Environmental DNA and qPCR data for an algal bloom in Kabetogama Lake, northern Minnesota, 2023

This data release provides phytoplankton and fish environmental DNA (eDNA) and cyanotoxin biosynthesis gene abundance data from an algal bloom at Ash River Boat Docks on Kabetogama Lake (USGS site ID 482603092511801) collected between September 12 and September 13, 2023. Algal bloom samples were collected every three hours over a 24-hour period at two sites, one at the end of a dock and one on the adjacent shoreline. Two quality assurance replicates were collected. Additionally, nine algal bloom samples were collected from an isolated chamber located near the shoreline sampling location in an effort to reduce variability caused by potential wave action in the lake. Phytoplankton and fish assemblage composition was determined through eDNA sequencing techniques using the same filtered algal bloom samples. Phytoplankton eDNA yielded sequences from cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae, while the fish eDNA yielded sequences from mammals and birds in addition to sequences from fish. Cyanotoxin biosynthesis genes for microcystin (mcyE gene), anatoxin (anaC gene), saxitoxin (sxtA gene), and cylindrospermopsin (cyn gene) were quantified.