PINES (Bemidji State University)
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The Relationship Between Plant Density and Microplastic Concentration in the Water in Lake Bemidji, MN
No full textMicroplastics, plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are an increasing environmental threat, particularly due to their widespread distribution and toxicity. While much research has focused on larger freshwater and marine ecosystems, the presence and impacts of microplastics in smaller inland lakes remain less understood. This study investigates the relationship between plant density and microplastic concentrations in Lake Bemidji, a smaller freshwater lake. A total of 30 water samples were collected across varying vegetation conditions, ranging from open water (0%) to 90% plant coverage. Microplastics were identified and categorized into six morphological types: fibers, fragments, films, spheres/beads, and foam. The samples contained a total of 2,790 microplastic particles, with an average of 93 particles per sample and an average concentration of 8.16 microplastics per liter (SD = 3.06). The most abundant colors were blue (2,204 particles) and black (460 particles), while red and green were the least common. A regression analysis was conducted to directly test the relationship between the total count of microplastics and plant density, and there was a significant negative relationship between microplastic count and plant density (P \u3c 0.01). The findings suggest that plant density does influence the distribution and deposition of microplastics in freshwater systems, with higher concentrations observed in areas with lower plant coverage
Aquatic Invertebrate Populations in Roadside Wetlands in Relation to Water Characteristics
No full textThe continual habitat destruction and draining of wetland systems makes the need to understand the ecology of roadside wetlands all the more necessary. Roadside wetlands provide valuable habitat to countless aquatic invertebrates, which can provide insight into the health of the wetland system due to their diversity. The objective of this study was to analyze the populations of aquatic invertebrates in roadside wetlands in relation to water characteristics such as pH, salinity, conductivity, water depth and temperature, and dissolved oxygen. This was done by collecting samples of invertebrate populations from roadside wetlands, in addition to data on water quality characteristics using an aquatic D-frame dip net, YSI multi-parameter water quality meter , and a handheld water quality testing meter The results as shown by the NMDS graph are that the water quality characteristics that are significantly related to invertebrate community structure are dissolved oxygen (P = 0.017) and pH (P = 0.028). On average, sample locations had low dissolved oxygen and low pH. These samples contained communities that were made up of Planorbidae, Chironomidae, Hylella, and other groups that are known to live in low water quality conditions. In addition, invertebrate groups were found to fulfill a range of ecological niches such as Sphaeriidae, Coenagrionidae, Ptychopteridae, and Libellulidae. Roadside wetlands are a valuable habitat for aquatic invertebrates, and the results of this study can be used to intentionally manage roadside wetlands for aquatic invertebrates
Commencement Program, May 2025
No full textoai:pines.bemidjistate.edu:commencement-1000https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/commencement/1000/thumbnail.jp
Writing for Film Score Monthly: BSU adjunct instructor Ryan Webber
No full textListen to a conversation with BSU adjunct instructor Ryan Webber on teaching music at Bemidji State and writing for Film Score Monthly.
Credit: Podcast produced by Tammy Bobrowsky (Bemidji State). Music: Collaboration by Radioontheshelf, 2025 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0).https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/bsufac-pubcast/1001/thumbnail.jp
Teaching Note - Embedding the Human Library Experience within Social Work Curriculum
No full textThe Human Library is a global initiative designed to challenge stereotypes and foster dialogue through storytelling and presents a unique opportunity for experiential learning within social work education. This teaching note explores how the Human Library framework can be integrated into social work curriculum in alignment with the 2022 Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, with particular emphasis on Competency 3: Engaging in Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practice. When embedded in coursework, the Human Library enables students to engage in brave and authentic conversations with storytellers who share aspects of their lived experiences, promoting mutuality, empathy, cultural humility, and critical self-reflection. This teaching note outlines the structure and implementation of the Human Library within two courses at Bemidji State University, detailing pre-event preparation, event facilitation, and post-event reflective assignments. Considerations for ethical storytelling, trauma-informed facilitation, and strategies to ensure an inclusive and safe learning environment are also discussed. Findings suggest that participation in the Human Library enhances students’ understanding of diverse and intersecting identities and oppression while developing key social work skills such as active listening, story stewardship, and culturally responsive practice. The integration of the Human Library in social work education serves as an effective pedagogical tool to bridge theory and practice, preparing students to engage in anti-oppressive, client-centered social work
Microsatellites Reveal the Population Genetic Structure of Yellow Perch in Minnesota
No full textWhen analyzing a population’s genetic makeup, looking at variation of individuals and populations is a crucial factor. The management of yellow perch will be aided by this information particularly in regard to stocking or relocation. Microsatellite loci were used to analyze the genetic population structure of yellow perch Perca flavescens within and among 29 sampling areas throughout Minnesota’s basins. Seven microsatellite DNA loci were evaluated, with heterozygosities ranging from 0.41 to 0.78. The Lower Mississippi basin samples showed higher numbers of alleles per locus and greater expected heterozygosities compared to other basins, with Lake Pepin (PEP) exhibiting the highest average expected heterozygosity at 0.78. Pfeiffer Lake (PFE) also contained unique alleles. Genetic population structure analysis revealed diverse ancestral compositions among populations, with some, like BRS, TNB, and PEP, showing dominant ancestral clusters, while most others had weaker differentiation. Neighbor-joining tree analysis indicated little genetic separation within Rainy River basin populations but significant differences between Rainy River and Minnesota River basin populations. PCoA and FST values suggested four distinct genetic groups: a central/southern Minnesota & Upper/Lower Mississippi basin cluster, a highly divergent Red River basin group, and tightly clustered Rainy River and Great Lakes basin groups. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic structure, diversity, and connectivity of yellow perch populations in Minnesota. The observed variations highlight the importance of considering regional differences in genetic makeup for effective fisheries management. Understanding these genetic distinctions will inform future conservation strategies, stocking decisions, and translocation efforts to preserve locally adapted gene pools and enhance the long-term resilience of yellow perch populations in the face of environmental changes
Effects Of Round-Up On The Environment
No full textMany people around the world have used and still currently use Roundup but are unaware of the effects it has on the environment. Roundup is a spray on application weedkiller that is widely used around the world today both residentially and commercially. It enables its user to grow a garden or a field of crops with a no-tilling approach to eliminate weeds. It is a well-known and popular choice for killing weeds that has been around since the mid 1970’s (Oca, 2017). John Franz, a Monsanto scientist discovered that glyphosate (main ingredient in Roundup) was an herbicide or weedkiller, and it began selling on the shelves to the public in 1974 (Oca, 2017). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, at that time, classified glyphosate as a Group C chemical (aka a possible human carcinogen), based on the presence of kidney tumors in male mice (Staff, 2020). Glyphosate has applications in agriculture, forestry, industrial weed control, lawn, garden, and aquatic environments (Jennings & Li, 2017). It is used on corn, wheat, sorghum, citrus, stone fruits, potatoes, onions, asparagus, coffee, peanuts, and pineapple (Jennings & Li, 2017). Nonagricultural uses include ornamental plants, turf, forests, rights-of-way, and weed control in ponds, reservoirs, waterfowl sanctuaries, and waterways (Jennings & Li, 2017).
Upon spraying the weeds with Roundup, glyphosate enters the plants through their leaves and travels around the plants inner system until it reaches the crown and the roots (Roundup, n.d.). Once Roundup penetrates the leaves it prevents the plant from creating the much-needed protein for cell division. One downside to Roundup is that it is non-selective and will kill a wide range of plants that it encounters including crops in agricultural settings (RoundUp, n.d.). For this reason, a higher emphasis was placed on creating genetically modified organisms (GMO) seeds that were glyphosate resistant, also known as Roundup ready crops. The introduction of these Roundup Ready crops created easy application for the farmers in the agricultural industry, simply spray and plant. Farmers spray Roundup usually before seeding, after harvesting; and sometimes other crops require in between spraying such as canola or soybeans (Jake, 2016)
An Approach to Estimate Angling Effort, Catch, and Harvest of burbot Lota lota
No full textOnce commonly thought of as a nuisance, Burbot Lota lota are now being frequently targeted by anglers in Minnesota. However, the amount of angling effort directed at Burbot, the distribution of effort, catch, and harvest are unknown. Historically, creel surveys have been used to estimate angling effort, catch, and harvest. Additionally, digital cameras have been used independently and supplementally to estimate angling effort, catch, and harvest. In this study, we estimate angling effort, catch, and harvest of Burbot using creel survey techniques and motion-activated digital cameras on Bad Medicine Lake, Minnesota, while also investigating and exploring the limitations of these methodologies. Using in-person data collection, we estimated Burbot anglers fished for 1,052 hours (3.23 hrs/ha), caught 136 Burbot (0.13 Burbot/angling hour), and harvested 67 Burbot (~50%; 0.06 Burbot/hr). Using digital data collection, we estimated Burbot anglers fished for 1,067 hours (3.28 hrs/ha), caught 173 Burbot (0.16 Burbot/angling hour), and harvested 87 Burbot (~50%; 0.08 Burbot/hr). In-person daily party counts were not significantly different from digital daily party counts (p = 0.09). Similarly, there was not a significant difference between in-person daily party counts and digital daily party counts, only when in-person data collection occurred (p = 0.22). However, trip lengths of angling parties that were both interviewed and observed on the digital cameras were significantly different (p = 0.02). On average, trip lengths of interviewed parties were 0.32 hours shorter than what was observed on the digital cameras. The findings of this research indicated that anglers actively targeted Burbot. Both in-person and digital data collection methods demonstrated to be effective for estimating angling effort
Navigating Wastewater: Minnesota Mining Wastewater Permit Challenges and Evolving Compliance Standards
No full textFebruary of 2021 marked the beginning of Minnesota clearly establishing that groundwater qualifies as a Class 1 water in a legal battle involving United States Steel, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, WaterLegacy, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the Minnesota Court of Appeals, and eventually the Minnesota Supreme Court (MNSC). Minnesota has a water classification system, as required by the federal Clean Water Act, with 7 classes of use. Class 1 waters are waters used for domestic consumption (MPCA 4, n.d.). According to Minnesota Statute § 7050.0220, the acceptable level for sulfate is 250 mg/L in Class 1 waters, the acceptable level for sulfate in wild rice waters is 10 mg/L, and for comparison the acceptable level for mercury, another common mining byproduct pollutant, is 0.2 ng/L in Class 1 waters (Minn. Stat. § 7050.0220, Subp. 3a). The MNSC decision on groundwater being a Class 1 water is significant as it can serve as a precedent for future cases (Minnesota Judicial Branch, n.d.).
Northern Minnesota is home to several iron mines as well as advanced projects for copper, nickel, and platinum that have yet to begin full production (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2016). A major component of mines getting the green light to operate is permitting. Without proper permitting from the state, production can be delayed indefinitely as seen with NewRange Copper Nickel, formerly NorthMet and PolyMet, over the past two decades (State of Minnesota, 2018). Stricter standards for groundwater help to better protect the environment but also cause snags in industry production and jobs for Minnesotans. This leads to questions surrounding the future of pollution permits in Minnesota and their impact on local economies within the state. The purpose of this research is to delve into the MPCA permitting process and history for Minntac mine to attempt to answer the following: Is the current pollutant permit system, managed by the MPCA, effective? Will efficacy or enforceability of future permits be impacted by new stricter groundwater standards
Growing Degree Days Compared to Growth of Walleye and Sauger From Different Systems
No full textWalleye Sander vitreus and Sauger Sander canadensis exist in most river and lake systems across the state of Minnesota and have historically been a highly sought-after species. Variable water temperatures play a significant role in the growth of cold-blooded organisms such as walleye and sauger. Therefore, the objective of this study is to test for a relationship between growing degree days (GDD) and the growth of walleye and sauger from Lake Pepin, Leech Lake, and Lake of the Woods. Data for growth and age was readily available and was sourced from MN DNR lake survey database from 2006 to 2023. Growing degree data was sourced from Weather Underground. A regression test was performed on the data, and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) scores were generated. This study conducted four regressions tests on the data set. There is a clear upward trend showing a positive correlation between GDD and growth, indicating that as GDD increases so will growth. Additionally, a consistent correlation between growth and year was observed with Leech Lake and Lake of the Woods following a clear trend overtime, while Lake Pepin differed. Growing degree days and year indicated a correlation between Leech Lake and Lake of the Woods while Lake Pepin again differed. These findings highlight a significant relationship between both GDD and year, and growth and year. This variation may also be influenced by several factors such as forage species, nutrient loading, and geographic location