Jennifer is a Research Hydrologist at the New York Water Science Center
Jennifer Graham currently serves as the harmful algal bloom coordinator for the USGS Water Mission Area. She also represents the USGS on the Interagency Working Group on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia. Jennifer began her career with the USGS in 1999 as a Volunteer for Science working on harmful algal blooms at the Columbia Environmental Research Center. She worked there as a volunteer until 2005, when she became a Hydrologist at the Kansas Water Science Center. Jennifer joined the New York Water Science Center in 2018. She is a nationally recognized expert in cyanobacteria and associated toxins and taste-and-odor compounds. For over two decades Jennifer has conducted research on the environmental factors influencing the occurrence of cyanotoxins in the United States. She has conducted both regional and single system studies at a variety of spatiotemporal scales.
The overarching theme of Jennifer’s research is the spatiotemporal distribution of algae and algal assemblages with respect to changing physical, chemical, and biological conditions in both lentic and lotic ecosystems. Focus areas currently include anthropogenic influences on algal production and community composition, environmental conditions leading to the development of harmful algal blooms, with an emphasis on cyanobacteria, the occurrence, fate, and transport of cyanobacterial toxins and taste-and-odor compounds, and the development of predictive models for the occurrence of cyanobacterial toxins and taste-and-odor compounds. She has a complimentary interest in evaluating and using leading-edge technology, such as continuous water-quality instrumentation and satellite imagery, to improve predictive capabilities for the onset, duration, and decline of harmful algal bloom events. Research efforts include partnerships within the USGS as well as with local, state, and federal agencies and universities.
Education:
PhD in Fisheries and Wildlife with a specialization in Limnology (2004) – University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
MS in Biology with a specialization in Aquatic Ecology (1998) – Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
BS in Environmental Science (1995) – Davis and Elkins College, Elkins, WV
Science and Products
Toxins and Harmful Algal Blooms Science Team
Cyanobacterial Occurrence and Bloom Development in Oligotrophic Adirondack Lakes
NWQP Research on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Harmful Algal Bloom monitoring in the Finger Lakes region, New York
Effects of Wastewater Discharge and Treatment Facility Upgrades on Environmental and Biological Conditions of Indian Creek, Johnson County, Kansas
Laboratory and Field Data for a Performance Evaluation of the PhytoFind, an In-Place Phytoplankton Classification Tool
Cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at twelve large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2019
Phytoplankton identification and biovolume data for field samples from Detroit Lake, Oregon, and Owasco Lake, New York, collected in August 2019 and August 2020
Phytoplankton data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2018
Cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2018
Hyperspectral Characterization of Common Cyanobacteria Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms (ver. 2.0, October 2020)
Phytoplankton Data for Washington Park Lake, New York, September through October 2019
Phytoplankton tally sheet, including photomicrographs, for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
Phytoplankton data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
Cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
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
Sediment Oxygen Demand Data for Eastern Kansas Streams, August 2014 through December 2015
Technical note—Performance evaluation of the PhytoFind, an in-place phytoplankton classification tool
Field techniques for the determination of algal pigment fluorescence in environmental waters—Principles and guidelines for instrument and sensor selection, operation, quality assurance, and data reporting
The use of algal fluorometers by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has become increasingly common. The basic principles of algal fluorescence, instrument calibration, interferences, data quantification, data interpretation, and quality control are given in Hambrook Berkman and Canova (2007). Much of the guidance given for instrument maintenance, data storage, and quality assurance in Wagner and ot
Nonlinear multidecadal trends in organic matter dynamics in Midwest reservoirs are a function of variable hydroclimate
Decision-making for managing harmful algal blooms
A structured decision-making framework for managing cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in New York State parks
Spectral mixture analysis for surveillance of harmful algal blooms (SMASH): A field-, laboratory-, and satellite-based approach to identifying cyanobacteria genera from remotely sensed data
Cyanobacteria, cyanotoxin synthetase gene, and cyanotoxin occurrence among selected large river sites of the conterminous United States, 2017–18
Technical note—Relative variability of selected turbidity standards and sensors in use by the U.S. Geological Survey
Phytoplankton and cyanobacteria abundances in mid-21st century lakes depend strongly on future land use and climate projections
Cyanotoxin occurrence in the United States: A 20 year retrospective
The extent and variability of storm‐induced temperature changes in lakes measured with long‐term and high‐frequency data
Spatial and temporal variability of nutrients and algae in the Republican River and Milford Lake, Kansas, June through November 2017 and May through November 2018
CyAN Field Integrated Exploratory Lakes Database (CyAN FIELD)
Science and Products
- Science
Toxins and Harmful Algal Blooms Science Team
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 Occurrence and Bloom Development in Oligotrophic Adirondack Lakes
Problem Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasingly a global concern because HABs pose a threat to human and ecosystem health and cause economic damages. HABs are a concern in waterbodies used for drinking-water supply and recreation in New York State. Toxins produced by some species of cyanobacteria (called cyanotoxins) can cause acute and chronic illnesses in humans. Aquatic ecosystem health aNWQP Research on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are caused by a complex set of physical, chemical, biological, hydrological, and meteorological conditions. Many unanswered questions remain about occurrence, environmental triggers for toxicity, and the ability to predict the timing, duration, and toxicity of HABs.Harmful Algal Bloom monitoring in the Finger Lakes region, New York
Background: Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasingly a global concern because they pose a threat to human and aquatic ecosystem health and cause economic damages. Cyanobacterial HABs (CyanoHABs) represent a substantial threat to drinking-water supplies, aquatic ecosystem health, and safe recreational uses of freshwater resources in New York. Toxins produced by some species of cyanobacteriaEffects of Wastewater Discharge and Treatment Facility Upgrades on Environmental and Biological Conditions of Indian Creek, Johnson County, Kansas
The purpose of the study is to assess the effects of wastewater discharge and treatment facility upgrades on the environmental and biological conditions of Indian Creek, downstream from the Middle Basin wastewater treatment facility (WWTF). Streamflow, discrete and continuously measured stream-water chemistry, streambed-sediment chemistry, and habitat data will be used to: evaluate differences in... - Data
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 includedCyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at twelve large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2019
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides discretely measured cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected from twelve large river sites throughout the United States, from June through October 2019. Discrete water-quality samples were analyzed for cyanotoxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, and saxitoxin), chlorophyll-a, and cyanPhytoplankton identification and biovolume data for field samples from Detroit Lake, Oregon, and Owasco Lake, New York, collected in August 2019 and August 2020
This dataset contains taxonomic and biovolume data for phytoplankton sampled from Detroit Lake, OR, in August, 2019, and August, 2020. Taxonomy is reported to the lowest possible taxonomic level along with total and percent biovolume. Surface grab samples for phytoplankton enumeration were collected with a van Dorn type sampler and then transferred into a clearn polycarbonate churn. Whole water saPhytoplankton data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2018
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides phytoplankton data for samples collected from eleven large river sites throughout the United States, from June through October 2018. All data are reported as raw calculated values and are not rounded to USGS significant figures. The dataset includes all routine and quality assurance/quality control samples collected as part of a National WatCyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through October 2018
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 October 2018. Discrete water-quality samples were analyzed for cyanotoxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, and saxitoxin), chlorophyll-a, and cyanHyperspectral Characterization of Common Cyanobacteria Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms (ver. 2.0, October 2020)
This dataset is a collection of hyperspectral imagery profiles of 13 common algae associated with Harmful Algae Blooms (HAB). Data were retrieved from a hyperspectral microscope at, and with the cooperation of, the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Samples were collected from USGS water quality sampling efforts, and were also purchased from commercial vendors of biological materialsPhytoplankton Data for Washington Park Lake, New York, September through October 2019
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides phytoplankton data collected from Washington Park Lake, New York, during September through October 2019. All data are reported as raw calculated values and are not rounded to USGS significant figures. This data release was produced in compliance with the open data requirements as a way to make scientific products associated with USGS researcPhytoplankton tally sheet, including photomicrographs, 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 the phytoplankton tally sheet, including photomicrographs, for samples collected from eleven large river sites throughout the United States, from June through September 2017. All data are raw tallies, not calculated abundances or concentrations. The dataset includes all routine and quality assurance/quality control samples collected as partPhytoplankton 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 phytoplankton data for samples collected from eleven large river sites throughout the United States, from June through September 2017. All data are reported as raw calculated values and are not rounded to USGS significant figures. The dataset includes all routine and quality assurance/quality control samples collected as part of a National WCyanotoxin, 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), chlorophyll-a, and cyVelocity 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 onSediment Oxygen Demand Data for Eastern Kansas Streams, August 2014 through December 2015
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides data collected from sediment oxygen demand (SOD) deployments conducted at eight stream sites in eastern Kansas during August 2014 through December 2015. Continuous water-quality monitors were used to measure water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, specific conductance, turbidity, and total algae (chlorophyll-a and phycocyanin) at thirty sec - Multimedia
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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. ResuField techniques for the determination of algal pigment fluorescence in environmental waters—Principles and guidelines for instrument and sensor selection, operation, quality assurance, and data reporting
The use of algal fluorometers by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has become increasingly common. The basic principles of algal fluorescence, instrument calibration, interferences, data quantification, data interpretation, and quality control are given in Hambrook Berkman and Canova (2007). Much of the guidance given for instrument maintenance, data storage, and quality assurance in Wagner and ot
Nonlinear multidecadal trends in organic matter dynamics in Midwest reservoirs are a function of variable hydroclimate
Dissolved organic matter (DOM) and particulate organic matter (POM) can influence biogeochemical processes in aquatic systems. An understanding, however, of the source, composition, and processes driving inland reservoir organic matter (OM) cycling at a regional scale over the long term is currently unexplored. Here, we quantify decadal patterns (> 20 yr) of DOM quantity and composition and POM inDecision-making for managing harmful algal blooms
Cyanobacteria are a global water-quality concern because these organisms can develop into harmful blooms that affect ecologic, economic, and public health. U.S. Geological Survey scientists worked with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to develop a structured decision-making template for managingA structured decision-making framework for managing cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in New York State parks
Cyanobacteria are increasingly a global water-quality concern because of the potential for these organisms to develop into potentially harmful blooms that affect ecological, economic, and public health. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) can lead to a decrease in water quality and affect many of the recreational and ecological benefits of parks that include lakes. The New York State OSpectral mixture analysis for surveillance of harmful algal blooms (SMASH): A field-, laboratory-, and satellite-based approach to identifying cyanobacteria genera from remotely sensed data
Algal blooms around the world are increasing in frequency and severity, often with the possibility of adverse effects on human and ecosystem health. The health and economic impacts associated with harmful algal blooms, or HABs, provide compelling rationale for developing new methods for monitoring these events via remote sensing. Although concentrations of chlorophyll-a and key pigments like phycoCyanobacteria, cyanotoxin synthetase gene, and cyanotoxin occurrence among selected large river sites of the conterminous United States, 2017–18
The U.S. Geological Survey measured cyanobacteria, cyanotoxin synthetase genes, and cyanotoxins at 11 river sites throughout the conterminous United States in a multiyear pilot study during 2017–19 through the National Water Quality Assessment Project to better understand the occurrence of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in large inland and coastal rivers. This report focuses on the first 2 years ofTechnical note—Relative variability of selected turbidity standards and sensors in use by the U.S. Geological Survey
The challenges associated with field measurements of turbidity are well known and result primarily from differences in reported values that depend on instrument design and the resulting need for reporting units that are specific to those designs. A critical challenge for making comparable turbidity measurements is the selection and use of appropriate turbidity standards for sensor calibration. ThePhytoplankton and cyanobacteria abundances in mid-21st century lakes depend strongly on future land use and climate projections
Land use and climate change are anticipated to affect phytoplankton of lakes worldwide. The effects will depend on the magnitude of projected land use and climate changes and lake sensitivity to these factors. We used random forests fit with long-term (1971–2016) phytoplankton and cyanobacteria abundance time series, climate observations (1971–2016), and upstream catchment land use (global ClumondCyanotoxin occurrence in the United States: A 20 year retrospective
Cyanobacterial blooms, and associated cyanotoxin occurrence, are a concern because of the potential harms posed to humans, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystem health. Evidence suggests the magnitude, frequency, and duration of cyanobacterial blooms are increasing, and these events represent a significant challenge to freshwaters and, increasingly, marine waters, worldwide. Cyanobacterial blooms routinThe extent and variability of storm‐induced temperature changes in lakes measured with long‐term and high‐frequency data
The intensity and frequency of storms are projected to increase in many regions of the world because of climate change. Storms can alter environmental conditions in many ecosystems. In lakes and reservoirs, storms can reduce epilimnetic temperatures from wind‐induced mixing with colder hypolimnetic waters, direct precipitation to the lake's surface, and watershed runoff. We analyzed 18 long‐term aSpatial and temporal variability of nutrients and algae in the Republican River and Milford Lake, Kansas, June through November 2017 and May through November 2018
Milford Lake has been listed as impaired and designated hypereutrophic because of excessive nutrient loading, specifically biologically available orthophosphate. It is the largest lake by surface area in Kansas and is a reservoir built for purposes including water supply and recreation. In 2015, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) divided the lake into three zones (Zones A, B, a - Software
CyAN Field Integrated Exploratory Lakes Database (CyAN FIELD)
The Cyanobacteria Assessment Network (CyAN) is a multi-agency project to develop remote sensing technology using satellite data to provide early warnings for cyanobacteria and algal blooms in U.S. lakes and reservoirs. To support remote sensing efforts by CyAN, validating satellite imagery is critical to developing early warning indicators for cyanobacteria and algae blooms. This open access R-scr - News