Final Report : Preliminary Analyses of Selenium Bioaccumulation in Benthic Food Webs of the Great Salt Lake, Utah

Benthic organisms and substrates in the Great Salt Lake, Utah, were sampled during one week in June 2006 to test collection methodologies for biostromes and soft substrates and to get preliminary information on the selenium concentrations of benthic organisms. The sampling was focused on biostromes, as these solid reef-like structures cover 23% of the oxic benthic area of the lake and are the principal habitat for brine fly (Ephydra cinerea) larvae and pupae that are fed upon by some birds utilizing the lake. Samples were taken at depths of 1-5 m along two transects–one near Bridger Bay and another in the southern area of Gilbert Bay. The biostromes were sampled with a pumped-bucket device operated by a SCUBA diver whereas the soft sediments were sampled with a Ponar grab. Water samples and adult brine flies were also collected.