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The Influence and Contribution of Reservoirs on the Downstream Distribution of Algal Toxins in Two River Systems
Citation:
Mash, H., M. McNeely, AND J. Lu. The Influence and Contribution of Reservoirs on the Downstream Distribution of Algal Toxins in Two River Systems. 13th National Monitoring Conference, Virginia Beach, VA, April 24 - 28, 2023.
Impact/Purpose:
Algal blooms are a natural component of aquatic ecosystems. However, these are often composed of microorganisms known as cyanobacteria, which may produce toxins that can pose a significant threat to human, animal and ecological health through the contamination of waterways used for recreational purposes as well as drinking water supplies
Description:
Cyanobacteria can be found in a wide range of water sources, including ponded sources (i.e. lakes and ponds) as well as in rivers and streams where the water flow is much greater. However, it is not well understood how upstream catchments found within in a river system can influence the overall dynamics in the distribution of both cyanobacteria and their toxins. A key question is if cyanobacteria and their toxins produced within the catchment can influence and ultimately migrate downstream. In addition, does the cyanobacteria population and toxin distribution change due to other factors. This research will investigate the influence of an upstream reservoirs, those known to contain cyanobacteria-producing toxins, on the cyanobacteria population and toxin distribution in the downstream river stretch. Discrete samples were taken on a weekly basis and passive samplers employed to monitor dissolved toxin migration.