Pyle, Gregory - University of Lethbridge - Department of Biological Sciences

个人简介

PhD (2000) Dept. of Biology, University of Saskatchewan (Aquatic Ecotoxicology) MSc (1995) Dept. of Biology, Laurentian University (Aquatic Ecotoxicology) BSc (1993) Dept. of Biology, Laurentian University (Radioecology)

研究领域

Freshwater animals rely on chemicals dissolved in the water that provide information about the location of food, the risk of predation, or even the reproductive status of potential mates. Environmental contaminants from human activities, such as industrial operations (e.g., mining, smelting) or surface runoff from cities, can interfere with an animal's ability to perceive and respond to these important chemical cues. Failure to respond to these cues can lead to starvation, an inability to avoid a predator, or impaired reproduction. Research conducted in my lab focuses on understanding the causes and consequences of contaminant-induced chemosensory impairment in freshwater animals. We work on animals that represent several different trophic levels typical of freshwater ecosystems, including bottom-dwelling (benthic) invertebrates, zooplankton, fishes, and amphibians. We test chemosensory function by using behavioural or neurophysiological assays in animals before and after they have been exposed to environmental contaminants. By developing an understanding of how low concentrations of environmental contaminants can affect chemosensory function among aquatic animals, we can improve our ability to evaluate ecological risk. Good ecological risk assessments are critical for managing industrial or municipal receiving waters.

近期论文

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Azizishirazi, A., W.A. Dew, B. Bougas, L. Bernatchez, and G.G. Pyle. 2015. Dietary sodium protects fish against copper-induced olfactory impairment. Aquatic Toxicology, 161: 1-9. Azizishirazi, A. and G.G. Pyle. 2015. Recovery of olfactory mediated behaviours in fish from metal contaminated lakes. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 95(1): 1-5. Gauthier, P.T., W.P. Norwood, E.E. Prepas, and G.G. Pyle. 2014. Metal-PAH mixtures in the aquatic environment: a review of co-toxic mechanisms leading to more-than-additive outcomes. Aquatic Toxicology, 154C: 253-269. Dew, W.A., A. Azizishirazi, and G.G. Pyle. 2014. Contaminant-specific targeting of olfactory sensory neuron classes: connecting neuron class impairment with behavioural deficits. Chemosphere, 112: 519-525. Martens, M.T., R.H. Devlin, A.J. Wall, G.G. Pyle, B.A. Wasylenko, W.A. Dew, P.J. Blanchfield. 2014. Growth and feeding efficiency of a wild and aquaculture genotype of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), common to Lake Huron. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 40: 377-384. Wasylenko, B.A., D.T. Callaghan, P.J. Blanchfield, and G.G. Pyle. 2014. Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) spawning substrate attracts egg predators and opportunists through chemosensory cues. Journal of Fish Biology, 84(5): 1562-1573. Azizishirazi, A., W.A. Dew, B. Bougas, M. Dashtban, L. Bernatchez, and G.G. Pyle. 2014. Chemosensory mediated behaviors and gene transcription profiles in wild yellow perch (Perca flavescens) from metal contaminated lakes. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 106: 239-245. Dew, W.A. and G.G. Pyle. 2014. Smelling salt: calcium as an odourant for fathead minnows. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part A, 169: 1-6.