Brett D Johnston
Brett D. Johnston began his career with the USGS in 2007. He has a B.S. degree in Environmental Science from the University of Central Florida. For over a decade, his studies have been focused on evaluating and using next-generation observing systems, such as those utilizing hydroacoustic or optical (attenuation, absorbance, and fluorescence) technologies, to advance the understanding of spatiotemporal dynamics in nutrients and phytoplankton communities. Presently, Brett's research centers on utilizing continuous water-quality and environmental sensors to enhance predictive capabilities for harmful algal bloom events.
Science and Products
Field Data for an Evaluation of Sensors for Continuous Monitoring of Harmful Algal Blooms in the Finger Lakes Region, New York, 2018 - 2020
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains meteorological, water temperature, light (photosynthetically active radiation and illumination), and multichannel fluorescence sensor data from the Finger Lakes Region of New York, during the fall of 2018 and the summer and fall of 2019 and 2020. It also includes all sensor data and associated discrete sample data, at the near surface (top),
Meteorological Data from Great South Bay at Watch Hill on Fire Island, New York, 2017 to 2022
This data release contains meteorological sensor data (6-minute intervals) collected at Great South Bay at Watch Hill on Fire Island (USGS station number, 01305575), New York, from 2017 to 2022. Measured parameters include: air pressure, air temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, solar radiation, wind direction and speed, and wind-gust direction and speed. Data users are encouraged to revi
Laboratory and Field Data for a Performance Evaluation of the PhytoFind, an In-Place Phytoplankton Classification Tool
This data release presents the laboratory and field results of a performance evaluation conducted on the Turner Designs, Inc., PhytoFind, an in-place phytoplankton classification tool. The laboratory evaluation included tests that were designed to characterize PhytoFind performance under a range of conditions that may affect phytoplankton fluorescence and sensor response. Laboratory tests included
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 Okeechobee, Flor
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, Florida on
Evaluation of sensors for continuous monitoring of harmful algal blooms in the Finger Lakes region, New York, 2019 and 2020
In response to the increasing frequency of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, a pilot study by the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, was conducted to enhance CyanoHAB monitoring and understanding. High-frequency sensors were deployed on open water monitoring-station p
Authors
Brett D. Johnston, Kaitlyn M. Finkelstein, Sabina R. Gifford, Michael D. Stouder, Elizabeth A. Nystrom, Philip Savoy, Joshua J. Rosen, Matthew B. Jennings
Technical note—Performance evaluation of the PhytoFind, an in-place phytoplankton classification tool
In 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey evaluated the performance of the Turner Designs, Inc. PhytoFind, an in-place phytoplankton classification tool. The sensor was tested with sample blanks, monoculture and mixed phytoplankton cultures, and turbidity challenges in a laboratory, and was tested on a 120-mile survey of the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers in Florida, including Lake Okeechobee. Resu
Authors
Brett D. Johnston, Jennifer L. Graham, Guy M. Foster, Bryan D. Downing
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 loss ofcell membrane integrity based on SYTOX® Green
Authors
Barry H. Rosen, Keith A. Loftin, Jennifer L. Graham, Katherine N. Stahlhut, James M. Riley, Brett D. Johnston, Sarena Senegal
Science and Products
Field Data for an Evaluation of Sensors for Continuous Monitoring of Harmful Algal Blooms in the Finger Lakes Region, New York, 2018 - 2020
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains meteorological, water temperature, light (photosynthetically active radiation and illumination), and multichannel fluorescence sensor data from the Finger Lakes Region of New York, during the fall of 2018 and the summer and fall of 2019 and 2020. It also includes all sensor data and associated discrete sample data, at the near surface (top),
Meteorological Data from Great South Bay at Watch Hill on Fire Island, New York, 2017 to 2022
This data release contains meteorological sensor data (6-minute intervals) collected at Great South Bay at Watch Hill on Fire Island (USGS station number, 01305575), New York, from 2017 to 2022. Measured parameters include: air pressure, air temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, solar radiation, wind direction and speed, and wind-gust direction and speed. Data users are encouraged to revi
Laboratory and Field Data for a Performance Evaluation of the PhytoFind, an In-Place Phytoplankton Classification Tool
This data release presents the laboratory and field results of a performance evaluation conducted on the Turner Designs, Inc., PhytoFind, an in-place phytoplankton classification tool. The laboratory evaluation included tests that were designed to characterize PhytoFind performance under a range of conditions that may affect phytoplankton fluorescence and sensor response. Laboratory tests included
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 Okeechobee, Flor
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, Florida on
Evaluation of sensors for continuous monitoring of harmful algal blooms in the Finger Lakes region, New York, 2019 and 2020
In response to the increasing frequency of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, a pilot study by the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, was conducted to enhance CyanoHAB monitoring and understanding. High-frequency sensors were deployed on open water monitoring-station p
Authors
Brett D. Johnston, Kaitlyn M. Finkelstein, Sabina R. Gifford, Michael D. Stouder, Elizabeth A. Nystrom, Philip Savoy, Joshua J. Rosen, Matthew B. Jennings
Technical note—Performance evaluation of the PhytoFind, an in-place phytoplankton classification tool
In 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey evaluated the performance of the Turner Designs, Inc. PhytoFind, an in-place phytoplankton classification tool. The sensor was tested with sample blanks, monoculture and mixed phytoplankton cultures, and turbidity challenges in a laboratory, and was tested on a 120-mile survey of the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers in Florida, including Lake Okeechobee. Resu
Authors
Brett D. Johnston, Jennifer L. Graham, Guy M. Foster, Bryan D. Downing
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 loss ofcell membrane integrity based on SYTOX® Green
Authors
Barry H. Rosen, Keith A. Loftin, Jennifer L. Graham, Katherine N. Stahlhut, James M. Riley, Brett D. Johnston, Sarena Senegal