Richard V. Lacouture
Researcher
Research Interests
Phytoplankton Ecology: My research interests are related to phytoplankton ecology in the estuarine environment. More specifically, I am interested in the relationships between water quality parameters and phytoplankton distribution and composition. I have been involved in a 22-year monitoring program in Chesapeake Bay which affords me the opportunity to analyze and better understand these relationships in order to assist with the effective management of this ecosystem. The development of phytoplankton indicators has led to our recent development of a phytoplankton index of biotic integrity. This index serves as a tool to assess the habitat condition of the phytoplankton community. This index is being incorporated into an ecosystem index which will allow the management community to assess water and habitat quality of Chesapeake Bay in a more holistic fashion. My most passionate research interest involves the study of algal blooms, of which there are many in Chesapeake Bay. Specifically, their documentation, causes and ultimate impact on the ecosystem have been a primary focus of my research during the past twenty years.
Selected Publications: Lacouture, R.V, J.M. Johnson, C. Buchanan and H.G. Marshall. 2006. (Submitted). The Procedure for Estimating Carbon Content of Phytoplankton and its Application to Phytoplankton Taxonomic Data in Chesapeake Bay Estuary. Journal of Plankton Research.
Lacouture, R.V, J.M. Johnson, C. Buchanan and H.G. Marshall. 2006. (Accepted). Phytoplankton Index of Biotic Integrity for Chesapeake Bay and its Tidal Tributaries. Estuaries.
Buchanan, Lacouture, R.V, J.M. Johnson, H.G. Marshall, M. Olson and J.M. Johnson. 2005. Phytoplankton Reference Communities for Chesapeake Bay and its Tidal Tributaries. Estuaries. 28: 138-159.
Marshall, H.G., L. Burchardt and R.V. Lacouture. 2005. A Review of Phytoplankton Composition within Chesapeake Bay and its Tidal Estuaries. Journal of Plankton Research. 27: 1083-1102.
Ferrier, M.D., B.R. Butler Sr., D.E. Terlizzi and R.V. Lacouture. 2005. The Effects of Barley Straw (Hordeum vulgare) on the Growth of Freshwater Algae. Bioresource Technology. 96: 1788-1795.
Lacouture, R.V, J.M. Johnson, C. Buchanan and H.G. Marshall. 2005. (Submitted). Phytoplankton Index of Biotic Integrity for Chesapeake Bay and its Tidal Tributaries. Estuaries.
Marshall, H.G., R.V. Lacouture, C. Buchanan and J.M. Johnson. 2005. (Submitted). Seasonal Phytoplankton Assemblages Associated with Water Quality Criteria and Salinity in Chesapeake Bay, U.S.A. Marine Biology.
Buchanan, C., R.V. Lacouture, H.G. Marshall, M. Olson and J.M. Johnson. 2005. P hytoplankton Reference Communities for Chesapeake Bay and its Tidal Tributaries. Estuaries. 28: 138-159.
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