Toxins and Harmful Algal Blooms Science Team
The Team Identifies Algal Toxins in Surface Waters
Cyanobacterial Bloom on Lake Okeechobee, Florida
The Team Identifies Cyanobacteria Associated with Toxin Production
Gleotrichia shown under a microscope
The Team Advances Method, Sensor, and Model Development
to provide decision support and advanced warning
The Team Improves the Understanding of Algal Toxin Uptake
and if uptake results in adverse effects on wildlife
The Team Develops Advanced Analytical Capabilities
Science Center Objects
The team develops advanced methods to study factors driving algal toxin production, how and where wildlife or humans are exposed to toxins, and ecotoxicology. That information is used to develop decision tools to understand if toxin exposure leads to adverse health effects in order to protect human and wildlife health.
Cyanobacterial blooms, such as the one shown that occurred in 2016 on Lake Okeechobee, Florida, can release toxins. (Credit: Nicholas Aumen, US Geological Survey. Public domain.)
Algal blooms frequently occur in our Nation's water resources and can cause economic, ecologic, and human health concerns. Algal blooms often contain cyanobacteria and other microorganisms, which can produce natural toxins. Yet, the actual health threats posed to the public, pets, livestock, and wildlife by these toxins in water resources used for recreation and drinking water remain poorly understood. Consequently, in order to be protective from potential health risks, rapid decisions are often made by land managers, public utilities and others to limit access to water resources for recreation or drinking water. These decisions are often based largely on a perception of potential risk.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Toxins and Harmful Algal Blooms Research Team works with multiple stakeholders to quantify toxin exposure and effects, identify hazards and vulnerabilities, develop tools to quantify and forecast toxin occurrence and exposure, and estimate socioeconomic impacts. Knowledge gained is used to identify actual versus perceived health risks posed by natural toxins. The team’s approach for understanding health impacts of algal toxins on humans and animals is a sequential process where each step informs the next in the laboratory and in the field. This approach involves teams of USGS scientists working at field sites across the United States, and in collaboration with other scientists to address human health concerns.
Current Science Activities
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Development of methods for measuring cyanotoxins in fish tissues
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Determining the effects of cyanotoxins in fish, including, toxicity, cyanotoxin induced endocrine disruption, sublethal effects, and immunomodulation effects
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Determine bioaccessibility of cyanotoxins from ambient, finished drinking water, and raw and cooked fish in simulated mammalian digestive systems
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Dose-dependent animal toxicity studies for cyanotoxins and in relation to health advisory thresholds
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Nitrogen limitation, toxin synthesis potential, and toxicity of cyanobacterial populations
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Biomarkers and cellular response to acute and chronic cyanotoxin exposure and potential proactive response measures
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Evaluation of commercial personal drinking water purifiers for toxin removal
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Cyanotoxin and algal blooms related health impacts on reserved Federal lands and U.S. Trust species
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The response of harmful algae to atmospheric stimuli and implication for ecosystem and human health
Below are other science teams and laboratories associated with this project.
Algal and Other Environmental Toxins Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas
About the Laboratory
Scientists at the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL) in Lawrence, Kansas, develop and employ targeted and non-targeted analytical methods for identification and quantitation of known and understudied algal/cyanobacterial toxins. Our newly contructed (2019) 2,500 square foot modern laboratory facility has enhanced capabilities for algal...
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Date published: February 10, 2020Status: Completed
Satellite Data Used to Estimate and Rank Cyanobacterial Bloom Magnitude in Florida and Ohio Lakes—Developing Tools to Protect Human and Wildlife Health from Cyanotoxin Exposure
Cyanobacterial bloom magnitude during 2003–11 was quantified and ranked in Florida and Ohio lakes with a newly developed modelling tool that allows for the use of multiple satellite data sources and user-defined thresholds. This tool was designed to identify the magnitude of algal blooms, but one metric alone cannot adequately represent the severity of a bloom of interest in terms of toxicity...
Contacts: Keith A Loftin, Ph.D., Sachi Mishra -
Date published: January 15, 2020Status: Completed
Mixtures of Algal Toxins Present Prior to and After Formation of Visible Algal Blooms—Science to Inform the Timing of Algal Toxin Exposure
Cyanobacteria with toxin-producing potential, genes indicating an ability for toxin synthesis, or cyanotoxins were present before and after formation of a visible algal bloom in Kabetogama Lake, a popular recreation area in Voyageurs National Park that lies along the border of Minnesota and Canada. The temporal patterns observed in this study indicate that sampling only when there is a visible...
Contacts: Victoria Glenn Christensen, Keith A Loftin, Ph.D. -
Date published: November 27, 2018Status: Completed
Understanding Drivers of Cyanotoxin Production in the Lake Okeechobee Waterway
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other researchers combined field and laboratory approaches in two studies to understand the factors that drive cyanobacterial bloom development and associated cyanotoxin production in Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie River and Estuary, and the Indian River Lagoon in response to the large-scale Lake Okeechobee cyanobacteria bloom in 2016.
Contacts: Keith A Loftin, Ph.D. -
Date published: December 19, 2017Status: Completed
Understanding Associations between Mussel Productivity and Cyanotoxins in Lake Erie
Study findings indicate that cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins were not associated with mussel mortality at the concentrations present in Lake Erie during a recent study (2013-15), but mussel growth was lower at sites with greater microcystin concentrations.
Contacts: Keith A Loftin, Ph.D. -
Date published: October 12, 2017Status: Completed
New Method Developed to Quantify Spatial Extent of Cyanobacterial Blooms
This study provides a method for quantifying changes in the spatial extent of cyanobacterial blooms at local and regional scales using remotely sensed data to determine if bloom occurrence and size are increasing or decreasing for inland water resources.
Contacts: Keith A Loftin, Ph.D., Blake Schaeffer -
Date published: June 19, 2017Status: Completed
Satellite Imagery Used to Measure Algal Bloom Frequency—Steps Toward Understanding Exposure Risk
Study explores the utility and limitations of currently available remotely sensed satellite data for identifying the frequency of algal blooms in the Nation's lakes and reservoirs. This information provides a first step toward the goal of understanding exposure risk to protect the health of humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife.
Contacts: Keith A Loftin, Ph.D. -
Date published: June 14, 2017Status: Completed
Cyanobacteria from 2016 Lake Okeechobee Harmful Algal Bloom Photo-Documented
New report provides photographic documentation and identification of the cyanobacteria present in Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee River, and St. Lucie Canal during an extensive algal bloom in 2016.
Contacts: Barry H Rosen, Ph.D, Keith A Loftin, Ph.D. -
Date published: June 13, 2017Status: Completed
Evaluating Linkages Between Algal Toxins and Human Health
The amino acid β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is produced by cyanobacteria and has been suggested by human health researchers as a causal factor for degenerative neurological diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinsonism, and dementia. An objective review concluded that this hypothesis is not supported by existing data.
Contacts: Keith A Loftin, Ph.D.
Below are publications associated with this science team. Get this science team’s complete bibliography.
Characterization of water-quality and bed-sediment conditions in Currituck Sound, North Carolina, prior to the Mid-Currituck Bridge construction, 2011–18
The North Carolina Turnpike Authority plans to improve transportation in the Currituck Sound area by constructing a two-lane bridge—the Mid-Currituck Bridge—across Currituck Sound from the mainland to the Outer Banks, North Carolina. The results of the final environmental impact statement for the project indicate potential water-quality and...
Harden, Stephen L.; Fitzgerald, Sharon A.; Wagner, Chad R.; Bristow, Emilia L.; Loftin, Keith A.; Rosen, Barry H.Mixed organic and inorganic tapwater exposures and potential effects in greater Chicago area, USA
Safe drinking water at the point of use (tapwater, TW) is a public-health priority. TW exposures and potential human-health concerns of 540 organics and 35 inorganics were assessed in 45 Chicago area United States (US) homes in 2017. No US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level(s) (MCL) were exceeded in any...
Bradley, Paul; Argos, Maria; Kolpin, Dana W.; Meppelink, Shannon M.; Romanok, Kristin; Smalling, Kelly; Focazio, Michael J.; Allen, Joshua M.; Dietze, Julie E.; Devito, Michael J.; Donovan, Ariel; Evans, Nicola; Givens, Carrie E.; Gray, James L.; Higgins, Christopher P.; Hladik, Michelle; Iwanowicz, Luke; Journey, Celeste A.; Lane, Rachael; Laughrey, Zachary; Loftin, Keith A.; McCleskey, R. Blaine; McDonough, Carrie A.; Medlock Kakaley, Elizabeth K; Meyer, Michael T.; Holthouse-Putz, Andrea; Richardson, Susan D; Stark, Alan ; Weis, Christopher P.; Wilson, Vickie S.; Zehraoui, AbderrahmanCyanotoxin occurrence in large rivers of the United States
Cyanotoxins occur in rivers worldwide but are understudied in lotic ecosystems relative to lakes and reservoirs. Eleven large river sites located throughout the United States were sampled during June–September 2017 to determine the occurrence of cyanobacteria with known cyanotoxin-producing strains, cyanotoxin synthetase genes, and cyanotoxins....
Graham, Jennifer L.; Dubrovsky, Neil; Foster, Guy; Lindsey R. King; Loftin, Keith; Rosen, Barry; Stelzer, ErinAn overview of bioaerosol load and health impacts associated with dust storms: A focus on the Middle East
Dust storms are an important environmental problem worldwide. The main sources of dust storms include the Sahara, the Middle East, and central and northeastern Asia. Dust storms originating from these regions can be dispersed across oceans and in some cases globally. They occur throughout the year and vary in frequency and intensity. The...
Soleimani, Zahra; Teymouri, Pari; Darvishi Boloorani, Ali; Mesdaghinia, Alireza; Middleton, Nick; Griffin, Dale W.Phytoplankton community and algal toxicity at a recurring bloom in Sullivan Bay, Kabetogama Lake, Minnesota, USA
Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA suffers from recurring late summer algal blooms that often contain toxin-producing cyanobacteria. Previous research identified the toxin microcystin in blooms, but we wanted to better understand how the algal and cyanobacterial community changed throughout an open water season and how...
Christensen, Victoria; Ryan P. Maki; Stelzer, Erin; Norland, Jack E.; Khan, EakalakToward sustainable environmental quality: Priority research questions for North America
Anticipating, identifying, and prioritizing strategic needs represent essential activities by research organizations. Decided benefits emerge when these pursuits engage globally important environment and health goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To this end, horizon scanning efforts can facilitate identification of...
Fairbrother, Anne; Muir, Derek; Solomon, Keith R.; Ankley, Gerald T.; Rudd, Murray A.; Boxall, Alistair B. A.; Adams, William J.; Apell, Jennifer N.; Armbrust, Kevin L.; Blalock, Bonnie J.; Bowman, Sarah R.; Campbell, Linda M.; Cobb, George P.; Connors, Kristin A.; Dreier, David A.; Evans, Marlene S.; Henry, Carol J.; Hoke, Robert A.; Houde, Magali; Klaine, Stephen J.; Klaper, Rebecca D.; Kullik, Sigrun A.; Lanno, Roman P.; Meyer, Charles; Ottinger, Mary Ann; Oziolor, Elias; Petersen, Elijah J.; Poynton, Helen C.; Rice, Pamela J.; Rodriguez-Fuentes, Gabriela; Samel, Alan; Shaw, Joseph R.; Steevens, Jeffery; Verslycke, Tim A.; Vidal-Dorsch, Doris E.; Weir, Scott M.; Wilson, Peter; Brooks, Bryan W.Effects of microcystin-LR on juvenile Lost River suckers (Deltistes luxatus) during feeding trials, Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, 2014−16
Executive SummaryHistorically, populations of Lost River suckers (Deltistes luxatus) of the Upper Klamath Basin were so numerous that they were commercially harvested; however, declining numbers throughout the 20th century led to the listing of the species under the United States Endangered Species Act in 1988. Habitat destruction, poor water...
Martin, Barbara A.; Echols, Kathy R.; Elliott, Diane G.; Feltz, Kevin; Conway, Carla M.; Burdick, Summer M.The presence of antibiotic resistance genes in coastal soil and sediment samples from the eastern seaboard of the USA
Infections from antibiotic resistant microorganisms are considered to be one of the greatest global public health challenges that result in huge annual economic losses. While genes that impart resistance to antibiotics (AbR) existed long before the discovery and use of antibiotics, anthropogenic uses of antibiotics in agriculture, domesticated...
Griffin, Dale W.; Benzel, William M.; Fisher, Shawn C.; Focazio, Michael J.; Iwanowicz, Luke R.; Loftin, Keith A.; Reilly, Timothy J.; Jones, Daniel K.Demonstrating the value of Earth observations—methods, practical applications, and solutions—group on Earth observations side event proceedings
Executive SummaryThe U.S. Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the European Association for Remote Sensing Companies, and the European Space Agency in coordination with the GEOValue Community hosted a side event to the Group on Earth Observations Plenary on October 23–24, 2017, in Washington, D.C. The workshop,...
Pearlman, Francoise; Lawrence, Collin B.; Pindilli, Emily J.; Geppi, Denna; Shapiro, Carl D.; Grasso, Monica; Pearlman, Jay; Adkins, Jeffery; Sawyer, Geoff; Tassa, AlessandraMethods used for the collection and analysis of chemical and biological data for the Tapwater Exposure Study, United States, 2016–17
In 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Environmental Health Mission Area, initiated the Tapwater Exposure Study as part of an infrastructure project to assess human exposure to potential threats from complex mixtures of contaminants. In the pilot phase (2016), samples were collected from 11 States throughout the United States, and in the...
Romanok, Kristin M.; Kolpin, Dana W.; Meppelink, Shannon M.; Argos, Maria; Brown, Juliane B.; Devito, Michael J.; Dietze, Julie E.; Givens, Carrie E.; Gray, James L.; Higgins, Christopher P.; Hladik, Michelle L.; Iwanowicz, Luke R.; Loftin, Keith A.; McCleskey, R. Blaine; McDonough, Carrie A.; Meyer, Michael T.; Strynar, Mark J.; Weis, Christopher P.; Wilson, Vickie S.; Bradley, Paul M.Understanding the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida
In an effort to simulate the survival of cyanobacteria asthey are transported from Lake Okeechobee to the estuarinehabitats that receive waters from the lake, a bioassayencompassing a range of salinities was performed. An overalldecline in cyanobacteria health in salinity treatments greaterthan 18 practical salinity units (psu) was indicated by...
Rosen, Barry H.; Loftin, Keith A.; Graham, Jennifer L.; Stahlhut, Katherine N.; Riley, James M.; Johnston, Brett D.; Senegal, SarenaWater-quality conditions with an emphasis on cyanobacteria and associated toxins and taste-and-odor compounds in the Kansas River, Kansas, July 2012 through September 2016
Cyanobacteria cause a multitude of water-quality concerns, including the potential to produce toxins and taste-and-odor compounds that may cause substantial economic and public health concerns, and are of particular interest in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers that are used for drinking-water supply. Extensive cyanobacterial blooms typically do not...
Graham, Jennifer L.; Foster, Guy M.; Williams, Thomas J.; Mahoney, Matthew D.; May, Madison R.; Loftin, Keith A.The following are the data releases from this science team’s research activities.
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Date published: January 29, 2020
Cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides discretely measured cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected from eleven large river sites throughout the United States, from June through September 2017. Discrete water-quality samples were analyzed for cyanotoxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, and saxitoxin)%2
Attribution: Kansas Water Science Center -
Date published: January 29, 2020
Cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides discretely measured cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected from eleven large river sites throughout the United States, from June through September 2017. Discrete water-quality samples were analyzed for cyanotoxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, and saxitoxin)%2
Attribution: Kansas Water Science Center -
Date published: January 1, 2018
Microcystin, chlorophyll, and cell-count data for assessing the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, July 9 to 17, 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides microcystin, chlorophyll, and cell-count data for assessing the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida. All data are reported as raw measured values and are not rounded to USGS significant figures. Water and algal bloom material were collected from Lake Okeec
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Date published: January 1, 2018
Velocity test data for assessing the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, July 10 to 13, 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides velocity test data for assessing the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, July 10 to 13, 2017. All data are reported as raw measured values and are not rounded to USGS significant figures. Water and algal bloom material were collected from Lake Okeechobee%
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Date published: January 1, 2018
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) screening of extracted sediments for samples collected for the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in subsequent years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed the Sediment-Bound...
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Date published: January 1, 2018
Protein Phosphatase 2A screening of extracted sediments for samples collected for the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015.
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in subsequent years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed the Sediment-Bound...
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Date published: October 26, 2017
Associations between cyanobacteria and indices of secondary production in the western basin of Lake Erie
Cyanobacterial blooms may influence secondary production because 1) cyanobacteria are a poor quality food resource and 2) cyanotoxins may be harmful to consumers. Over three years at 36 sites across the western basin of Lake Erie, we measured 3 indices of secondary production: growth of a native unionid mussel, the size of young-of-year dreissenid mussels, and the mass of animals on an HD...
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Date published: January 1, 2016
Periphyton (1993-2011) and Water Quality (2014) Data for ET&C Article Entitled Spatial and Temporal Variation in Microcystins Occurrence in Wadeable Streams in the Southeastern USA
Spatial reconnaissance of fluvial microcystins (MC) concentrations and select water-quality parameters, including nutrients and periphyton biomass, in 75 wadeable streams in the Piedmont region of the southeastern USA during 2014. Data set includes only those data specifically discussed in the associated journal article: Loftin, K.A., Clark, J.M., Journey, C.A., Kolpin, D.
Attribution: South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Below are news stories associated with this project.
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Date published: June 16, 2016
New Science Challenges Old Assumptions about Harmful Algal Blooms
First-of-its-kind survey shows that algal toxins are found nationwide.
Attribution: Kansas Water Science Center -
Date published: February 17, 2016
Algal Toxins Detected in One-Third of Streams Assessed in Southeastern United States
USGS scientists have detected toxins known as microcystins produced by various forms of algae in 39 percent of the small streams assessed throughout the southeastern United States. Their recent study looked at 75 streams in portions of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.