Ruth Patrick, pioneering ecologist, dies at 105
Ruth Patrick, pioneering ecologist, dies at 105
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ruth Patrick, a scientist whose research on freshwater ecosystems led to groundbreaking ways to measure pollution in rivers and streams, has died. She was 105.
The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University says Patrick died early Monday at The Hill at Whitemarsh retirement community in Lafayette Hill, Pa.
She is credited with creating an approach that assesses the health of a lake, stream or river by evaluating the quantity, diversity and health of its plants, insects, fish and other organisms — not solely examining the chemistry of the water itself.
Patrick also devised a tool to detect water pollution by measuring microscopic algae called diatoms.
She was the recipient of dozens of the nation’s top science awards including the National Medal of Science.