Buckeye Lake at Crystal Beach, OH; Chris Ecker and Carrie Hitger measuring water quality parameters.
Donna Francy (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Using models to estimate microcystin concentrations in Ohio recreational and source waters
Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs)
Ohio Microbiology Program - Home
Biodegradation Of Microcystins In Lake Erie Source Waters And Filters From Drinking-Water Plants
Using New Tools To Better Understand And Predict Harmful Cyanobacterial Algal blooms (HABs) At Ohio Lake Erie And Inland Beaches
Evaluation Of Wastewater Treatments To Reduce Nutrient Transport From Land Application Of Dairy Manure
USGS Study Identifies Factors Related to Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms
Developing and Implementing Predictive Models for Estimating Recreational Water Quality at Great Lakes Beaches
Microcosm experiment data of microcystin-degrading bacteria in Lake Erie source waters and drinking-water plants, 2015-18
Data for multiple linear regression models for estimating Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentrations or the probability of exceeding the bathing-water standard at recreational sites in Ohio and Pennsylvania as part of the Great Lakes NowCast, 2019
Data for multiple linear regression models for predicting microcystin concentration action-level exceedances in selected lakes in Ohio
Buckeye Lake at Crystal Beach, OH; Chris Ecker and Carrie Hitger measuring water quality parameters.
As schools close for the year and summer weather beckons, many recreationalists head to the Great Lakes' public beaches. However, these coastal areas can become contaminated with disease-causing bacteria that threaten public health, disrupt water recreation, and pay a toll on the Great Lakes economies that depend on summer tourism.
As schools close for the year and summer weather beckons, many recreationalists head to the Great Lakes' public beaches. However, these coastal areas can become contaminated with disease-causing bacteria that threaten public health, disrupt water recreation, and pay a toll on the Great Lakes economies that depend on summer tourism.
Isolation and identification of microcystin-degrading bacteria in Lake Erie source waters and drinking-water plant sand filters
Predicting microcystin concentration action-level exceedances resulting from cyanobacterial blooms in selected lake sites in Ohio
Nowcasting methods for determining microbiological water quality at recreational beaches and drinking-water source waters
Pilot-scale testing of dairy manure treatments to reduce nutrient transport from land application, northwest Ohio, 2015–17
Real-time assessments of water quality—A nowcast for Escherichia coli and cyanobacterial toxins
Estimating microcystin levels at recreational sites in western Lake Erie and Ohio
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) and associated toxins, such as microcystin, are a major global water-quality issue. Water-resource managers need tools to quickly predict when and where toxin-producing cyanoHABs will occur. This could be done by using site-specific models that estimate the potential for elevated toxin concentrations that cause public health concerns. With this study
Water Quality, Cyanobacteria, and Environmental Factors and Their Relations to Microcystin Concentrations for Use in Predictive Models at Ohio Lake Erie and Inland Lake Recreational Sites, 2013-14
Harmful cyanobacterial “algal” blooms (cyanoHABs) and associated toxins, such as microcystin, are a major water-quality issue for Lake Erie and inland lakes in Ohio. Predicting when and where a bloom may occur is important to protect the public that uses and consumes a water resource; however, predictions are complicated and likely site specific because of the many factors affecting toxin producti
Developing and implementing the use of predictive models for estimating water quality at Great Lakes beaches
Predictive models have been used at beaches to improve the timeliness and accuracy of recreational water-quality assessments over the most common current approach to water-quality monitoring, which relies on culturing fecal-indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli.). Beach-specific predictive models use environmental and water-quality variables that are easily and quickly measured as s
Reply to “Ranking filter methods for concentrating pathogens in lake water”
Comparing rapid and culture indicator bacteria methods at inland lake beaches
Predictive models for Escherichia coli concentrations at inland lake beaches and relationship of model variables to pathogen detection
Comparison of filters for concentrating microbial indicators and pathogens in lake-water samples
Science and Products
- Science
Using models to estimate microcystin concentrations in Ohio recreational and source waters
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) and associated toxins, such as microcystin, are a major global water-quality issue. In Lake Erie and inland lakes in Ohio, elevated microcystin concentrations have caused water-resource managers to issue recreational water-quality advisories, and detections of microcystin in source waters have caused drinking-water plant managers to increase...Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs)
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasingly a global concern because HABs pose a threat to human and aquatic ecosystem health and cause economic damages. Toxins produced by some species of cyanobacteria (called cyanotoxins) can cause acute and chronic illnesses in humans and pets. Aquatic ecosystem health also is affected by cyanotoxins, as well as low dissolved oxygen...Ohio Microbiology Program - Home
The U.S. Geological Survey MI-OH Water Science Center Microbiology Laboratories in Lansing, Michigan and Columbus, Ohio address water-related public-health concerns across the Nation using traditional and cutting-edge analytical approaches. The laboratories work with government agencies, academic institution, and regional and local partners to study the processes and anthropogenic influences that...Biodegradation Of Microcystins In Lake Erie Source Waters And Filters From Drinking-Water Plants
Harmful cyanobacterial “algal” blooms (cyanoHABs) and associated toxins, such as microcystin, are a major global water-quality issue. In Lake Erie, researchers and local health officials have identified the presence of cyanobacterial blooms during the summer and early fall seasons. This is especially pronounced in the Lake Erie Western Basin, where the City of Toledo was forced to issue a do-not...Using New Tools To Better Understand And Predict Harmful Cyanobacterial Algal blooms (HABs) At Ohio Lake Erie And Inland Beaches
In Ohio, local health officials and state agencies have identified the presence toxins associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by cyanobacteria during the summer and early fall seasons at recreational and water-supply lakes. The USGS, in cooperation with partner organizations, is monitoring recreational beaches and swimming areas in Ohio to better understand the link between...Evaluation Of Wastewater Treatments To Reduce Nutrient Transport From Land Application Of Dairy Manure
The USGS is collaborating with Bowling Green State University; The Ohio State University Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), Northwest Agricultural Research Station; and the Village of Ottawa, Ohio to develop, optimize, field test, and document environmental benefits of a low cost dewatering treatment process for transforming dairy CAFO manure into a form that will greatly reduce...USGS Study Identifies Factors Related to Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists identified water-quality and environmental factors related to cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms at beaches in Ohio. This information was collected as part of a long-term plan to develop site-specific predictive models for microcystin concentrations.Developing and Implementing Predictive Models for Estimating Recreational Water Quality at Great Lakes Beaches
The Great Lakes Restoration initiative (GLRI) template #77 (Beach Recreation Water Quality) in cooperation with 23 local and state agencies expanded the use of predictive modeling at 45 beaches throughout the Great Lakes (fig 1). Local agencies measure fecal-indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli.) along with easily obtained environmental variables used as surrogates to estimate conc - Data
Microcosm experiment data of microcystin-degrading bacteria in Lake Erie source waters and drinking-water plants, 2015-18
In 2015-2018, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative investigated the biodegradation of microcystins in source waters and sand filters from drinking-water plants in the Western Lake Erie Basin. Four source waters and three sand filtrate samples were collected from the intakes and sand filters of Lake Erie drData for multiple linear regression models for estimating Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentrations or the probability of exceeding the bathing-water standard at recreational sites in Ohio and Pennsylvania as part of the Great Lakes NowCast, 2019
Site-specific multiple linear regression models were developed for one beach in Ohio (three discrete sampling sites) and one beach in Pennsylvania to estimate concentrations of Escherichia coli (E. coli) or the probability of exceeding the bathing-water standard for E. coli in recreational waters used by the public. Traditional culture-based methods are commonly used to estimate concentrations ofData for multiple linear regression models for predicting microcystin concentration action-level exceedances in selected lakes in Ohio
Site-specific multiple linear regression models were developed for eight sites in Ohio-six in the Western Lake Erie Basin and two in northeast Ohio on inland reservoirs--to quickly predict action-level exceedances for a cyanotoxin, microcystin, in recreational and drinking waters used by the public. Real-time models include easily- or continuously-measured factors that do not require that a sample - Multimedia
Buckeye Lake
Buckeye Lake at Crystal Beach, OH; Chris Ecker and Carrie Hitger measuring water quality parameters.
Buckeye Lake at Crystal Beach, OH; Chris Ecker and Carrie Hitger measuring water quality parameters.
Ohio NowcastAs schools close for the year and summer weather beckons, many recreationalists head to the Great Lakes' public beaches. However, these coastal areas can become contaminated with disease-causing bacteria that threaten public health, disrupt water recreation, and pay a toll on the Great Lakes economies that depend on summer tourism.
As schools close for the year and summer weather beckons, many recreationalists head to the Great Lakes' public beaches. However, these coastal areas can become contaminated with disease-causing bacteria that threaten public health, disrupt water recreation, and pay a toll on the Great Lakes economies that depend on summer tourism.
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 46
Isolation and identification of microcystin-degrading bacteria in Lake Erie source waters and drinking-water plant sand filters
The increasing prevalence of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms and the toxins they produce is a global water-quality issue. In the Western Basin of Lake Erie, high microcystin concentrations have led to water-quality advisories, process adjustments for treating drinking water, and increased water-quality monitoring. Biodegradation is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to reduce cAuthorsDonna S. Francy, Jessica R. Cicale, Erin A. Stelzer, Dane C. Reano, Christopher D. EckerPredicting microcystin concentration action-level exceedances resulting from cyanobacterial blooms in selected lake sites in Ohio
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms and the toxins they produce are a global water-quality problem. Monitoring and prediction tools are needed to quickly predict cyanotoxin action-level exceedances in recreational and drinking waters used by the public. To address this need, data were collected at eight locations in Ohio, USA, to identify factors significantly related to observed concentrations ofAuthorsDonna S. Francy, Amie M.G. Brady, Erin A. Stelzer, Jessica R. Cicale, Courtney Paige Hackney, Harrison D Dalby, Pamela Struffolino, Daryl F. DwyerNowcasting methods for determining microbiological water quality at recreational beaches and drinking-water source waters
Nowcasts are tools used to provide timely and accurate water-quality assessments of threats to drinking-water and recreational resources from fecal contamination or cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms. They use mathematical models and techniques to provide near-real-time estimates of fecal-indicator bacteria (FIB) and cyanotoxin concentrations. Techniques include logic-based thresholds, decision tAuthorsDonna S. Francy, Amie M.G. Brady, Jessica R. Cicale, Harrison D Dalby, Erin A. StelzerPilot-scale testing of dairy manure treatments to reduce nutrient transport from land application, northwest Ohio, 2015–17
Manure and wastewater from large livestock operations have the potential to negatively affect surface water and groundwater, including the eutrophication of surface waters and harmful algal blooms. In the Western Lake Erie Basin, where there is a high density of animal agriculture, harmful algal blooms have been attributed, in part, to phosphorus loading from dairy manure and fertilizer applicatioAuthorsDonna S. Francy, Amie M.G. Brady, Bethany L. Ash, W. Robert MiddenReal-time assessments of water quality—A nowcast for Escherichia coli and cyanobacterial toxins
Threats to our recreational and drinking waters include disease-causing (pathogenic) organisms from fecal contamination and toxins produced by some species of cyanobacteria (cyanotoxins) that can cause acute and (or) chronic illnesses. Because traditional laboratory methods for detecting these threats take too long for prompt public health protection, tools for real-time assessments are needed toAuthorsDonna S. Francy, Amie M.G. Brady, Tammy M. ZimmermanEstimating microcystin levels at recreational sites in western Lake Erie and Ohio
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) and associated toxins, such as microcystin, are a major global water-quality issue. Water-resource managers need tools to quickly predict when and where toxin-producing cyanoHABs will occur. This could be done by using site-specific models that estimate the potential for elevated toxin concentrations that cause public health concerns. With this study
AuthorsDonna S. Francy, Amie M.G. Brady, Christopher D. Ecker, Jennifer L. Graham, Erin A. Stelzer, Pamela Struffolino, Keith A. LoftinWater Quality, Cyanobacteria, and Environmental Factors and Their Relations to Microcystin Concentrations for Use in Predictive Models at Ohio Lake Erie and Inland Lake Recreational Sites, 2013-14
Harmful cyanobacterial “algal” blooms (cyanoHABs) and associated toxins, such as microcystin, are a major water-quality issue for Lake Erie and inland lakes in Ohio. Predicting when and where a bloom may occur is important to protect the public that uses and consumes a water resource; however, predictions are complicated and likely site specific because of the many factors affecting toxin producti
AuthorsDonna S. Francy, Jennifer L. Graham, Erin A. Stelzer, Christopher D. Ecker, Amie M.G. Brady, Pam Struffolino, Keith A. LoftinDeveloping and implementing the use of predictive models for estimating water quality at Great Lakes beaches
Predictive models have been used at beaches to improve the timeliness and accuracy of recreational water-quality assessments over the most common current approach to water-quality monitoring, which relies on culturing fecal-indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli.). Beach-specific predictive models use environmental and water-quality variables that are easily and quickly measured as s
AuthorsDonna S. Francy, Amie M. G. Brady, Rebecca B. Carvin, Steven R. Corsi, Lori M. Fuller, John H. Harrison, Brett A. Hayhurst, Jeremiah Lant, Meredith B. Nevers, Paul J. Terrio, Tammy M. ZimmermanReply to “Ranking filter methods for concentrating pathogens in lake water”
Accurately comparing filtration methods is indeed difficult. Our method (1) and the method described by Borchardt et al. for determining recoveries are both acceptable approaches; however, each is designed to achieve a different research goal. Our study was designed to compare recoveries of multiple microorganisms in surface-water samples. Because, in practice, water-matrix effects come into playAuthorsRebecca N. Bushon, Donna S. Francy, Vicente J. Gallardo, H.D. Alan Lindquist, Eric N. Villegas, Michael W. WareComparing rapid and culture indicator bacteria methods at inland lake beaches
A rapid method, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), for quantifying indicator bacteria in recreational waters is desirable for public health protection. We report that replacing current Escherichia coli standards with new US Environmental Protection Agency beach action values (BAVs) for enterococci by culture or qPCR may result in more advisories being posted at inland recreational lakeAuthorsDonna S. Francy, Rebecca N. Bushon, Amie M. G. Brady, Christopher M. KephartPredictive models for Escherichia coli concentrations at inland lake beaches and relationship of model variables to pathogen detection
Predictive models, based on environmental and water quality variables, have been used to improve the timeliness and accuracy of recreational water quality assessments, but their effectiveness has not been studied in inland waters. Sampling at eight inland recreational lakes in Ohio was done in order to investigate using predictive models for Escherichia coli and to understand the links between E.AuthorsDonna S. Francy, Erin A. Stelzer, Joseph W. Duris, Amie M. G. Brady, John H. Harrison, Heather E. Johnson, Michael W. WareComparison of filters for concentrating microbial indicators and pathogens in lake-water samples
Bacterial indicators are used to indicate increased health risk from pathogens and to make beach closure and advisory decisions; however, beaches are seldom monitored for the pathogens themselves. Studies of sources and types of pathogens at beaches are needed to improve estimates of swimming-associated health risks. It would be advantageous and cost-effective, especially for studies conducted onAuthorsDonna S. Francy, Erin A. Stelzer, Amie M. G. Brady, Carrie Huitger, Rebecca N. Bushon, Hon S. Ip, Michael W. Ware, Eric N. Villegas, Vincent Gallardo, H.D. Alan Lindquist