Using New Tools To Better Understand And Predict Harmful Cyanobacterial Algal blooms (HABs) At Ohio Lake Erie And Inland Beaches
In Ohio, local health officials and state agencies have identified the presence toxins associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by cyanobacteria during the summer and early fall seasons at recreational and water-supply lakes. The USGS, in cooperation with partner organizations, is monitoring recreational beaches and swimming areas in Ohio to better understand the link between cyanobacteria community structure, environmental and water-quality factors, and bloom toxicity. Samples are analyzed for physical water-quality characteristics, concentrations of nutrients and cyanotoxins, and phytoplankton abundance and community structure. Two new analytical methods will be tested for possible inclusion in an early warning system for toxin production: (1) chlorophyll and phycocyanin concentration measured by optical sensors and (2) cyanobacterial genetic structure, including the presence of toxin genes, determined with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
Below are partners associated with this project.
In Ohio, local health officials and state agencies have identified the presence toxins associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by cyanobacteria during the summer and early fall seasons at recreational and water-supply lakes. The USGS, in cooperation with partner organizations, is monitoring recreational beaches and swimming areas in Ohio to better understand the link between cyanobacteria community structure, environmental and water-quality factors, and bloom toxicity. Samples are analyzed for physical water-quality characteristics, concentrations of nutrients and cyanotoxins, and phytoplankton abundance and community structure. Two new analytical methods will be tested for possible inclusion in an early warning system for toxin production: (1) chlorophyll and phycocyanin concentration measured by optical sensors and (2) cyanobacterial genetic structure, including the presence of toxin genes, determined with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
Below are partners associated with this project.