnia dubia; and fathead minnow Pimephales promelas) in short-term 7-d effluent tests; (2) relative sensitivities of the 3 species to potassium (K), an...
Filter Total Items: 45
Evaluation of the effects of sediments contaminated by industrial discharges to a unionid mussel (Fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) and a common test benthic organism (Amphipod, Hyalella azteca) Evaluation of the effects of sediments contaminated by industrial discharges to a unionid mussel (Fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) and a common test benthic organism (Amphipod, Hyalella azteca)
Freshwater mussels are among the most sensitive species to a variety of chemicals in water exposures. However, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of toxicants in sediments on mussels. Industrial discharges containing polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and metals entered the Kanawha River surrounding Blaine Island, South Charleston...
Authors
Chris D. Ivey, Jeffery A. Steevens, Ning Wang, Kathleen Patnode, James L. Kunz, John M. Besser
Evaluating episodic sediment deposition zones in freshwater mussel habitats across Missouri, USA Evaluating episodic sediment deposition zones in freshwater mussel habitats across Missouri, USA
Point-source sedimentation, such as spills from construction-related activities, can introduce substantial sediments into streams in the short term, potentially leading to mussel burial. To estimate downstream areas where freshwater mussels might face threats from sediment burial within the mussel habitats of Missouri streams and rivers, we examined 49 reaches where both field...
Authors
Qingqing Sun, Bin Wang, Brandon James Sansom, Kathleen Trauth, Henry Brown, Wenyu Zhu, James L. Kunz, M. Christopher Barnhart, Stephen E. McMurray, Andrew D Roberts, Christopher Shulse, Caleb Knerr, Jeffery A. Steevens, Baolin Deng
Evaluation of the sensitivity of a federally endangered freshwater mussel (Venustaconcha trabalis) to selected chemicals Evaluation of the sensitivity of a federally endangered freshwater mussel (Venustaconcha trabalis) to selected chemicals
Protection of critically endangered species requires identification of factors limiting their survival and growth. Previous studies have demonstrated that unionid mussels are sensitive to some chemicals and the sensitivity was similar among different taxonomic families and tribes of mussels. However, common species of mussels were generally used in these previous studies; little is known...
Authors
Ning Wang, Chris D. Ivey, Danielle M. Cleveland, James L. Kunz, Rebecca Schapansky, Timothy W. Lane, M. Christopher Barnhart
Evaluation of short-term mussel test for estimating toxicity Evaluation of short-term mussel test for estimating toxicity
Effect concentrations of ammonia, nickel, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride from short-term 7-day tests were compared to those from standard chronic 28-day toxicity tests with juvenile mussels (fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) to evaluate the sensitivities of the 7-day tests. The effect concentrations for nickel (59 µg Ni/L), chloride (316–519 mg Cl/L, a range from multiple tests)...
Authors
Ning Wang, James L. Kunz, Chris D. Ivey, Danielle M. Cleveland, Jeffery A. Steevens
A model for evaluation of sediment exposure and burial for freshwater mussels from heavy particle sedimentation A model for evaluation of sediment exposure and burial for freshwater mussels from heavy particle sedimentation
Freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) are an ecologically important faunal group. Excessive sediments, both in suspended and deposited formats, are believed to have negative effects on survival of freshwater mussels. However, there is a lack of quantitative tools for assessing the impact of abrupt and excessive sedimentation on freshwater mussel habitats. This gap in knowledge poses...
Authors
Bin Wang, Brandon James Sansom, Wenyu Zhu, James L. Kunz, M. Christopher Barnhart, Henry Brown, Stephen E. McMurray, Andrew D Roberts, Christopher Shulse, Caleb Knerr, Kathleen Trauth, Jeffery A. Steevens, Baolin Deng
Evaluation of chronic effects of potassium chloride and nickel on survival, growth, and reproduction of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) Evaluation of chronic effects of potassium chloride and nickel on survival, growth, and reproduction of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea)
The ASTM International standard test method for freshwater mussels (E2455‐13) recommends 4‐week toxicity testing with juveniles to evaluate chronic effects on survival and growth. However, concerns remain that the method may not adequately address the sensitivity of mussels to longer term exposures (>4 weeks), particularly in relation to potential reproductive impairments. No standard...
Authors
Ning Wang, James L. Kunz, Danielle M. Cleveland, Rebecca A. Dorman, Jeffery A. Steevens, Sandy Raimondo, Tom Augspurger, M. Christopher Barnhart