91°µÍø

The Aquatic Ecology Lab (AEL) is uniquely designed to study the impacts of different energy production strategies on aquatic ecosystems. The AEL was originally constructed in 1972 to study the effects of cooling water discharges from nuclear power plants. As the DOE mission has expanded over the past few decades, the AEL has undergone a number of modernization efforts to adapt to experimental needs.

ORNL researchers study the effects of energy use on waterways and develop solutions to limit water pollution. This segment gives an overview about the methods scientists use to assess biodiversity and ecosystem health.

ORNL researchers study the effects of energy use on waterways and develop solutions to limit water pollution. This segment discusses how scientists assess contaminant effects on ecosystems.

ORNL researchers study the effects of energy use on waterways and develop solutions to limit water pollution. Environmental DNA is among the tools scientists use to assess biodiversity and ecosystem health.

ORNL researchers study the effects of energy use on waterways and develop solutions to limit water pollution. This segment demonstrates how scientists use drones to assess biodiversity and ecosystem health.

In part one of our four part video series, we explore the long and accomplished history of the 91°µÍø’s Aquatic Ecology Lab. For almost 75 years, scientists there have been at the forefront of environmental research and discovery, including leading some of the longest-running studies of small streams in the world. Learn about the evolution of their research, and how they are helping advance the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management’s environmental cleanup. These discoveries can also be applied to remediation projects across the country.