Real-Time Risk Characterization Tool for Harmful Algae Blooms: Ohio River
Citation:
Nietch, C., L. Gains-Germain, AND G. Youngstrom. Real-Time Risk Characterization Tool for Harmful Algae Blooms: Ohio River. ORD Webinar Series, Virtual, OH, November 16, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
In response to two large harmful algae bloom (HAB) events on the Ohio River in 2015 and 2019, a risk characterization tool/web application was developed. The tool has been in use by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission for two bloom seasons, serving to predict the probability of HABs based on river flow conditions and as a water data monitoring utility. The tool is accessible to the public at url: https://orsanco hab.shinyapps.io/shiny ohio river/#
Description:
This presentation will overview the science of large river HABs and the historical data that was used to develop a risk characterization framework and then a probabilistic prediction of HABs for 20 locations spanning the entire length of the Ohio River. Next, a general overview of the web based application will be given, including details about data acquisition, data management, and the underlying statistical models. Finally, perspectives on using the tool to actively monitor the river’s water quality and make decisions about HAB sampling and risk communication will be given by the tool’s primary user.