Paleolimnological investigation of the effects of road salt seepage on scaled chrysophytes in Fonda Lake,Michigan

Chrysophyte scales were identified and enumerated from the recent sediments of Fonda Lake, Michigan. This lake has undergone marked salinification due to chloride intrusion from an adjacent salt-storage facility established in 1953. From 1950 to 1980, Mallomonas caudata dominated at all levels; this taxon appears to be chloride-indifferent. M. elongata and M. pseudocoronata appeared to be chloride-intolerant as they declined drastically in abundance when chloride levels attained a maximum (ca. 1968–1972). M. tonsurata, on the other hand, was more competitive during this period of maximum Cl^\s-]. This preliminary study suggests that chrysophyte scales may be useful paleoindicators of salinity.