Eutrophication and plankton communities (Cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae) in the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern, Indiana, 2021

The data being released were part of a project funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). This study sought to identify the planktonic communities (cyanobacteria, eukaryotic algae) potentially contributing to eutrophication within the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern (AOC) in northern Indiana along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. In 2021, triplicate water samples were collected from five locations during three events, 4/19/21 and 4/20/21, 7/7/21, and 9/15/21. Water samples were processed and planktonic communities were determined by a DNA-based technology (algal metabarcoding). Sampling locations: 1. Columbia Avenue, Hammond, IN 2. Lake George drainage ditch, Hammond, IN 3. Indiana Harbor Canal at Canal Street in East Chicago, IN 4. Airport Road in Gary, IN 5. Marquette Park Lagoon in Gary, IN