Researcher Profile

Murray N. Charlton

Job Title: Research Scientist/Project Chief
Employer: National Water Research Institute, Environment Canada
Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Public School attended: Humber Heights
High School attended: Weston Collegiate
Further Education: University of Toronto (B.Sc - 1967, M.Sc. - 1971).
Geographic focus of research: Ontario, Great Lakes, and some work in the Philippines.

Brief synopsis of current research:
Currently studying the response of Lake Erie to decreased nutrient loads and to introduced species such as Zebra Mussels. Response of Hamilton Harbour to the Remedial Action Plan; Eutrophication. Effects of Aquaculture in the Great Lakes. Limnology of Taste and Odour compound formation in Lake Ontario

Recent Publications:

Charlton M.N. LeSage, R. and Milne J.E. 1999. Lake Erie in Transition: the 1990s. in State of Lake Erie (SOLE) - Past, Present and Future. Pp. 97 - 123. Edited by M. Munawar, T. Edsall, and I.F. Munawar. Ecovision World Monograph series. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, The Netherlands. (from 98-99 but with published reference)

R.E.H. Smith, J.A. Furgal, M.N. Charlton, B.M. Greenberg, V. Hiriart, and C. Marwood. 1999. Attenuation of ultraviolet radiation in a large lake with low dissolved organic matter concentrations. Can.J.Fish.Aquat.Sci. 56(8): 1351-1361.

Charlton, M.N. B.G. Brownlee, G.A. MacInnis, J.E. Milne. 1999. Taste and Odour in Lake Ontario near Lakeview and Lorne Park drinking water intakes, Aug/Sept, 1999. NWRI Publication No. 99-252

Twiss, M.R., Auclair,J-C., and M.N. Charlton. 2000. An investigation into iron-stimulated phytoplankton productivity in epipelagic Lake Erie during thermal stratification using trace metal clean techniques. Can.J.Fish.Aquat.Sci. 57: 86 - 95

Charlton, M.N., S. L’Italien, T. Howell, P. Bertram, M. Zarull, R. Thoma, D. Culver. 2000. Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae: Preliminary Beneficial Use Impairment Assessment (Lake Erie). Technical Report No. 10, Lake Erie Lakewide Management Plan.

Comments:
I've always loved water and boats and science. When I realized the high proportion of Canadians who drink Great Lakes water I decided to concentrate my efforts there. Managing water quality anywhere in Canada requires expertise that adapts to evolving challenges. Communicating science is needed to enable decision makers to consider all aspects of environmental issues. I've worked for Environment Canada at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters in Burlington for 27 years and can say I've enjoyed almost every day!