Ecological Engineering Program

Current Researchers

Binbin Huang
Dr. Binbin Huang received his Ph.D. Degree in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering from Wuhan University, China in 2010. Prior to that, Dr. Huang received his B.Sc. in Water Conservancy and Hydropower and M.S in Fluid Mechanics from the China Three Gorges University and China University of Mining and Technology. Dr. Huang spent two years at the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research as a post-doc researcher before joining Nanchang Institute of Technology. He is currently conducting his research at the Ecological Engineering Lab, Desert Research Institute, Nevada as a visiting scholar (Sept 2016 – Aug 2017). Dr. Huang has had several funded research projects over the years that has led to nearly 30 peer-reviewed journal articles. He was also awarded the Young Scientist Award in Jiangxi Province in 2015. His research interests include traditional methods of hydrology and water resources, water environment management, effects of hydrological processes on resources, environment and ecosystem. Dr. Huang is a member of the Ecological Association in Jiangxi province.

Sachiko Sueki
I am currently working on two projects. One of the projects involves study of Tamarisk (a.k.a. Salt Cedars) and the other one is ‘algal biofuel’. As a part of Tamarisk project, I am working on comparison of invasive and native Tamarisk species. The second part of this project involves ecophysiological study of Tamarisk beetles as well as ecological and hydrological impact after defoliation. Beetles were introduced in US a while ago in the hope of controlling Tamarisk. This project also allows me to occasionally enjoy Las Vegas Summer Sun in the Tamarisk fields during field data collection. In the algal biofuel project we are looking to optimize stoichiometric nutrient ratios and environmental conditions for maximum growth and lipid production.

Past Researchers

Shogo Imada
I did my Ph.D. in Tree Ecophysiology from Tottori University, Japan. Currently, I am a visiting scholar at DRI from the Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University. My current research is concerned with growth characteristics of tamarisks under severe environmental conditions in arid area. I have worked in salt dynamics in tamarisk stands, characteristics of salt secretion from glands in the leaves, and the relationships between the fine-root growth and soil environmental factors. My current research interests are ecophysiological responses of tree species in arid regions, and the role of fine roots in the growth and tolerance of the tree species.

Lixiao Ni
Lixiao received her Ph.D degree from Nanjing University, China in 2004. Her research interests involved wastewater treatment and restoration of the aquatic ecosystems. She is especially interested in the algae control and wastewater treatment with constructed wetland. Specific areas include development of environment friendly algae – inhibition agents, coupling effects of hydrodynamic force and cyanobacteria blooms on Cadmium migration and transformation at the water-sediment interface of Taihu lake, removal of nitrogen and phosphorus by forming struvite (MAP) and resources of struvite, constructed wetland technology and clogging mechanism and control of constructed wetland system.

Mahesh Gautam (currently with the Department of Water Resources, California)
altI have worked in various roles as water engineer, researcher and lecturer in last 18 years in various issues and problems of water engineering and management in both developing and developed countries. I have worked in the development of flood forecasting and management system, environmental monitoring and management system, besides working for the assessment of human interventions and impact of climate change on water resources, and for developing adaption and mitigation measures against climate change.

My current research interests are watershed modeling and development of decision support system tools for various problems of water and ecological engineering at the face of human interventions on the natural system and changing climate. I am currently involved in the projects related to stream restoration, stormwater Best Management Projects, climate change impact on flood frequency, and application of neural networks for the development of pedotransfer functions for soil hydraulic properties.

Diane Momberg
Diane has worked as an aquatic ecologist – researcher on various projects from spring surveys, taxonomy of benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI), autecology of benthic organisms (BMI and zooplankton), algal biofuel research to algal growth and bio-optical properties of Antarctic pack ice. Her research interests include aquatic ecology and biology, invasive species impacts, periphyton – grazer interactions, biological stoichiometery and food web studies. Diane’s current research involves Quagga mussel husbandry and understanding mussel (Dressenia buggensis) eco-physiology; assessing feeding selection and particle size preference, clearance rates, and testing for inorganic and bacteria interference during feeding.

Quagga mussels are an invasive species, said to have “hitched” a ride in the ballast waters of commercial ships. They are originally from the Dnieper River, in the Ukraine and are becoming quite a problem for Lake Mead, Las Vegas Nevada and the Hoover Dam. Quagga mussels proliferate on rocky or silty substrate as well as, boat engines, pumping structures and water ways. They can survive long periods of time in various conditions, and filter water for food, removing phytoplankton; impacting other species in the food web. Increasing knowledge and understanding of mussel growth and survivability will benefit monitoring programs, managers and the general community.

Yiping Li
Dr. Yiping Li began working at the Desert Research Institute in July 2008 as a visiting postdoctoral fellow. He received his Ph.D. degree from Hohai University, China in 2006. His research involves lake ecosystems and numerical models. His goal is to improve understanding of the quantitative influences of environmental changes on ecohydrologic processes as well as the causes of eutrophication. He is especially interested in the whole process of hydrologic cycle and contaminant transport among land, surface water and groundwater. His other research interests are nutrient cycling, wastewater treatment systems, lake management, and numerical modeling. His present research is focused on the integrated watershed model linking hydrodynamic, water quality, optical and ecological models.

Jaria Mon
Jarai graduated from Washington State University with a Ph.D. in Soil Science. Her research interests are in the area of fate and transport of chemicals in the vadose zone and the potential threats to surface and groundwater quality. Specific areas include sorption and its effects on transport of organic and inorganic chemicals in soils, quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) to estimate environmental behavior of organic chemicals, and redistribution of pollutants from contaminated soils under the influence of environmental conditions—changes in media surface properties, solution chemistry, and water saturation.

Graduate Students

Nudthawud Homtong (Dew)
DewDew earns a Royal Thai Scholarship for a PhD study in Hydrogeology at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is a faculty member at Geotechnology Department, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Dew graduated from University of Colorado-Boulder (B.A.Geology, Minor: Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences) in 2013. He is now a PhD student, working under a supervision of Prof.Zhongbo Yu and Prof.Kumud Acharya – with a research topic of “Climate Change and Anthropogenic Impacts on Hydrological System in the Lower Mekong River Basin”.

Aili Sun
AiliAili got his Bachelor in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering from North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhenzhou, China in 2011. He is continuing his study in a Master-through-Doctor program of hydrology and water resources at Hohai University, Nanjing. His research interests include impact of variation of climate and land use type in watershed on formation of headwaters and hydrologic simulation. To further his research, Aili joined the Ecological Engineering program at Desert Research Institute as a visiting Ph.D scholar In September 2014 and now focuses on hydrologic response to changing climate and land use/land cover in large river watersheds.

Past Students

Emma Ruhmann
Emma received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science concentrating in Geology and Chemistry in 2010 from Saint Louis University. Prior to coming to DRI, Emma worked as a green building consultant for a general contracting company in St. Louis, Missouri. There she received her LEED AP BD+C Accreditation (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional, Building Design and Construction). During her time as a consultant, Emma traveled to the Middle East as a part of a multi-billion dollar, 76 acre downtown sustainable redevelopment project. Currently Emma is working towards her Masters of Science degrees in Water Resource Management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is a Graduate Research Assistant at the Desert Research Institute and her research focuses on the threat of invasive Quagga mussels in Lake Tahoe.

Xiaolu Wei
Xiaolu Wei received the Bachelor’s Degree of Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering from Hohai University, China. In the spring of 2011 she obtained a wonderful chance to come to Desert Research Institute as a short term visiting scholar. During that period, her study aimed at establishing the correlationship between the economic growth and water quality in Lake Taihu, China. Subsequently, she finished her undergraduate thesis based on this research. Meanwhile, she was also involved in research about applying bio-manipulation approaches to combat eutrophication problems and improve water quality in Lake Taihu. Xiaolu is now pursuing a master degree in Water Resources Management at UNLV, focusing on distribution of Selenium from Las Vegas Wash to Lake Mead.

Melissa Thaw
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian studies from Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Oregon. As part of her degree she studied Mandarin Chinese during an overseas program at Guangxi Normal University in Guilin, China. She returned to China during her senior year to conduct interviews for her senior thesis. She subsequently studied mathematics and natural science at Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe. Melissa has previously assisted with limnology and climate change research at DRI examining black carbon concentrations in ice and liquid water samples. She has also worked as a research intern at U.C. Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center where she assisted in Lake Tahoe research including conducting experiments on Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea). Melissa will be focusing her research on Lake Mead Quagga mussels while pursuing a Masters in Science in Water Resources Management at UNLV.

Knut Mehler
MM.S. (2008): Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry Jena, Germany
B.S. (2005): Geography, Geology, and Ecology – University of Jena, GermanyAfter receiving his Bachelor in Geography Knut spent 4 months at the Desert Research Institute analyzing water samples for phosphorus from different locations of the Las Vegas Wash. After he finished his masters in soil science he decided to come back to DRI in the summer of 2009. Knut is currently a Ph.D student at the Department of Geoscience of University of Nevada Las Vegas. His interests include nutrient cycles; particularly carbon and nitrogen cycles in soil and freshwater ecosystems and how those cycles might be affected by human impacts and the ongoing climate change.

Mahesh Bhattarai
I joined University of Nevada Reno in 2008 as a Ph.D. student in Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences. I’ve Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering and Master of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering. After earning master degree in 1997 from Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois I worked as a lecturer in Tribhuvan University, Nepal and also as a professional engineer. During those eleven years I worked in dozens of researches and projects related to water quality and wastewater engineering. Currently I’m working under the supervision of Dr. Kumud Acharya on Impact of Climate Change on Lake Mead Water Quality. This research intends to assess the sediment load and consequent nutrient, carbon and selenium loads from Las Vegas Watershed to Las Vegas Wash and to the Lake Mead due to precipitation extremes. Sediment loads will be assessed using the Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment Tool (AGWA), which uses SWAT and KINEROS2. Research also aims to establish a threshold precipitation extreme with respect to erodibility.

Achyut Adhikari
BS (1999): Biology and Environment, Tribhuwan University, Nepal
MS (2001): Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Tribhuwan University, Nepal
MS (2006): Resource Economics, Research and Project Planning in Natural Resources, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany

Achyut spent 5 Years working as a Research Associate, Programme officer and Wetlands Biologist with NGO, INGO’s working on Natural Resource Management (UNDP, IUCN, and LI-BIRD, PROPUBLIC). In January 2008, he began pursuing a PhD degree in Geoscience at UNLV with a research focus on assessment and monitoring of Wetlands for Water Quality and water resource management in the Las Vegas Watershed.

Lynn Schwaebe
Lynn is currently working on Quagga mussel project mostly focusing on veligers.

Carolyn Link (currently with Marrone Bio Innovations)
Carolyn’s research interests include aquatic ecology and chemistry. As an undergraduate student at Northern Arizona University, Carolyn worked in an aquatic ecology lab studying the Colorado River within the Grand Canyon, and also researched U-series disequilibria using ICPMS. After finishing her B.S. in Environmental Chemistry while abroad at the University of Hull, England, Carolyn began working in aquatic animal husbandry and life support monitoring. As part of beginning a master’s program in Water Resource Management, she currently studies the ecology of the Quagga Mussel in Lake Mead.

Candi Schulman

Chunyan Tang
Chunyan received Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Engineering in 2010 from Hohai University, China. She is currently enrolled in Master-through-Doctor program of environmental science at Hohai University, China. Her research interest involves limnology and numerical models. Her goal is to improve understanding influence of environmental changes on eco-hydrologic processes and the cause of eutrophication quantitatively. In September 2013, she joined the Ecological Engineering program at Desert Research Institute as a visiting Ph.D. student. Her ongoing research focuses on the uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of three dimensional Environmental Fluid Dynamic Code (EFDC) model and to evaluate the impact of water transfer projects in Lake Taihu.

Binquan Li
altBinquan got his Bachelor in Hydrology and Water Resources from Hohai University, China. He has continued his study in a Master-through-Doctor program of hydrology. His research areas are distributed precipitation-runoff modeling and Bayesian-based uncertainty assessment in flood forecasting for Chinese basins such as Yellow River and Nen River. In September 2010, Binquan joined the Ecological Engineering program at Desert Research Institute as a visiting scientist. Currently, his research interests at DRI include watershed hydrological model, multi-source precipitation data assimilation and effects of climate variations and human activities on runoff.

Lili Zhao
altI received my Bachelor’s Degree in Hydraulic and hydropower engineering from Agricultural University of Hebei, China in 2008. Afterwards, I continued my further study in a Master-Doctor combined program of Hydrology and water resources at Hohai University. In 2010, through a rigid academia evaluation process organized by the China Scholarship Council, I was awarded as a joint Ph.D student to pursue my study in the Ecological Engineering Program of Desert Research Institute. Currently, my research interests include evaluation on potential climate change impacts on lakes hydrodynamics and water quality. I am also interested in developing coupled hydrological and atmospheric models.

NSF REU Summer Fellows
2013, Elle Law, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
2012, Mary DeVita, Chaminade University of Honolulu
2011, Trea LaCroix, University of Nevada Reno
2009, Christine Simmons, Villanova University
2008, Susan O’Neill, Washington State University

Undergraduate Summer Students
Kristina Hsu, American University Washington D.C.
TreaTrea LaCroix, University of Nevada Reno
Assisting on various research projects, e.g. Tamarisk and Quagga Mussles, and Algae Biofuel projects.

High School Summer Students
Matthew Pohlmann, Coronado High School
Jessica Joseph, Valley High School
Allen Yu, Coronado High School

Restoration
Eutrophication Control of Lake Taihu, China (Joint collaboration with University of Nevada Las Vegas and Hohai University, China)
Vegetation in Flood Control Channels in Southern California (Funded by US Army Corps of Engineers through Engineering Research and Development Center)
altVegetation and Stream Bank Stabilization in Las Vegas Wash (Funded by US Army Corps of Engineers through Engineering Research and Development Center)
Ecological Health of Walker River/Lake (Funded by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and University of Nevada, Reno)
altInvestigating impacts of flow, velocity, and nutrients on Walker River Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Secondary production of Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Non Point Source Pollution in Las Vegas Wash (Funded by Division of Hydrologic Sciences, DRI)
altRemoval of Nutrients and Metal by Constructed and Naturally Occurring Wetlands in Las Vegas (Funded by Southern Nevada Water Authority)
Selenium Management Using Constructed Wetlands in Las Vegas Wash (Funded by Southern Nevada Water Authority)

Hydrology and Climate Change
Impact of Climate Uncertainties on In-stream and Riparian Vegetation (Funded by US Army Corps of Engineers through Engineering Research and Development Center)
Glacier Melt Runoff in the Himalayas and Water Budgeting (Joint Project with Chinese Academy of Science, Institute of Tibetan Plateau, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Ph.D. student supported by Chinese Govt. Fellowship)
altImpact of Climate Change on Lakes (Joint Project with University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Hohai University, China; Ph.D. student supported by Chinese Govt. Fellowship)

Invasive Species
Tamarisk (Salt Cedar)
Biological Control of Tamarisk in Virgin and Lower Colorado Rivers (Funded by US Bureau of Reclamation, Technical Services Center)
Pre and post defoliation temperature change in tamarisk canopies
altLife history characteristics of beetles under high temperature to understand their viability in extreme Southwest temperature
Tamarisk ET Estimation before and after Defoliation by Leaf Beetles (Pending, Water Resources Research Institute, USGS)
altComparison between Native (Western China) and Invasive (Southwestern U.S.) Tamarisks (Joint Project with Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, Japan; Funded by Global Center of Excellence, Government of Japan through ALRC)
Salt dynamics of invasive tamarisks in the Lower Virgin River
Diurnal and temporal patterns of salt secretion from the glands of invasive tamarisks in the Las Vegas Wash
Vertical distribution of fine roots in tamarisk
altMycorrhizal symbiosis on tamarisk roots
Effects of soil nitrogen and salinity on osmolyte accumulation in tamarisk trees
Mechanisms of salt and drought tolerance for plants growing in southwestern US
Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis)
altEcological Impact and Containment (Funded by Water Resources Research Institute, USGS)
Population Distribution in Boulder Basin, Las Vegas Bay and Overton Arm, Lake Mead (Funded by National Park Service, Lake Mead)
Biological Control of Quagga mussel (Funded by Marrone Bio-innovations, Inc. – NSF SBIR sub-contract)
altSurvivorship of Quagga mussel in Tahoe Water (Funded by Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act, Lake Tahoe)
Biological Containment of Quagga mussels (Funded by Division of Hydrologic Sciences, DRI)

Other Projects
C, N Stoichiometric Profile of Desert Soils (Funded by NSF Epscor, seed grant)
Algal Biofuel: Lipid Optimization via Nutrient Management (Funded by Department of Energy through Nevada Renewable Energy Consortium)
Algae to Biofuel – Nutrient Recovery (Pending project: Funded by Department of Energy)

International Projects
China
Glacier Melt Runoff in Nam Cuo Basin, China
Impact of Climate Change on Lakes, Southeastern China
Eutrophication Study of Lake Taihu, China
Japan
Comparison between Native (Western China) and Invasive Tamarisks (Southwestern US)
Nepal
Stream flow trend evaluation in Nepalese Rivers

Bai, X., Acharya, K. (2019) Removal of seven endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from municipal wastewater effluents by a freshwater green alga. Environmental Pollution 247: 534-540.  doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.075.

P., Yu, Z., Yuan, F., Acharya, K. (2019) The Multi-Scale Temporal Variability of Extreme Precipitation in the Source Region of the Yellow River. Water 11(1), 92. doi:10.3390/w11010092.

Bai, X., Acharya, K. (2019) Uptake of endocrine-disrupting chemicals by quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) in an urban-impacted aquatic ecosystem. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 26(1): 250-258.

Jalil, A., Li, Y., Zhang, K., Gao, X., Wang, W., Khan, H.O.S., Pan, B., Ali, S., Acharya, K. (2018) Wind-induced hydrodynamic changes impact on sediment resuspension for large, shallow Lake Taihu, China. International Journal of Sediment Research. doi:10.1016/j.ijsrc.2018.11.003.

Huang, B., Tu, J., Acharya, K., Yan, D. (2018) Effects of water stress and rewatering on growth and photosynthetic parameters of Typha orientalis Presl in coexistence conditions. Desalination and Water Treatment 122: 78-84.

Nwankwegu, A.S., Li, Y., Jiang, L., Lai, Q., Shenglin, W., Jin, W., Acharya, K. (2018) Kinetic modelling of total petroleum hydrocarbon in spent lubricating petroleum oil impacted soil under different treatments. Environmental Technology. doi:10.1080/09593330.2018.1498543.

Jalil, A., Li, Y., Du, W., Wang, W., Wang, J., Gao, X., Khan, H.O.S., Pan, B., Acharya, K. (2018) The role of wind field induced flow velocities in destratification and hypoxia reduction at Meiling Bay of large shallow Lake Taihu, China. Environmental Pollution 232: 591-602.

Feng, Y., Sueki, S., Devitt, D., Acharya, K. (2018) How much water can we save by achieving renewable portfolio standards in the Southwest United States? Water. doi:10.3390/w10030308.

Weng, S., Li, Y., Wei, J., Du, W., Gao, X., Wang, W., Wang, J., Acharya, K., Luo, L. (2018) Study on turbulence characteristics and sensitivity of quadrant analysis to threshold level in Lake Taihu. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. doi:10.1007/s11356-018-1506-4.

Ni, L., Li, D., Rong, S., Su, L., Zhou, W., Wang, P., Wang, C., Li, S., Acharya, K. (2017) Characterization of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) fractions produced by Microcystis aeruginosa under the stress of linoleic acid sustained-release microspheres. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 24(26): 21091-21102.

Li, B., Liang, Z., He, Y., Hu, L, Zhao, W., Acharya, K. (2017) Comparison of parameter uncertainty analysis techniques for a TOPMODEL application. Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment 31(5): 1045-1059. doi:10.1007/s00477-016-1319-2.

Jalil, A., Li, Y., Du, W., Wang, J., Gao, X., Wang, W., Acharya, K. (2017) Wind-induced flow velocity effects on nutrient concentrations at Eastern Bay of Lake Taihu, China. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 24(21): 17900-17911.

Li, Y., Jalil, A., Du, W., Gao, X., Wang, J., Luo, L., Li, H., Dai, S., Hashim, S., Yu, Z., Acharya, K. (2017) Wind induced reverse flow and vertical profile characteristics in a semi-enclosed bay of large shallow Lake Taihu, China. Ecological Engineering 102: 224-233. doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2017.02.022

Li, B., Zhang, J., Yu, Z., Liang, Z., Chen, L., Acharya, K. (2017) Climate change driven water budget dynamics of a Tibetan inland lake. Global and Planetary Change 150: 70-80.

Bai, X., Acharya, K. (2017) Algae-mediated removal of selected pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) from Lake Mead water. Science of the Total Environment 581-582: 734-740.

Gao, X., Li, Y., Tang, C., Acharya, K., Du, W., Wang, J., Luo, L., Li, H., Dai., S., Yu.,Z., Abdul, J., Yu., W., Zhang., S., Bofah-Buoh, R., Jepkirui, M., Lu, X., Pan, B. (2017) Using ADV for suspended sediment concentration and settling velocity measurements in large shallow lakes. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 24(3): 2675-2684. doi:10.1007/s11356-016-8006-1.

Li, Y., Tang, C., Wang, J., Acharya, K., Du, W., Gao, X., Luo, L., Li, H., Dai, S., Mercy, J., Yu, Z., Pan, B. (2016) Effect of wave-current interactions on sediment resuspension in large shallow lakes. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 24(4): 4029-4039. doi:10.1007/s11356-016-8165-0.

Jiang, P., Yu, Z., Gautam, M. R., Acharya, K. (2016) The Spatiotemporal characteristics of extreme precipitation events in the Western United States. Water Resource Management 30(13): 4807-4821. doi:10.1007/s11269-016-1454-z.

Tang, C., Li, Y., Acharya, K. (2016) Modeling the effects of external nutrient reductions on algal blooms in hyper-eutrophic Lake Taihu, China. Ecological Engineering 94: 164-173.

Bai, X., Acharya, K. (2016) Removal of trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, and triclosan by the green alga Nannochloris sp. Journal ofHazardous Matirals 315: 70-75.

Du, W., Li, Y., Hua, L., Wang, C., Wang, P., Wang, J., Wang, Y., Chen, L., Buoh, R. B., Jepkirui, M., Pan, B., Jiang, Y., Acharya, K. (2016) Water Age Responses to Weather Conditions in a Hyper-Eutrophic Channel Reservoir in Southern China. Water 8: 372, doi:10.3390/w8090372

Jiang, P., Yu, Z., Gautam, M.R.,  Yuan, F., Achary, K. (2016) Changes of storm properties in the United States: Observations and multimodel ensemble projections. Global and Planetary Change 142: 41-52.

Cai,Y., Xue, A., Xu, J., Zhang, L., Gong, Z., Acharya, K. (2016) Widespread natural intraspecific variation in tissue stoichiometry of two freshwater molluscs: Effect of nutrient enrichment. Ecological Indicators 66: 583-591.

Ni, L., Li, D., Su, L., Xu., J., Li, S., Ye, X., Geng, H., Wang, P., Li, Y., Li, Y., Acharya, K. (2016) Effects of algae growth on cadmium remobilization and ecological risk in sediments of Taihu Lake. Chemosphere 151: 37-44.

Saito, T., Yasuda, H., Sakurai, M., Acharya, K., Sueki, S., Inosako, K., Yoda, K., Fujimaki, H., Abd Elbasit, M.A.M., Eldoma, A.M., Nawata, H. (2016). Monitoring of stem water content of native and invasive trees in arid environments using GS3 soil moisture sensors. Vadose Zone Journal, DOI: 10.2136/vzj2015.04.0061.

Liebert, R., Huntington, J., Morton, C., Sueki, S., Acharya, K. (2016) Reduced evapotranspiration from leaf beetle induced tamarisk defoliation in the Lower Virgin River using satellite-based energy balance. Ecohydrology. DOI: 10.1002/eco.1623.

Ni, L., Li, D., Hu, S., Wang, P., Li, S., Li, Y., Li, Y., Acharya, K. (2015) Effects of artemisinin sustained-release granules on mixed alga growth and microcystins production and release. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 22: 18637-18644.

Li, B., Zhou, W., Zhao, Y., Ju, Q., Yu, Z., Lian, Z., Acharya, K. (2015) Using the SPEI to access recent climate change in the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin, South Tibet. Water 7: 5474-5486.

Davis, C.J., Ruhmann, E.K., Acharya, K., Chandra, S., Jerde, C.L. (2015) Successful survival, growth, and reproductive potential of quagga mussels in low calcium lake water: Is there uncertainty of establishment risk? PeerJ 3:e1276, DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1276.

Li, Y., Anim, D.O., Wang, Y.,Tang, C., Du, W., Ni, L., Yu, Z., Acharya, K., and Chen, L. (2015) Laboratory simulations of wave attenuation by an emergent vegetation of artificial Phragmites australis: an experimental study of an open-channel wave flume. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management 23: 251-266.

Taniguchi, T., Imada, S., Acharya, K., Iwanaga, F., Yamanaka, N. (2015) Effect of soil salinity and nutrient levels on the community structure of the root-associated bacteria of the facultative halophyte, Tamarix ramosissima, in southwestern United States. Journal of General and Applied Microbiology 61: 193-202.

Mehler, K., Acharya, K., Sada, D. (2015) Spatial and temporal pattern in length-mass regressions of freshwater gastropods in Nevada spring ecosystems. Malacologia 58(1-2): 167-177.

Yu, Z., Jiang, P., Gautam, M., Zhang, Y., Acharya, K. (2015) Changes of seasonal storm properties in California and Nevada from an ensemble of climate projections. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres. DOI: 10.1002/2014JD022414.

Li, Y., Tang, C., Zhu, J., Anim, D.O., Acharya, K. (2015) Parametric uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of hydrodynamic processes for a large shallow freshwater lake. Hydrological Sciences Journal 60(6): 1078-1095, DOI: 10.1080/02626667.2014.948444.

Sueki, S., Acharya, K., Huntington, J., Liebert, R., Healey, J., Jasoni, R., Young, M. (2015) Defoliation effects of Diorhabda carinulata on tamarisk evapotranspiration and groundwater levels. Ecohydrology. DOI: 10.1002/eco.1604.

Li, B., Acharya, K., Yu, Z., Liang, Z., Su, F. (2015) The mass and energy exchange of a Tibetan glacier: distributed modeling and climate sensitivity. Journal of American Water Resource Association 1-13. DOI: 10.1111/jawr.12286.

Tang, C., Li, Y., Jiang, P., Yu, Z., Acharya, K. (2015) A coupled modelling approach to predict water quality in Lake Taihu, China: linkage to climate change projections. Journal of Freshwater Ecology. DOI: 10.1080/02705060.2014.999360.

Imada, S., Matsuo, N., Acharya, K., Yamanaka, N. (2015) Effects of salinity on fine root distribution and whole plant biomass of Tamarix ramosissima cuttings. Journal of Arid Environments 114: 84-90.

Ni, L., Jie, X., Wang, P., Li, S., Wang, G., Li, Y., Li, Y., Acharya, K. (2015) Effect of linoleic acid sustained-release microspheres on Microcystis aeruginosa antioxidant enzymes activity and microcystins production and release. Chemosphere 121: 110-116. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.11.056.

Ni, L., Jie, Z., Wang, P., Li, S., Hu, S., Li, Y., Li, Y., Acharya, K. (2015) Characterization of unsaturated fatty acid sustained-release microspheres for long-term algal inhibition. Chemosphere 120: 383-390. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.07.098.

Li, Y., Du, W., Yu, Z., Tang, C., Wang, Y., Anim, D.O., Ni, L., Lau, J., Chew, S.A., Acharya, K. (2015) Impact of flexible emergent vegetation on the flow turbulence and kinetic energy characteristics in a flume experiment. Journal of Hydro-environment Research 9: 354-367. DOI: 10.1016/j.jher.2014.01.006.

Caldwell, T. J., Rosen, M. R., Chandra, S., Acharya, K., Caires, A. M., Davis, C. J., Thaw, M., Webster, D. (2015) Temporal and basin-specific population trends of quagga mussels on soft sediment of a multibasin reservoir. In Wong, W. H. and Gerstenberger, S. L. (Eds.), Biology and Management of Invasive Quagga and Zebra Mussels in the Western United States, 33-52. New York, NY: CRC Press.

Mehler, K., Acharya, K., Sada, D., Yu, Z. (2015) Factors affecting spatiotemporal benthic macroinvertebrate diversity and secondary production in a semi-arid watershed. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 30: 197-214 DOI: 10.1080/02705060.2014.974225.

Mehler, K., Acharya, K. (2015) Size distribution and nutrient excretion of Melanoides tuberculata in a southern Nevada spring ecosystem. Western North American Naturalist 74(4): 386-395.

Iwanaga, F., Acharya, K., Imada, S., Taniguchi, T., Kawamura, Y., Tanaka, K., Mori, N., Yamamoto, F., Yamanaka, N. (2015) Osmolyte accumulation in leaves of Tamarix ramosissima growing under various soil conditions in the Colorado River basin. Landscape Ecological Engineering 11: 199-207 DOI: 10.1007/s11355-014-0265-8.

Taniguchi, T., Acharya, K., Imada, S., Iwanaga, F., Yamanaka, N. (2015) Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of Tamarix ramosissima along a salinity gradient in the southwestern United States. Landscape and Ecological Engineering 11: 221-225 DOI: 10.1007/s11355-014-0259-6.

Thaw, M., Nicholl, M.J., Acharya, K. (2014) Sensitivity of post-settlement Dreissena rostriformis bugensis to UVB radiation at Earth surface intensity levels. Journal of Great Lakes Research 40: 934-939.

Chen, L., Acharya, K., Stone, M. (2014) Using a mechanical approach to quantify flow resistance by submerged, flexible vegetation – a revisit of Kouwen’s approach. Advances in Water Resources73: 198-202. DOI: 10.1016/j.advwaters.2014.08.014.

Li, Y., Wang, Y., Tang, C., Anim, D.O., Ni, L., Yu, Z., Acharya, K. (2014) Measurements of erosion rate of undisturbed sediment under different hydrodynamic conditions in Lake Taihu, China. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 24: 1235-1244.

Gautam, M., Acharya, K., Shanahan, S.A. (2014) Ongoing restoration and management of Las Vegas Wash: an evaluation of success criteria. Water Policy 16: 720-738. DOI:10.2166/wp.2014.035.

Li, B., Yu, Z., Liang, Z., Acharya, K. (2014) Hydrologic response of a high altitude glacierized basin in the central Tibetan Plateau. Global and Planetary Change 118: 69-84.

Li, B., Liang, Z., Yu, Z., Acharya, K. (2014) Evaluation of drought and wetness episodes in a cold region (Northeast China) since 1898 with different drought indices. Natural Hazards 71: 2063-2085. DOI:10.1007/s11069-013-0999-x.

Li, Y., Anim, D.O., Wang, Y., Tang, C., Du, W., Yu, Z., Acharya, K. (2014) An open-channel flume study of flow characteristics through a combined layer of submerged and emerged flexible vegetation. Ecohydrology 7: 633-647. DOI:10.1002/eco.1384.

Li, Y., Tang, C., Yu, Z., Acharya, K. (2014) Correlations between algae and water quality: factors driving eutrophication in Lake Taihu, China. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 11:169-182.

Lodhi., A. R., Acharya, K. (2014) Detention basins as best management practices for water quality control in an arid region. Water Science and Engineering 7: 155-167.

Saito, T., Tsukumo, M., Elbasit, M. A.,  Yasuda, H., Kawai, T., Matsuo, N., Inosako, K., Acharya, K., Babiker, A., E., Hamd, A. A., and Nawata, H. (2014) Estimation of water sources of invasive tree species in arid environments. Journal of Arid Land Studies 24: 29-32.

Li, Y., Wang, Y., Tang, C., Du, W., Anim, D.O., Yu, Z., Acharya, K. (2014) Flow characteristics in different densities of submerged flixible vegetation from an open-channel flume study of artificial plants. Geomorphology 204: 314-324.

Li, B., Yu, Z., Liang, Z., Song, K., Li, H., Wang, Y., Zhang, W., Acharya, K. (2013) Effects of climate variations and human activities on runoff in the Zoige Alpine wetland in the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering 19: 1026-1035. DOI:10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000868.

Mehler, K., Acharya, K., Sada, D., Yu, Z. (2013) Elemental stoichiometry of basal resources and benthic macroinvertebrates along a land use gradient in a Great Basin watershed. Hydrobiologia 716(1): 115-129.

Imada, S., Acharya, K., Li, Y., Taniguchi, T., Iwanaga, F., Yamamoto, F., Yamanaka, N. (2013) Salt dynamics in Tamarix ramosissima in the lower Virgin River floodplain, Nevada. Trees 27: 949-958.

O’Neill, S., Adhikari, A.R., Gautam, M.R., Acharya, K. (2013) Bacterial contamination due to point and nonpoint source pollution in a rapidly growing urban center in an arid region. Urban Water Journal 10(6): 411-421.

Gautam, M.R., Timilsina, G.R., Acharya, K. (2013) Climate change in the Himalayas: Current state of knowledge. Policy Research Working Paper 6516, The World Bank Development Research Group, Environment and Energy Team.

Imada, S., Taniguchi, T., Acharya, K., Yamanaka, N. (2013) Vertical distribution of fine roots of Tamarix ramosissima in an arid region of southern Nevada. Journal of Arid Environments 92: 46-52.

Acharya, K., Sueki, S., Conrad, B., Dudley, T.L., Bean, D.W., Osterberg, J.C. (2013) Life history characteristics of Diorhabda carinulata under Various Temperatures. Environmental Entomology 42: 546-571.

Conrad, B., Acharya, K., Dudley, T., Bean, D. (2013) Impact of episodic herbivory by the tamarisk beetle in Tamarix ramosissima increases leaf litter nitrogen and stem starch content: a short communication. Journal of Arid Environments 94: 76-79.

Shi, P., Yang, T., Chen, X., Yu, Z., Acharya, K., Xu, C. (2013) Urban water consumption in a rapidly developing flagship megacity of South China: prospective scenarios and implications. Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment 27: 1359-1370. DOI: 10.1007/s00477-012-0672-z.

Ni, L., Acharya, K., Ren, G., Li, S., Li, Y., Li, Y. (2013) Preparation and characterization of anti-algal sustained-release granules and their inhibitory effects on algae. Chemosphere 91: 608-615.

Li, Y., Tang, C., Wang, C., Tian, W., Pan, B., Hua, L., Lau, J., Yu, Z., Acharya, K. (2013) Assessing and modeling impacts of different inter-basin water transfer routes on Lake Taihu and the Yangtze River, China. Ecological Engineering 60: 399-413. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2013.09.067.

Schwaebe, L., Acharya, K., Nicholl, M. (2013) Comparative efficacy of Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (Bivalvia: Dreissenidae) spawning techniques. Aquatic Invasions 8: 45-52.

Ni, L., Acharya, K., Hao, X.Y., Li, S.Y. (2013) Antioxidant and metabolism responses to polyphenol stress in cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B 48: 153-161.

Li, Y., Tang, C., Wang, C., Anim, D.O., Yu, Z., Acharya, K. (2013). Improved Yangtze River Diversions: Are they helping to solve algal bloom problems in Lake Taihu, China? Ecological Engineering 51: 104-116.

Adhikari, A.R., Gautam, M.R., Yu, Z., Imada, S., Acharya, K. (2013). Estimation of root cohesion for desert shrub species in the Lower Colorado riparian ecosystem and its potential for streambank stabilization. Ecological Engineering 51: 33-44.

Stone, M. C., Chen, L., McKay, S. K., Goreham, J., Acharya, K., Fischenich, C., Stone, A. B. (2013). Bending of submerged woody riparian vegetation as a function of hydraulic flow conditions. River Research and Applications 29: 195-205 DOI: 10.1002/rra.1592.

Ni, L., Acharya, K., Hao, X., Li, S., Li, Y., Li, Yi. (2012). Effects of Artemisinin on photosystem II performance of Microcystis aeruginosa by in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 89: 1165-1169.

Hao, W, Tang, C., Hua, L., Acharya, K. (2012) Effects of water diversion from Yangtze River to Taihu Lake on hydrodynamic regulation of Taihu Lake. Journal of Hohai University: Natural Sciences 40: 129-133.

Li, Y., Tang, C., Yu, Z., Acharya, K. (2012). Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of large shallow lake hydrodynamic models. Advances in Water Science 23: 271-277.

Ni, L., Acharya, K., Hao, X., Li, S. (2012). Isolation and identification of an anti-algal compound from Artemisia annua and mechanisms of inhibitory effect on algae. Chemosphere 88: 1051-1057.

Acharya, K., Gautam, M. (2012). Evaluation of bendway weir bank stabilization techniques for stream restoration. International Journal of River Basin Management 10: 171-176.

Imada, S., Acharya, K., Yamanaka, N. (2012). Short-term and diurnal patterns of salt secretion by Tamarix ramosissima and their relationships with climatic factors. Journal of Arid Environments 83: 62-68.

Gautam, M. R., Acharya, K. (2012). Streamflow trends in Nepal. Hydrological Sciences Journal 57: 344-357.

Wang, X., Yang, T., Shao, Q., Acharya, K., Wang, W., Yu, Z. (2012). Statistical downscaling of extremes of precipitation and temperature and construction of their future scenarios in an elevated and cold zone. Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment 26: 405-418, DOI: 10.1007/x00477-011-0535-z.

Chen, L., Stone, M.C., Acharya, K., Steinhaus, K. (2011). Mechanical analysis for emergent vegetation in flowing fluids. Journal of Hydraulic Research 49: 766-774.

Li, Y., Acharya, K., Stone, M. C., Yu, Z., Young, M. H., Shafer, D., Zhu, J., Gray, K., Stone, A., Li, G., Warwick, J. W. (2011). Spatiotemporal patterns in nutrient loads, nutrient concentrations, and algal biomass in Lake Taihu, China. Lake and Reservoir Management 27: 298-309.

Adhikari, A., Acharya, K., Shanahan, S. A., Zhou, X. (2011). Removal of nutrients and metals by constructed and naturally created wetlands in the Las Vegas Valley, Nevada. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 180: 97-113.

Carroll, R. W. H., Memmott, J., Warwick, J. W., Fritsen, C. H., Bonzongo, J. J., Acharya, K. (2011). Seasonal variation of mercury associated with different phytoplankton size fractions in Lahontan reservoir, Nevada. Water, Air and Soil Pollution 217: 221-232.

Li, Y., Acharya, K., Yu, Z. (2011). Modeling impacts of Yangtze River water transfer on water ages in Lake Taihu, China. Ecological Engineering 37: 325-334.

Li, Y., Acharya, K., Chen, D., Stone, M. C. (2010). Modeling water ages and thermal structure of Lake Mead under changing water levels. Lake and Reservoir Management 26: 258-272.

Chen, D., Acharya, K., Stone, M. C. (2010). Sensitivity analysis of nonequilibrium adaptation parameters for modeling mining-pit migration. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering 136: 806-811.

Gautam, M. R., Acharya, K., Stone, M. C. (2010). Best Management Practices for stormwater management in the desert southwest. Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education, Storm water management issue. 146: 39-49.

Gautam, M. R., Acharya, K., Tuladhar, M. K. (2010). Upward trend of streamflow and precipitation in a small, non-snow-fed, mountainous watershed in Nepal. Journal of Hydrology. 387: 304-311.

Acharya, K., Schulman, C., Young, M. H. (2010). Physiological response of Daphnia magna to linear anionic polyacrylamide: Ecological implications for receiving waters. Water, Air and Soil Pollution 212: 309-317.

Simth, A. S., Acharya, K., Jack, J. J. (2009). Overcrowding, food and phosphorus limitation effects on ephipphia production and population dynamics in the invasive species Daphnia lumholtzi. Hydrobiologia 618: 47-56.

Acharya, K., Jack, J. J., Smith, A. S. (2006). Stoichiometry of Daphnia lumholtzi and their invasion success: Are they linked? Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 165: 433-453.

Acharya, K., Bukaveckas, P., Jack, J. J., Kyle, M., Elser, J. J. (2006). Consumer growth linked to diet and RNA – P stoichiometry: Response of Bosmina to variation in riverine food resources. Limnology and Oceanography 51: 1859-1869.

Kyle, M., Acharya, K., Weider, L. J., Looper, K., Elser, J. J. (2006). Coupling of growth rate and body stoichiometry in Daphnia: a role for maintenance processes? Freshwater Biology 51: 2087-2095.

Acharya, K., Jack, J. J., Bukaveckas, P. (2005). Dietary effects on life history traits of riverine Bosmina longirostris. Freshwater Biology 50: 965-975.

Weider, L., Makino, W., Acharya, K., Glenn, K. L., Kyle, M., Urabe, J., Elser, J. J. (2005). Genotype x environment interactions, stoichiometric food quality effects and clonal coexistence in Daphnia pulex. Oecologia 143: 537-547.

Acharya, K., Elser, J. J., Kyle, M. (2004). Effects of stoichiometric dietary mixing on Daphnia growth and reproduction. Oecologia 138: 330-340.

Acharya, K., Elser, J. J., Kyle, M. (2004). Biological stoichiometry of Daphnia growth: An ecophysiological test of the growth rate hypothesis. Limnology and Oceanography 49: 656-665.

Woods, H. A., Makino, W., Cotner, J. B., Hobbie, S., Harrison, J. F., Acharya, K., Elser, J. J. (2003). Temperature and the chemical composition of poikilothermic organisms. Functional Ecology 17: 237-245.

Elser, J. J., Acharya, K., Kyle, M., Cotner, J. B., Makino, W., Markow, T., Watts, T. (2003). Growth rate-stoichiometry couplings in diverse biota. Ecology Letters 6: 936-943.

Asaeda, T., Acharya, K. (2000). Simulations, using a population model of three cladoceran species, Daphnia magna, D. galeata and Bosmina longirostris in a single species and a competition environment. Marine and Freshwater Research 51: 275-288.

Asaeda, T., Acharya, K. (2000). Application of individual growth and population models of Daphnia pulex to Daphnia magna, Daphnia galeata and Bosmina longirostris. Hydrobiologia 421: 141-155.