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Use of passive samplers for the detection of extra cellular algal toxins in stream mesocosms, lakes and streams
Citation:
Mash, H., D. Shea, M. Howard, R. Kudela, Joel Allen, Jim Lazorchak, T. Sanan, AND C. Nietch. Use of passive samplers for the detection of extra cellular algal toxins in stream mesocosms, lakes and streams. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Annual Conference, Sacramento,CA, November 04 - 08, 2018.
Impact/Purpose:
Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms (HABS) occur frequently throughout the US and many parts of the world. Most of the emphasis on freshwater HABs has been on reservoirs and lakes with recreation and drinking water uses. However, there is mounting evidence that attached benthic cyanobacteria may be increasingly dominating the benthic periphyton community and contributing harmful toxins to streams and rivers. For the past 3 years the US EPA has been testing the consequence of nutrient addition into stream mesocosms. Macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities have been assessed using various measures for their responses to various concentrations of nitrates, phosphates and combination of nitrate/phosphates. At certain doses of these nutrients, cyanobacteria tend to dominate the benthic community.
Description:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate SPATTs and LF nsPSDs to determine their performance in determining extracellular algal toxins in both stream mesocosms and within Lake Harsha and its downstream habitats. PSDs were deployed at the end of 16 different stream mesocosms and in two influent mesocosms for a period of two weeks. Every two weeks during the mesocosm study, water samples were collected, PSDs retrieved and then replaced with fresh PSDs. A similar method was followed for PSDs in the lake at 2 locations and at 2 separate depths. Four stream locations were chosen below the outfall of the lake to determine the contribution of lake algal toxins to the downstream stream community. The results of this study will be presented comparing the 2 different types of PSDs and describing the pattern of algal toxins observed in each experimental unit.