CYANOBACTERIA HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN LOW-NUTRIENT NEW YORK LAKES: COMBINED APPROACHES TO ADDRESS AN EPHEMERAL PHENOMENON

In response to increases in cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in lakes with relatively low nutrient concentrations, the US Geological Survey (USGS) has developed research projects in two areas of New York State (NY). In the Finger Lakes region, USGS conducted a pilot study in collaboration with the state Department of Environmental Conservation to assess traditional and innovative monitoring approaches. The goals were to inform future monitoring strategies and increase the understanding of factors related to the formation and proliferation of cyanoHABs. Monitoring methods included data collection platforms in open water, nearshore mapping surveys, passive samplers, multi-channel fluorescence sensors, imaging flow cytometry, and hyperspectral imagery analysis. USGS research projects being implemented within the Adirondack Park region are using water- and sediment-based methods appropriate to the challenges of capturing episodic cyanoHABs. These include measurement of cyanotoxin synthetase genes and paleolimnological approaches to investigate historical patterns. Results indicate that cyanoHAB detection in low nutrient systems is challenging. However, several lines of evidence converged to help inform observed patterns at the lake surface and within the water column within both regions. For example, two Finger Lake projects indicated the role of the thermocline in cyanotoxin dispersion through the water column. Findings across our NY-focused studies provide tools for managers and lake users to understand drivers and patterns of cyanoHABs in low nutrient systems.

Primary Presenter: Rebecca Gorney, USGS (rgorney@usgs.gov)

Authors:

Rebecca Gorney, USGS  (rgorney@usgs.gov)