Many types of algae can cause HABs in freshwater ecosystems. The most frequent and severe blooms typically are caused by cyanobacteria, the only freshwater “algae” with the potential for production of toxins that can adversely affect human health. USGS Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center (OTWSC) scientists studying HAB issues in water bodies throughout the United States, using a combination of traditional methods and emerging technologies. Visit the links below for more information on our data and science.
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHAB) pose a threat to human and aquatic ecosystem health and cause economic damage. Despite advances in scientific understanding of cyanobacteria and associated compounds, many unanswered questions remain about occurrence, environmental triggers for toxicity, and the ability to predict the timing, duration, and toxicity of CyanoHABs. By providing practical applications of cutting edge CyanoHAB research, USGS studies have advanced scientific understanding, enabling the development of approaches to help protect ecological and human health.
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM SCIENCE CAPABILITIES
OTWSC has expertise in a wide variety of harmful algal bloom science applications, including, but not limited to:
- Evaluating the distribution and abundance of bloom-forming algae
- Tracking algal blooms to estimate their persistence and spatial extent
- Evaluating correlations between water quality and harmful algal blooms
- Monitoring real-time, in-lake chlorophyllfluorescence using an in vivo fluorescence sensor to track algal bloom formation
- Documenting algal bloom characteristics using results from phytoplankton analysis to estimate algal biomass estimates and algal species composition
Find out more about OTWSC water-quality science expertise in this printable information sheet.
CURRENT HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM SCIENCE
Projects related to harmful algal bloom science are listed below.
Cyanobacteria Methods
- Overview
Many types of algae can cause HABs in freshwater ecosystems. The most frequent and severe blooms typically are caused by cyanobacteria, the only freshwater “algae” with the potential for production of toxins that can adversely affect human health. USGS Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center (OTWSC) scientists studying HAB issues in water bodies throughout the United States, using a combination of traditional methods and emerging technologies. Visit the links below for more information on our data and science.
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHAB) pose a threat to human and aquatic ecosystem health and cause economic damage. Despite advances in scientific understanding of cyanobacteria and associated compounds, many unanswered questions remain about occurrence, environmental triggers for toxicity, and the ability to predict the timing, duration, and toxicity of CyanoHABs. By providing practical applications of cutting edge CyanoHAB research, USGS studies have advanced scientific understanding, enabling the development of approaches to help protect ecological and human health.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM SCIENCE CAPABILITIES
OTWSC has expertise in a wide variety of harmful algal bloom science applications, including, but not limited to:
- Evaluating the distribution and abundance of bloom-forming algae
- Tracking algal blooms to estimate their persistence and spatial extent
- Evaluating correlations between water quality and harmful algal blooms
- Monitoring real-time, in-lake chlorophyllfluorescence using an in vivo fluorescence sensor to track algal bloom formation
- Documenting algal bloom characteristics using results from phytoplankton analysis to estimate algal biomass estimates and algal species composition
Find out more about OTWSC water-quality science expertise in this printable information sheet.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.CURRENT HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM SCIENCE
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Algal bloom in lake (Public domain.) - Science
Projects related to harmful algal bloom science are listed below.
Cyanobacteria Methods
Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) scientists are testing different methods of detecting and quantifying cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in Texas reservoirs. The results of these tests could be used to develop a cost-effective monitoring plan to evaluate the presence and concentration of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in Texas reservoirs. - Publications