Citation:

Delacruz, A., R. Logsdon, D. Lye, S. Guglielmi, A. Rice, AND M. Kannan. Harmful Algae Bloom Occurrence in Urban Ponds: Relationship of Toxin Levels with Cell Density and Species Composition. Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Gavin Publishers, Lisle, IL, 25:704-726, (2017).

Impact/Purpose:

In this study, we report the occurrence of algal blooms in several urban ponds in the Northern Kentucky area. Correlations of water quality parameters with the presence of cyanobacteria and total microcystin toxin levels were examined.

Description:

Retention ponds constructed within urban watershed areas of high density populations are common as a result of green infrastructure applications. Several urban ponds in the Northern Kentucky area were monitored for algal community (algae and cyanobacteria) from October 2012 to September 2013. Many of the harmful algal blooms (HABs) observed during this study were composed primarily of the cyanobacteria genus, Microcystis. No correlations were observed between water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, temperature and nitrate) and the presence of cyanobacteria and/or microcystin cyanobacterial toxin levels. Furthermore, levels of microcystin toxins did not always coincide with high Microcystis cell counts. Because HABs were detected throughout the year in this study, adaptation of universal guidelines for the design/ construction/ maintenance of urban ponds may be necessary to protect watershed aquatic ecosystems, and lower health risks from exposure to such harmful blooms. Results from this study suggest that the parameters commonly used as indicators of HABs might also need reassessment. Future routine water monitoring for HABs should include procedures to detect multiple cyanobacterial toxins in addition to microcystins, and identify the species involved in a harmful bloom.

URLs/Downloads:

Record Details: