Looking upstream at a Harmful Algal Bloom filling the river on the Millstone River, New Jersey
Downstream Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins in the Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex, New Jersey
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By New Jersey Water Science Center
September 1, 2022
Harmful algal blooms with cyanotoxin production (CyanoHABs) have been shown to adversely affect water resources worldwide, however only a handful of studies have examined the occurrence and persistence of CyanoHABs in fluvial systems used for municipal water-supply. Of particular concern in New Jersey is the Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex (RBWSC) as it is the water supply for multiple water purveyors, serving more than 1.5 million people. Although CyanoHAB occurrence and persistence has been documented in multiple upstream headwater lacustrine systems within the RBWSC, there is no information regarding potential cyanotoxin transport to the downstream drinking water intakes.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Harmful algal blooms with cyanotoxin production (CyanoHABs) have been shown to adversely affect water resources worldwide, impacting water quality, aquatic ecosystem health, and the safe recreational and consumption uses of freshwater resources. Many larger waterbodies with confirmed CyanoHAB, such as reservoirs, are used directly for drinking water supply and/or they are located within the headwaters of drinking water-supply source watersheds. USGS stakeholders, including water-supply and water-quality, have expressed concern over the lack of information regarding potential and actual cyanotoxin occurrence and transport within these systems. Given the limited information available, there is a need for CyanoHAB research to understand the production, fate and transport of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins from multiple upstream sources with CyanoHAB to downstream drinking water sources.
One system in New Jersey of particular concern is the Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex (RBWSC,) as it is the source water supply for multiple water purveyors and serves more than 1.5 million people. Although CyanoHAB occurrence and persistence was documented in multiple upstream headwater lacustrine systems within the RBWSC, there is no information regarding potential cyanotoxin transport to the downstream drinking water intakes.
Spruce Run Reservoir, a headwater drinking-water reservoir within the RBWSC, has had issues with CyanoHAB blooms in recent years, including one documented in fall of 2018 and an extensive bloom first confirmed in June 2019 that continues to present day (NJDEP, 2022). Similar CyanoHAB conditions have been documented at other headwater lacustrine waterbodies within the RBWSC, Rosedale Lake and Budd Lake, with over-abundant populations of cyanobacteria capable of producing cyanotoxins.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
A comprehensive study by the USGS, New Jersey Water Supply Authority, Montclair State University and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection was initiated in 2020 in the RBWSC to evaluate factors affecting the spatial and temporal variability of cyanotoxin production, occurrence, persistence, and transport from lacustrine sources to downstream fluvial systems used as a drinking water source.
An advanced monitoring strategy was employed over a one-year period (August 2020 - August 2021) that utilized multiple sampling methods to gain insight on rapidly changing water-quality conditions that affect cyanotoxin transport. Traditionally, CyanoHAB monitoring relies on analysis of discrete samples, which provide a “snapshot” of the phytoplankton community and cyanotoxin content at a specific location and point in time, such as daily or weekly. However, lakes and reservoirs are rarely homogeneous and the downstream transport of CyanoHAB from these systems, including concentrations of cyanotoxins and cyanobacterial cell densities, are likely to be affected by many environmental factors. This project will evaluate the results of discrete samples along with other innovative monitoring techniques and tools, such as continuous monitoring and the use of passive samplers, that can provide further insight into the rapidly changing water-quality conditions associated with bloom development and CyanoHAB occurrence.
The main objectives of the study are to:
- Conduct a preliminary assessment of cyanotoxin production, occurrence, and potential transport to drinking-water intakes from upstream sources.
- Evaluate the ability of low-cost passive, time-integrative Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers to capture ephemeral toxin transport that can be missed by routine discrete sampling approaches. Results will further USGS understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the use of passive samplers in addition to – or in place of – more traditional sample collection methods,
- Evaluate changing water-quality conditions that influence cyanotoxin production and transport between CyanoHAB-impacted waterbodies to downstream locations with continuous monitoring instrumentation and discrete samples.
For more information on HABs in New Jersey:
- NJDEP Harmful Algal Bloom Website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/hab/
- NJDEP HAB Interactive Mapping and Communication System: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/wms/bfbm/cyanoHABevents.html
- Freshwater Cyanobacteria of New Jersey: https://sites.google.com/view/njcyanovisualguide/home
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Project Partners:
Kyle Clonan, NJ Water Supply Authority and Montclair State University (Former Student)
Heather A. Desko, NJ Water Supply Authority
Heather A. Heckathorn, USGS Water Mission Area
Pamela A. Reilly, USGS New York Water Science Center
Meiyin Wu, Montclair State University
Lisa G. Carper, USGS New England Water Science Center
Jonathan A. Cohl, USGS New Jersey Water Science Center (Former Employee)
Bradley W. Bjorklund, USGS New Jersey Water Science Center
Molly Hillenbrand, NJ Water Supply Authority and Montclair State University (Former Student)
David Hsu, Montclair State University
Melissa Mazzaro, NJ Water Supply Authority and Montclair State University (Former Student)
Robert Schuster, NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Robert Newby, NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Joshua Rosen, USGS New York Water Science Center
Jennifer Graham, USGS New York Water Science Center
Rebecca Gorney, USGS New York Water Science Center
An Evaluation of SPATT Technology to Assess Cyanotoxins Variability and Transport in the Salem River, New Jersey
As part of the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System the NJWSC is evaluating the use of passive samplers, or Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers, to examine the temporal variability of dissolved cyanotoxin occurrence. These innovative, low-cost, time-integrated passive samplers offer several advantages over current water-column cyanotoxin monitoring techniques. However...
NWQP Research on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are caused by a complex set of physical, chemical, biological, hydrological, and meteorological conditions. Many unanswered questions remain about occurrence, environmental triggers for toxicity, and the ability to predict the timing, duration, and toxicity of HABs.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Algal Bloom on the Millstone
Looking upstream at a Harmful Algal Bloom filling the river on the Millstone River, New Jersey
Deployed Buoy
EMM68 buoy deployed on the Spruce Run Reservoir
EMM68 buoy deployed on the Spruce Run Reservoir
HABs downstream deployment
Scientists setting up a multi-parameter sonde water quality monitor deployment anchored to the streambed and suspended in the center of flow downstream of the outlet at Spruce Run Reservoir.
Scientists setting up a multi-parameter sonde water quality monitor deployment anchored to the streambed and suspended in the center of flow downstream of the outlet at Spruce Run Reservoir.
HABs Deployment
Hydrologist Bradley Bjorklund sharing deployment information with cooperators at an anchored continuous water quality monitor deployment downstream of the outlet at Spruce Run Reservoir
Hydrologist Bradley Bjorklund sharing deployment information with cooperators at an anchored continuous water quality monitor deployment downstream of the outlet at Spruce Run Reservoir
VanDorn Sample
Hydrographers Bradley Bjorklund and Jonathan Cohl splitting a sample collected at Spruce Run Reservoir into sample containers for laboratory analysis.
Hydrographers Bradley Bjorklund and Jonathan Cohl splitting a sample collected at Spruce Run Reservoir into sample containers for laboratory analysis.
Buoy Validation
Hydrologists Jonathan Cohl and Bradley Bjorklund take field comparison readings while preparing for sampling at two depths of the Spruce Run Reservoir to collect discrete water quality samples.
Hydrologists Jonathan Cohl and Bradley Bjorklund take field comparison readings while preparing for sampling at two depths of the Spruce Run Reservoir to collect discrete water quality samples.
Decontamination
Hydrographer Jonathan Cohl sprays down the boat and trailer, used to deploy a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) water quality monitoring buoy on Lake Hopatcong, with a decontamination solution. This is a very important step between missions when vessels are used in multiple bodies of water.
Hydrographer Jonathan Cohl sprays down the boat and trailer, used to deploy a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) water quality monitoring buoy on Lake Hopatcong, with a decontamination solution. This is a very important step between missions when vessels are used in multiple bodies of water.
Harmful algal blooms with cyanotoxin production (CyanoHABs) have been shown to adversely affect water resources worldwide, however only a handful of studies have examined the occurrence and persistence of CyanoHABs in fluvial systems used for municipal water-supply. Of particular concern in New Jersey is the Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex (RBWSC) as it is the water supply for multiple water purveyors, serving more than 1.5 million people. Although CyanoHAB occurrence and persistence has been documented in multiple upstream headwater lacustrine systems within the RBWSC, there is no information regarding potential cyanotoxin transport to the downstream drinking water intakes.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Harmful algal blooms with cyanotoxin production (CyanoHABs) have been shown to adversely affect water resources worldwide, impacting water quality, aquatic ecosystem health, and the safe recreational and consumption uses of freshwater resources. Many larger waterbodies with confirmed CyanoHAB, such as reservoirs, are used directly for drinking water supply and/or they are located within the headwaters of drinking water-supply source watersheds. USGS stakeholders, including water-supply and water-quality, have expressed concern over the lack of information regarding potential and actual cyanotoxin occurrence and transport within these systems. Given the limited information available, there is a need for CyanoHAB research to understand the production, fate and transport of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins from multiple upstream sources with CyanoHAB to downstream drinking water sources.
One system in New Jersey of particular concern is the Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex (RBWSC,) as it is the source water supply for multiple water purveyors and serves more than 1.5 million people. Although CyanoHAB occurrence and persistence was documented in multiple upstream headwater lacustrine systems within the RBWSC, there is no information regarding potential cyanotoxin transport to the downstream drinking water intakes.
Spruce Run Reservoir, a headwater drinking-water reservoir within the RBWSC, has had issues with CyanoHAB blooms in recent years, including one documented in fall of 2018 and an extensive bloom first confirmed in June 2019 that continues to present day (NJDEP, 2022). Similar CyanoHAB conditions have been documented at other headwater lacustrine waterbodies within the RBWSC, Rosedale Lake and Budd Lake, with over-abundant populations of cyanobacteria capable of producing cyanotoxins.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
A comprehensive study by the USGS, New Jersey Water Supply Authority, Montclair State University and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection was initiated in 2020 in the RBWSC to evaluate factors affecting the spatial and temporal variability of cyanotoxin production, occurrence, persistence, and transport from lacustrine sources to downstream fluvial systems used as a drinking water source.
An advanced monitoring strategy was employed over a one-year period (August 2020 - August 2021) that utilized multiple sampling methods to gain insight on rapidly changing water-quality conditions that affect cyanotoxin transport. Traditionally, CyanoHAB monitoring relies on analysis of discrete samples, which provide a “snapshot” of the phytoplankton community and cyanotoxin content at a specific location and point in time, such as daily or weekly. However, lakes and reservoirs are rarely homogeneous and the downstream transport of CyanoHAB from these systems, including concentrations of cyanotoxins and cyanobacterial cell densities, are likely to be affected by many environmental factors. This project will evaluate the results of discrete samples along with other innovative monitoring techniques and tools, such as continuous monitoring and the use of passive samplers, that can provide further insight into the rapidly changing water-quality conditions associated with bloom development and CyanoHAB occurrence.
The main objectives of the study are to:
- Conduct a preliminary assessment of cyanotoxin production, occurrence, and potential transport to drinking-water intakes from upstream sources.
- Evaluate the ability of low-cost passive, time-integrative Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers to capture ephemeral toxin transport that can be missed by routine discrete sampling approaches. Results will further USGS understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the use of passive samplers in addition to – or in place of – more traditional sample collection methods,
- Evaluate changing water-quality conditions that influence cyanotoxin production and transport between CyanoHAB-impacted waterbodies to downstream locations with continuous monitoring instrumentation and discrete samples.
For more information on HABs in New Jersey:
- NJDEP Harmful Algal Bloom Website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/hab/
- NJDEP HAB Interactive Mapping and Communication System: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/wms/bfbm/cyanoHABevents.html
- Freshwater Cyanobacteria of New Jersey: https://sites.google.com/view/njcyanovisualguide/home
---
Project Partners:
Kyle Clonan, NJ Water Supply Authority and Montclair State University (Former Student)
Heather A. Desko, NJ Water Supply Authority
Heather A. Heckathorn, USGS Water Mission Area
Pamela A. Reilly, USGS New York Water Science Center
Meiyin Wu, Montclair State University
Lisa G. Carper, USGS New England Water Science Center
Jonathan A. Cohl, USGS New Jersey Water Science Center (Former Employee)
Bradley W. Bjorklund, USGS New Jersey Water Science Center
Molly Hillenbrand, NJ Water Supply Authority and Montclair State University (Former Student)
David Hsu, Montclair State University
Melissa Mazzaro, NJ Water Supply Authority and Montclair State University (Former Student)
Robert Schuster, NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Robert Newby, NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Joshua Rosen, USGS New York Water Science Center
Jennifer Graham, USGS New York Water Science Center
Rebecca Gorney, USGS New York Water Science Center
An Evaluation of SPATT Technology to Assess Cyanotoxins Variability and Transport in the Salem River, New Jersey
As part of the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System the NJWSC is evaluating the use of passive samplers, or Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers, to examine the temporal variability of dissolved cyanotoxin occurrence. These innovative, low-cost, time-integrated passive samplers offer several advantages over current water-column cyanotoxin monitoring techniques. However...
NWQP Research on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are caused by a complex set of physical, chemical, biological, hydrological, and meteorological conditions. Many unanswered questions remain about occurrence, environmental triggers for toxicity, and the ability to predict the timing, duration, and toxicity of HABs.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Algal Bloom on the Millstone
Looking upstream at a Harmful Algal Bloom filling the river on the Millstone River, New Jersey
Looking upstream at a Harmful Algal Bloom filling the river on the Millstone River, New Jersey
Deployed Buoy
EMM68 buoy deployed on the Spruce Run Reservoir
EMM68 buoy deployed on the Spruce Run Reservoir
HABs downstream deployment
Scientists setting up a multi-parameter sonde water quality monitor deployment anchored to the streambed and suspended in the center of flow downstream of the outlet at Spruce Run Reservoir.
Scientists setting up a multi-parameter sonde water quality monitor deployment anchored to the streambed and suspended in the center of flow downstream of the outlet at Spruce Run Reservoir.
HABs Deployment
Hydrologist Bradley Bjorklund sharing deployment information with cooperators at an anchored continuous water quality monitor deployment downstream of the outlet at Spruce Run Reservoir
Hydrologist Bradley Bjorklund sharing deployment information with cooperators at an anchored continuous water quality monitor deployment downstream of the outlet at Spruce Run Reservoir
VanDorn Sample
Hydrographers Bradley Bjorklund and Jonathan Cohl splitting a sample collected at Spruce Run Reservoir into sample containers for laboratory analysis.
Hydrographers Bradley Bjorklund and Jonathan Cohl splitting a sample collected at Spruce Run Reservoir into sample containers for laboratory analysis.
Buoy Validation
Hydrologists Jonathan Cohl and Bradley Bjorklund take field comparison readings while preparing for sampling at two depths of the Spruce Run Reservoir to collect discrete water quality samples.
Hydrologists Jonathan Cohl and Bradley Bjorklund take field comparison readings while preparing for sampling at two depths of the Spruce Run Reservoir to collect discrete water quality samples.
Decontamination
Hydrographer Jonathan Cohl sprays down the boat and trailer, used to deploy a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) water quality monitoring buoy on Lake Hopatcong, with a decontamination solution. This is a very important step between missions when vessels are used in multiple bodies of water.
Hydrographer Jonathan Cohl sprays down the boat and trailer, used to deploy a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) water quality monitoring buoy on Lake Hopatcong, with a decontamination solution. This is a very important step between missions when vessels are used in multiple bodies of water.