ABC News: How environmental disasters affect ecosystems
Fish kills are an indicator of poor water quality, UC biologist says
ABC News turned to a University of Cincinnati biologist to explain what environmental damage a Feb. 3 train derailment caused in East Palestine, Ohio.
The Norfolk Southern train spilled chemicals such as vinyl chloride into creeks feeding the Ohio River. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said the spill killed tens of thousands of fish, salamanders, crayfish and other aquatic organisms.
This is significant because Ohio uses the fish community as an overall indicator of water quality, a UC biologist told ABC News.
"Usually, you can use the community of fish as an indication of what the water quality is at any given time," said Michael Booth, an assistant professor in UC's College of Arts and Sciences.
Booth is taking part in an unrelated stream-restoration demonstration project in Cincinnati to improve habitat for fish and other aquatic life.
Ohio officials use fish as an indicator of water quality because they live in it so they are exposed to any contaminants at a much higher rate, Booth said.
"If you have a mass die-off, that's a pretty good indication you shouldn't be making contact with that water," he told ABC News.
Booth told ABC News that environmental and health officials will need to monitor the creeks for years to determine if fish populations rebound and what effect the spill had on sediment and groundwater.
Companies that rely on the Ohio River for drinking water as far away as Cincinnati briefly closed intakes as a precaution to prevent contamination from reaching customers.
Featured image at top: The Cincinnati skyline is reflected in the Ohio River. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Related Stories
Senior peer career coaches graduate with resumes ready
April 17, 2021
Profiles three senior peer career coaches in the University of Cincinnati's Bearcat Promise Career Studio
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 12, 2021
Undergraduate student researchers in sciences and humanities recognized in 2021
2021 University Recognition Ceremony honors student achievements
April 13, 2021
The University of Cincinnati recognizes students each year who have made significant service, leadership, and academic contributions to the UC community. These students exemplify the spirit of what it means to be a Bearcat.
UC Day of Giving a success
April 28, 2021
University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.
'To make him proud was high on her list'
April 1, 2021
Alex Lewis lost her 82-year-old grandfather to Covid-19 just five weeks before her dream school showed up on the front steps of Roger Bacon High School to tell the senior that she has been admitted to the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing as part of a touching Decision Day surprise effort this year.
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 29, 2020
Each spring, the University of Cincinnati’s Division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education (ELCE) honors students in experience-based learning programs.
President picks exceptional talent
April 28, 2021
The University of Cincinnati 2021 Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence Awards honor six undergraduate scholars for scholarship, leadership, character, service and the ideals of the university. Awardees are spotlighted for exceptional academics, creativity, community service and innovation.
Listen: Cincy Playhouse shares CCM audio plays
May 28, 2021
Each audio play is its own story, and you can listen to these pieces for free in any order you choose. They represent a year-long collaboration that reached into many corners of Cincinnati. Students from all over UC (CCM Acting, Sound Design, Stage Management, Commercial Music Production, Digital Media, and the College of Arts & Sciences’ Fiction PhD program) and local professional writers (YA author Liz Coley and musician, comedian and raconteur Paul Strickland) came together to make something truly special. Paul Strickland's play will be available soon. The Playhouse is assisting CCM by hosting and helping to promote these free audio plays.
UC staff have elected their 2021-23 Staff Senators
June 8, 2021
Join us in congratulating the 2021-23 new Staff Senate members! Elections were held in early May, and new senators will begin their two-year term in July 2021. All UC staff are encouraged to be part of the enthusiasm and excitement for our new senators by attending the Staff Senate online meeting via WebEx, June 30, 9-11 a.m.
UC LGBTQ Center founder takes on new diversity role
June 1, 2021
When Leisan Smith, ’99, ME ’03, began work this year as the inaugural chief equity officer at the prestigious Columbus School for Girls, the school’s staff and faculty were thrilled. The job description, they said, “was written for you.”