1
|
Varga E, Weidman RP, Song Z, McKay RM. Environmental drivers of phytoplankton community dynamics in an agriculturally-influenced tributary in the lower Great Lakes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 939:173411. [PMID: 38796008 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Phytoplankton community composition in tributaries differs from that in their receiving waters, due to light limitation from suspended particles and other factors such as nutrient availability and temperature. This study was designed to manipulate light levels in early, mid, and late summer to determine the combined effects of light attenuation and naturally varying nutrient availability on phytoplankton community composition in an agriculturally-influenced tributary of the lower Great Lakes. In all trials, in situ microcosm experiments show that phytoplankton abundance increased under three light attenuation treatments (60 %, 75 %, and 85 % attenuation) relative to time-zero, but higher light attenuation reduced total phytoplankton abundance relative to controls. Highest phytoplankton diversity in terms of richness and evenness occurred in September (late summer), and across all three trials was lowest under the highest light attenuation treatments (85 %). Phytoplankton community composition followed a normal seasonal shift from diatoms dominating in June (early summer), followed by cyanobacteria dominating in mid to late summer. In general, lower light levels (especially 85 % attenuation) corresponded with an increased dominance of cyanobacteria. These findings support the hypothesis that phytoplankton abundance and diversity vary with light and nutrient availability and that light attenuation promotes the shift from buoyant cyanobacteria to other taxa more tolerant of low light levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Varga
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada.
| | - R Paul Weidman
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Zhuoyan Song
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - R Michael McKay
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Y, Fang L, Cao G, Mi W, Lei C, Zhu K, Bi Y. Reservoir regulation-induced variations in water level impacts cyanobacterial bloom by the changing physiochemical conditions. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121836. [PMID: 38838484 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Gaining insight into the impact of reservoir regulation on algal blooms is essential for comprehending the dynamic changes and response mechanisms in the reservoir ecosystem. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive field investigation linking physiochemical parameters, and phytoplankton community to different water regimes in the Three Gorges Reservoir. Our aim was to explore the effects of reservoir regulation on the extinction of cyanobacterial blooms. The results showed that during the four regulatory events, the water levels decreased by 2.02-4.33 m, and the average water velocity increased 68 % compared to before. The average total phosphorus and total nitrogen concentrations reduced by up to 20 %, and the cyanobacterial biomass correspondingly declined dramatically, between 66.94 % and 75.17 %. As the change of water level decline increasing, there was a significant increase of algal diversity and a notable decrease of algal cell density. Additionally, a shift in the dominant phytoplankton community from Cyanobacteria to Chlorophyceae was observed. Our analysis indicated that water level fluctuations had a pronounced effect on cyanobacterial extinction, with hydrodynamic changes resulting in a reduction of cyanobacterial biomass. This research underlined the potential for employing hydrodynamic management as a viable strategy to mitigate the adverse ecological impacts of cyanobacterial blooms, providing a solution for reservoir's eco-environmental management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- School of Environment and Resources, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA
| | - Lingchao Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Guangrong Cao
- Three Gorges Construction and Operation Management Department, Yichang 443000, China
| | - Wujuan Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Cheyenne Lei
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA
| | - Kai Zhu
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA
| | - Yonghong Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Krausfeldt LE, Shmakova E, Lee HW, Mazzei V, Loftin KA, Smith RP, Karwacki E, Fortman PE, Rosen BH, Urakawa H, Dadlani M, Colwell RR, Lopez JV. Microbial diversity, genomics, and phage-host interactions of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms. mSystems 2024; 9:e0070923. [PMID: 38856205 PMCID: PMC11265339 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00709-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) is related to their physical and chemical environment. However, less is known about their associated microbial interactions and processes. In this study, cyanoHABs were analyzed as a microbial ecosystem, using 1 year of 16S rRNA sequencing and 70 metagenomes collected during the bloom season from Lake Okeechobee (Florida, USA). Biogeographical patterns observed in microbial community composition and function reflected ecological zones distinct in their physical and chemical parameters that resulted in bloom "hotspots" near major lake inflows. Changes in relative abundances of taxa within multiple phyla followed increasing bloom severity. Functional pathways that correlated with increasing bloom severity encoded organic nitrogen and phosphorus utilization, storage of nutrients, exchange of genetic material, phage defense, and protection against oxidative stress, suggesting that microbial interactions may promote cyanoHAB resilience. Cyanobacterial communities were highly diverse, with picocyanobacteria ubiquitous and oftentimes most abundant, especially in the absence of blooms. The identification of novel bloom-forming cyanobacteria and genomic comparisons indicated a functionally diverse cyanobacterial community with differences in its capability to store nitrogen using cyanophycin and to defend against phage using CRISPR and restriction-modification systems. Considering blooms in the context of a microbial ecosystem and their interactions in nature, physiologies and interactions supporting the proliferation and stability of cyanoHABs are proposed, including a role for phage infection of picocyanobacteria. This study displayed the power of "-omics" to reveal important biological processes that could support the effective management and prediction of cyanoHABs. IMPORTANCE Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Although physical and chemical conditions in aquatic systems that facilitate bloom development are well studied, there are fundamental gaps in the biological understanding of the microbial ecosystem that makes a cyanobacterial bloom. High-throughput sequencing was used to determine the drivers of cyanobacteria blooms in nature. Multiple functions and interactions important to consider in cyanobacterial bloom ecology were identified. The microbial biodiversity of blooms revealed microbial functions, genomic characteristics, and interactions between cyanobacterial populations that could be involved in bloom stability and more coherently define cyanobacteria blooms. Our results highlight the importance of considering cyanobacterial blooms as a microbial ecosystem to predict, prevent, and mitigate them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Krausfeldt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Elizaveta Shmakova
- Department of Biological Sciences, Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Hyo Won Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Viviana Mazzei
- U.S. Geological Survey, Caribbean–Florida Water Science Center, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Keith A. Loftin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Kansas Water Science Center, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Robert P. Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, Florida, USA
- Cell Therapy Institute, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Emily Karwacki
- U.S. Geological Survey, Caribbean–Florida Water Science Center, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - P. Eric Fortman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Barry H. Rosen
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida, USA
| | - Hidetoshi Urakawa
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida, USA
| | | | - Rita R. Colwell
- Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Jose V. Lopez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Brown KM, Barker KB, Wagner RS, Ward CS, Sitoki L, Njiru J, Omondi R, Achiya J, Getabu A, McKay RM, Bullerjahn GS. Bacterial community and cyanotoxin gene distribution of the Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria, Kenya. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13297. [PMID: 38885952 PMCID: PMC11182661 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The Winam Gulf (Kenya) is frequently impaired by cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs) due to inadequate wastewater treatment and excess agricultural nutrient input. While phytoplankton in Lake Victoria have been characterized using morphological criteria, our aim is to identify potential toxin-producing cyanobacteria using molecular approaches. The Gulf was sampled over two successive summer seasons, and 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was performed. Additionally, key genes involved in production of cyanotoxins were examined by quantitative PCR. Bacterial communities were spatially variable, forming distinct clusters in line with regions of the Gulf. Taxa associated with diazotrophy were dominant near Homa Bay. On the eastern side, samples exhibited elevated cyrA abundances, indicating genetic capability of cylindrospermopsin synthesis. Indeed, near the Nyando River mouth in 2022, cyrA exceeded 10 million copies L-1 where there were more than 6000 Cylindrospermopsis spp. cells mL-1. In contrast, the southwestern region had elevated mcyE gene (microcystin synthesis) detections near Homa Bay where Microcystis and Dolichospermum spp. were observed. These findings show that within a relatively small embayment, composition and toxin synthesis potential of cHABs can vary dramatically. This underscores the need for multifaceted management approaches and frequent cyanotoxin monitoring to reduce human health impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn M. Brown
- Biological SciencesBowling Green State UniversityBowling GreenOhioUSA
- Great Lakes Centers for Fresh Waters and Human HealthBowling GreenOhioUSA
| | - Katelyn B. Barker
- Biological SciencesBowling Green State UniversityBowling GreenOhioUSA
- Great Lakes Centers for Fresh Waters and Human HealthBowling GreenOhioUSA
| | - Ryan S. Wagner
- Biological SciencesBowling Green State UniversityBowling GreenOhioUSA
- Great Lakes Centers for Fresh Waters and Human HealthBowling GreenOhioUSA
| | - Christopher S. Ward
- Biological SciencesBowling Green State UniversityBowling GreenOhioUSA
- Great Lakes Centers for Fresh Waters and Human HealthBowling GreenOhioUSA
| | - Lewis Sitoki
- Department of Earth, Environmental Science and TechnologyTechnical University of KenyaNairobiKenya
| | - James Njiru
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research InstituteKisumuKenya
| | - Reuben Omondi
- Department of Fisheries and LimnologyKisii UniversityKisiiKenya
| | - James Achiya
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research InstituteKisumuKenya
| | - Albert Getabu
- Department of Fisheries and LimnologyKisii UniversityKisiiKenya
| | - R. Michael McKay
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental ResearchUniversity of WindsorWindsorOntarioCanada
| | - George S. Bullerjahn
- Biological SciencesBowling Green State UniversityBowling GreenOhioUSA
- Great Lakes Centers for Fresh Waters and Human HealthBowling GreenOhioUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zepernick BN, McKay RML, Martin RM, Bullerjahn GS, Paerl HW, Wilhelm SW. A tale of two blooms: do ecological paradigms for algal bloom success and succession require revisiting? JOURNAL OF GREAT LAKES RESEARCH 2024; 50:102336. [PMID: 39050868 PMCID: PMC11268832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2024.102336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Lake Erie algal bloom discussions have historically focused on cyanobacteria, with foundational "blooms like it hot" and "high nutrient" paradigms considered as primary drivers behind cyanobacterial bloom success. Yet, recent surveys have rediscovered winter-spring diatom blooms, introducing another key player in the Lake Erie eutrophication and algal bloom story which has been historically overlooked. These blooms (summer vs. winter) have been treated as solitary events separated by spatial and temporal gradients. However, new evidence suggests they may not be so isolated, linked in a manner that manifests as an algal bloom cycle. Equally notable are the emerging reports of cyanobacterial blooms in cold and/or oligotrophic freshwaters, which have been interpreted by some as shifts in classical bloom paradigms. These emerging bloom reports have led many to ask "what is a bloom?". Furthermore, questioning classic paradigms has caused others to wonder if we are overlooking additional factors which constrain bloom success. In light of emerging data and ideas, we revisited foundational concepts within the context of Lake Erie algal blooms and derived five key take-aways: 1) Additional bloom-formers (diatoms) need to be included in Lake Erie algal discussions, 2) The term "bloom" must be reinforced with a clear definition and quantitative metrics for each event, 3) Algal blooms should not be studied solitarily, 4) Shifts in physiochemical conditions serve as an alternative interpretation to potential shifts in ecological paradigms, 5) Additional factors which constrain bloom success and succession (i.e., pH and light) require consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - R. Michael L. McKay
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robbie M. Martin
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - George S. Bullerjahn
- Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - Hans W. Paerl
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, NC, USA
| | - Steven W. Wilhelm
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cui J, Xu H, Cui Y, Song C, Qu Y, Zhang S, Zhang H. Improved eutrophication model with flow velocity-influence function and application for algal bloom control in a reservoir in East China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119209. [PMID: 37837758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Improving hydrodynamic conditions is considered an effective method for facilitating the eutrophication management. However, the effect of hydrodynamic conditions on algal growth has rarely been quantified. In this work, a eutrophication model was developed and flow velocity was introduced into the algae growth kinetic formula to simulate the dynamics of algae growth in a drinking water source reservoir in East China. Based on the previous research and model calibration, the flow velocity-influence function f(v) and its parameters were determined. Accordingly, the optimal flow velocity for the dominant algae growth and critical flow velocity for algal growth inhibition were presented to be 0.055 m/s and 0.200 m/s for the study reservoir. Modeled results considering f(v) agreed with better with observations and reproduced the algal overgrowth process more accurately. The spatial-temporal differences in chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration distribution during the algal proliferation period were analyzed on the basis of simulation results, which corroborated the significant influence of flow velocity on algal growth. The established model was applied to investigate the effect of improvement in hydrodynamic conditions on algal bloom control in the reservoir, and the scenario simulation of the additional sluice was conducted. Results showed that the additional sluice operation inhibited algal overgrowth effectively, resulting in an average decrease of 24.8%, 3.3%, 43.0%, and 37.5% in modeled Chl a concentration upstream north, upstream south, midstream and downstream, respectively. The established model might serve as a practical tool for eutrophication management in the study reservoir and other water bodies with similar hydrological characteristics and geographical features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Cui
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Hanling Xu
- Hunan Architectural Design Institute Group Co., Limited Company, Changsha, 410006, China
| | - Yafei Cui
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chenyu Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yao Qu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Haiping Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sun L, Wu L, Liu X, Huang W, Zhu D, Wang Z, Guan R, Liu X. Reducing the Risk of Benthic Algae Outbreaks by Regulating the Flow Velocity in a Simulated South-North Water Diversion Open Channel. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3564. [PMID: 36834257 PMCID: PMC9966353 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The reduction in open-channel flow velocity due to China's South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNP) increases the risk of benthic algal community blooms resulting in drinking water safety issues. Consequently, it has attracted attention from all walks of life. However, regulatory measures to mitigate the risk of algal blooms and the main risk-causing factors are unclear. This study simulated the river ecosystem of the SNP channel through water diversion. Simulated gradient-increasing river flow velocity affects environmental factors and benthic algal alterations, and can be used to explore the feasibility of regulating the flow velocity to reduce the risk of algal blooms. We found that the algal biomasses in the velocity environments of 0.211 and 0.418 m/s decreased by 30.19% and 39.88%, respectively. Community structure alterations from diatoms to filamentous green algae were 75.56% and 87.53%, respectively. We observed significant differences in biodiversity, especially in terms of richness and evenness. The α diversity index of a species is influenced by physical and chemical environmental factors (especially flow velocity). Our study revealed that flow velocity is the main factor affecting the growth and outbreak of benthic algae. The risk of algal blooms in open channels can be effectively mitigated by regulating the flow velocity. This provides a theoretical basis for ensuring the water safety of large-scale water conservancy projects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Sun
- Department of Water Ecology and Environment, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Leixiang Wu
- Department of Water Ecology and Environment, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- Department of Water Ecology and Environment, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Water Ecology and Environment, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Dayu Zhu
- Department of Water Ecology and Environment, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Zhuowei Wang
- Department of Water Ecology and Environment, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Ronghao Guan
- Department of Water Ecology and Environment, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Xingchen Liu
- Department of Water Ecology and Environment, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Crevecoeur S, Edge TA, Watson LC, Watson SB, Greer CW, Ciborowski JJH, Diep N, Dove A, Drouillard KG, Frenken T, McKay RM, Zastepa A, Comte J. Spatio-temporal connectivity of the aquatic microbiome associated with cyanobacterial blooms along a Great Lake riverine-lacustrine continuum. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1073753. [PMID: 36846788 PMCID: PMC9947797 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1073753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lake Erie is subject to recurring events of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs), but measures of nutrients and total phytoplankton biomass seem to be poor predictors of cHABs when taken individually. A more integrated approach at the watershed scale may improve our understanding of the conditions that lead to bloom formation, such as assessing the physico-chemical and biological factors that influence the lake microbial community, as well as identifying the linkages between Lake Erie and the surrounding watershed. Within the scope of the Government of Canada's Genomics Research and Development Initiative (GRDI) Ecobiomics project, we used high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the spatio-temporal variability of the aquatic microbiome in the Thames River-Lake St. Clair-Detroit River-Lake Erie aquatic corridor. We found that the aquatic microbiome was structured along the flow path and influenced mainly by higher nutrient concentrations in the Thames River, and higher temperature and pH downstream in Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. The same dominant bacterial phyla were detected along the water continuum, changing only in relative abundance. At finer taxonomical level, however, there was a clear shift in the cyanobacterial community, with Planktothrix dominating in the Thames River and Microcystis and Synechococcus in Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. Mantel correlations highlighted the importance of geographic distance in shaping the microbial community structure. The fact that a high proportion of microbial sequences found in the Western Basin of Lake Erie were also identified in the Thames River, indicated a high degree of connectivity and dispersal within the system, where mass effect induced by passive transport play an important role in microbial community assembly. Nevertheless, some cyanobacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) related to Microcystis, representing less than 0.1% of relative abundance in the upstream Thames River, became dominant in Lake St. Clair and Erie, suggesting selection of those ASVs based on the lake conditions. Their extremely low relative abundances in the Thames suggest additional sources are likely to contribute to the rapid development of summer and fall blooms in the Western Basin of Lake Erie. Collectively, these results, which can be applied to other watersheds, improve our understanding of the factors influencing aquatic microbial community assembly and provide new perspectives on how to better understand the occurrence of cHABs in Lake Erie and elsewhere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Crevecoeur
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada,*Correspondence: Sophie Crevecoeur, ✉
| | - Thomas A. Edge
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Linet Cynthia Watson
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Susan B. Watson
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Charles W. Greer
- Energy, Mining and Environment, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jan J. H. Ciborowski
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada,Department of Biological Sciences University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ngan Diep
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, Etobicoke, ON, Canada
| | - Alice Dove
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Kenneth G. Drouillard
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Thijs Frenken
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada,Cluster Nature & Society, HAS University of Applied Sciences, s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
| | - Robert Michael McKay
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada,Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, United States
| | - Arthur Zastepa
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Jérôme Comte
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Quebec City, QC, Canada,Groupe de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Limnologie et en Environnement Aquatique (GRIL), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Loken LC, Corsi SR, Alvarez DA, Ankley GT, Baldwin AK, Blackwell BR, De Cicco LA, Nott MA, Oliver SK, Villeneuve DL. Prioritizing Pesticides of Potential Concern and Identifying Potential Mixture Effects in Great Lakes Tributaries Using Passive Samplers. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:340-366. [PMID: 36165576 PMCID: PMC10107608 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
To help meet the objectives of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative with regard to increasing knowledge about toxic substances, 223 pesticides and pesticide transformation products were monitored in 15 Great Lakes tributaries using polar organic chemical integrative samplers. A screening-level assessment of their potential for biological effects was conducted by computing toxicity quotients (TQs) for chemicals with available US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Aquatic Life Benchmark values. In addition, exposure activity ratios (EAR) were calculated using information from the USEPA ToxCast database. Between 16 and 81 chemicals were detected per site, with 97 unique compounds detected overall, for which 64 could be assessed using TQs or EARs. Ten chemicals exceeded TQ or EAR levels of concern at two or more sites. Chemicals exceeding thresholds included seven herbicides (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, diuron, metolachlor, acetochlor, atrazine, simazine, and sulfentrazone), a transformation product (deisopropylatrazine), and two insecticides (fipronil and imidacloprid). Watersheds draining agricultural and urban areas had more detections and higher concentrations of pesticides compared with other land uses. Chemical mixtures analysis for ToxCast assays associated with common modes of action defined by gene targets and adverse outcome pathways (AOP) indicated potential activity on biological pathways related to a range of cellular processes, including xenobiotic metabolism, extracellular signaling, endocrine function, and protection against oxidative stress. Use of gene ontology databases and the AOP knowledgebase within the R-package ToxMixtures highlighted the utility of ToxCast data for identifying and evaluating potential biological effects and adverse outcomes of chemicals and mixtures. Results have provided a list of high-priority chemicals for future monitoring and potential biological effects warranting further evaluation in laboratory and field environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:340-366. Published 2022. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke C. Loken
- US Geological SurveyUpper Midwest Water Science CenterMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Steven R. Corsi
- US Geological SurveyUpper Midwest Water Science CenterMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - David A. Alvarez
- US Geological SurveyColumbia Environmental Research CenterColombiaMissouriUSA
| | - Gerald T. Ankley
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Computational Toxicology and ExposureGreat Lakes Toxicology and Ecology DivisionDuluthMinnesotaUSA
| | | | - Brett R. Blackwell
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Computational Toxicology and ExposureGreat Lakes Toxicology and Ecology DivisionDuluthMinnesotaUSA
| | - Laura A. De Cicco
- US Geological SurveyUpper Midwest Water Science CenterMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Michele A. Nott
- US Geological SurveyUpper Midwest Water Science CenterMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Samantha K. Oliver
- US Geological SurveyUpper Midwest Water Science CenterMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Daniel L. Villeneuve
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Computational Toxicology and ExposureGreat Lakes Toxicology and Ecology DivisionDuluthMinnesotaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang M, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Shi K, Jiang C. Influence of cyanobacterial bloom accumulation and dissipation on underwater light attenuation in a large and shallow lake. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:79082-79094. [PMID: 35701699 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21384-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial bloom accumulation and dissipation frequently occur in Lake Taihu, a typically shallow, eutrophic lake due to wind wave disturbance. However, knowledge of the driving mechanisms of cyanobacterial blooms on underwater light attenuation is still limited. In this study, we collected a high-frequency in situ monitoring of the wind field, underwater light environment, and surface water quality to elucidate how cyanobacterial bloom accumulation and dissipation affect the variations in underwater light attenuation in the littoral zone of Lake Taihu. Results showed that cyanobacterial blooms significantly increased the diffuse attenuation coefficient of ultraviolet-B (Kd(313)), ultraviolet-A (Kd(340)), and photosynthetically active radiation (Kd(PAR)); the scattering of total suspended matter (bbp(λ)); and the absorption of phytoplankton (aph(λ)) and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM, ag(λ)) (p < 0.01). The Kd(PAR) decreased quickly during the processes of bloom dissipation, but the decrease of Kd(313) and Kd(340) lagged 0.5 day. Our results suggested that cyanobacterial blooms could increase particle matters and elevated the production of autochthonous CDOM, resulting in underwater light attenuation increase. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and PAR attenuation both have significant responses to cyanobacterial blooms, but the response processes were distinct due to the different changes of particle and dissolved organic matters. Our study unravels the driving mechanisms of cyanobacterial blooms on underwater light attenuation, improving lake ecosystem management and protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manxue Zhang
- Taihu Laboratory for Lake Ecosystem Research, State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 73 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydrology, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Yunlin Zhang
- Taihu Laboratory for Lake Ecosystem Research, State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 73 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Yongqiang Zhou
- Taihu Laboratory for Lake Ecosystem Research, State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 73 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yibo Zhang
- Taihu Laboratory for Lake Ecosystem Research, State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 73 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kun Shi
- Taihu Laboratory for Lake Ecosystem Research, State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 73 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Cuiling Jiang
- College of Water Resources and Hydrology, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shin JK, Park Y, Kim NY, Hwang SJ. Downstream Transport of Geosmin Based on Harmful Cyanobacterial Outbreak Upstream in a Reservoir Cascade. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159294. [PMID: 35954649 PMCID: PMC9368543 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Understanding water quality events in a multiple-impoundment series is important but seldom presented comprehensively. Therefore, this study was conducted to systematically understand the explosion event of geosmin (GSM) in the North Han River (Chuncheon, Soyang, Euiam, and Cheongpyeong Reservoirs) and Han River (Paldang Reservoir), which consists of a cascade reservoir series, the largest drinking water source system in South Korea. We investigated the spatiotemporal relationship of harmful cyanobacterial blooms in the upstream reservoir (Euiam) with the water quality incident event caused by the GSM in the downstream reservoir (Paldang) from January to December 2011. The harmful cyanobacterial bloom occurred during August−September under a high water temperature (>20 °C) after a heavy-rainfall-based flood runoff event. The high chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration in the upper Euiam Reservoir was prolonged for two months with a maximum concentration of 1150.5 mg m−3, in which the filamentous Dolichospermum circinale Kütz dominated the algal community at a rate of >99%. These parameters remarkably decreased (17.3 mg Chl-a m−3) in October 2011 when the water temperature decreased (5 °C) and soluble reactive phosphorus was depleted. However, high and unprecedented GSM concentrations, with a maximum value of 1640 ng L−1, were detected in the downstream reservoirs (Cheongpyeong and Paldang); the level was 11 times higher than the value (10 ng L−1) recommended by the World Health Organization. The concentrations of GSM gradually decreased and had an adverse effect on the drinking water quality until the end of December 2011. Our study indicated that the time lag between the summer−fall cyanobacterial outbreak in the upstream reservoir and winter GSM explosion events in the downstream reservoirs could be attributed to the transport and release of GSM through the effluent from hydroelectric power generation in this multiple-reservoir system. Therefore, we suggest that a structural understanding of the reservoir cascade be considered during water quality management of drinking water sources to avoid such incidents in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Ki Shin
- Busan Region Branch Office of the Nakdong River, Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water), Busan 49300, Korea;
| | - Yongeun Park
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea;
| | - Nan-Young Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea;
| | - Soon-Jin Hwang
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-450-3748
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gobler CJ, Jankowiak JG. Dynamic Responses of Endosymbiotic Microbial Communities Within Microcystis Colonies in North American Lakes to Altered Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Temperature Levels. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:781500. [PMID: 35222297 PMCID: PMC8867038 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.781500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxic cyanobacterium, Microcystis, is a pervasive cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (CHAB) - forming genus that naturally occurs in colonies that harbor diverse microbiomes of heterotrophic bacteria. While the effects of nutrient loading and climatic warming on CHABs are well-known, little is known regarding how these environmental drivers alter the structural and functional potential of the microbial assemblages associated with blooms that, in turn, may impact cyanobacterial growth. Here, we used next-generation sequencing of 16S ribosomal rRNA genes to characterize the dynamics of the bacterial assemblages within Microcystis colonies in two temperate North American lakes: Lake Erie and Lake Agawam (NY, United States) and quantified their responses to experimentally increased levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and temperature. Across experiments, Microcystis populations were consistently and significantly promoted by N and, to a lesser extent, elevated temperature (p < 0.05). In contrast, bacterial assemblages within Microcystis colonies were more resilient to environmental perturbations, with the relative abundance of 7–16% of amplicon sequence variants changing and several individual taxa displaying significant (p < 0.05) increases and decreases in relative abundance, primarily in response to elevated temperature and to a lesser extent, N. In contrast to individual taxa, community diversity was not significantly altered by individual treatments during experiments but rather was inversely correlated with the intensity of Microcystis blooms (p < 0.001). While predicted metabolic function was even less impacted by environmental drivers than microbial diversity, the predicted abundance of nitrogenase (nifH), alkaline phosphatase (phoX), and urease (ure) genes significantly increased in response to N but decreased in response to increased temperature (p < 0.05). Collectively, the resilience of microbial community structure and function within colonies suggests they may support the ability of Microcystis to persist through short-term fluctuations in environmental conditions by supplying essential nutrients.
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang M, Zhang Y, Deng J, Liu M, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Shi K, Jiang C. High-resolution temporal detection of cyanobacterial blooms in a deep and oligotrophic lake by high-frequency buoy data. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111848. [PMID: 34390714 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial blooms are increasing in magnitude, frequency, and duration worldwide. However, our knowledge of cyanobacterial blooms dynamics and driving mechanisms is still limited due to their high spatiotemporal variability. To determine the potential driving mechanisms of cyanobacterial blooms in oligotrophic lakes, we collected a high-frequency depth profile of chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) and synchronous water quality, hydrometeorological data in early spring 2016 in oligotrophic Lake Qiandaohu. The vertical distribution of ChlF exhibited two patterns, "aggregated" and "discrete", using Morisita's index, and the aggregated ChlF presented subsurface chlorophyll maxima during the thermal stratification period. The ChlF concentration was positively correlated with water temperature and negatively correlated with turbidity. Significantly linear relationships were observed between ChlF vertical structure parameters (e.g., Morisita's index, subsurface chlorophyll maxima depth and thickness) and thermal stratification parameters (e.g., mixing layer depth and relative water column stability). After rainstorm floods, the ChlF pattern suddenly change from "aggregated" to "discrete" and a ChlF concentration <1 μg/L was observed for 7-11 days with a significant increase in the mixing depth layer and turbidity. The results suggest that cyanobacterial blooms are robustly associated with thermal stratification and rainstorm floods in the deep and oligotrophic lake. Thermal stratification boosts surface phytoplankton accumulation by increasing water temperature, enhancing light availability and restricting phytoplankton vertical distribution. Rainstorm floods interrupt the accumulation by disrupting thermal stratification and decreasing the available light. Furthermore, wind speed and air temperature both regulate the phytoplankton dynamics by affecting thermal stratification. Our research quantifies the cyanobacterial bloom dynamics and their relationship between environmental factors, improving our knowledge of the driving mechanisms of cyanobacterial bloom for the protection of drinking water safety and aquatic organism health in lakes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manxue Zhang
- Taihu Laboratory for Lake Ecosystem Research, State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; College of Water Resources and Hydrology, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Yunlin Zhang
- Taihu Laboratory for Lake Ecosystem Research, State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Jianming Deng
- Taihu Laboratory for Lake Ecosystem Research, State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Taihu Laboratory for Lake Ecosystem Research, State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongqiang Zhou
- Taihu Laboratory for Lake Ecosystem Research, State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yibo Zhang
- Taihu Laboratory for Lake Ecosystem Research, State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kun Shi
- Taihu Laboratory for Lake Ecosystem Research, State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Cuiling Jiang
- College of Water Resources and Hydrology, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chaffin JD, Bratton JF, Verhamme EM, Bair HB, Beecher AA, Binding CE, Birbeck JA, Bridgeman TB, Chang X, Crossman J, Currie WJS, Davis TW, Dick GJ, Drouillard KG, Errera RM, Frenken T, MacIsaac HJ, McClure A, McKay RM, Reitz LA, Domingo JWS, Stanislawczyk K, Stumpf RP, Swan ZD, Snyder BK, Westrick JA, Xue P, Yancey CE, Zastepa A, Zhou X. The Lake Erie HABs Grab: A binational collaboration to characterize the western basin cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms at an unprecedented high-resolution spatial scale. HARMFUL ALGAE 2021; 108:102080. [PMID: 34588116 PMCID: PMC8682807 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2021.102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring of cyanobacterial bloom biomass in large lakes at high resolution is made possible by remote sensing. However, monitoring cyanobacterial toxins is only feasible with grab samples, which, with only sporadic sampling, results in uncertainties in the spatial distribution of toxins. To address this issue, we conducted two intensive "HABs Grabs" of microcystin (MC)-producing Microcystis blooms in the western basin of Lake Erie. These were one-day sampling events during August of 2018 and 2019 in which 100 and 172 grab samples were collected, respectively, within a six-hour window covering up to 2,270 km2 and analyzed using consistent methods to estimate the total mass of MC. The samples were analyzed for 57 parameters, including toxins, nutrients, chlorophyll, and genomics. There were an estimated 11,513 kg and 30,691 kg of MCs in the western basin during the 2018 and 2019 HABs Grabs, respectively. The bloom boundary poses substantial issues for spatial assessments because MC concentration varied by nearly two orders of magnitude over very short distances. The MC to chlorophyll ratio (MC:chl) varied by a factor up to 5.3 throughout the basin, which creates challenges for using MC:chl to predict MC concentrations. Many of the biomass metrics strongly correlated (r > 0.70) with each other except chlorophyll fluorescence and phycocyanin concentration. While MC and chlorophyll correlated well with total phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations, MC:chl correlated with dissolved inorganic nitrogen. More frequent MC data collection can overcome these issues, and models need to account for the MC:chl spatial heterogeneity when forecasting MCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin D Chaffin
- F.T. Stone Laboratory and Ohio Sea Grant, The Ohio State University, 878 Bayview Ave. P.O. Box 119, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456, USA.
| | | | | | - Halli B Bair
- F.T. Stone Laboratory and Ohio Sea Grant, The Ohio State University, 878 Bayview Ave. P.O. Box 119, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456, USA
| | - Amber A Beecher
- Lake Erie Center, University of Toledo, 6200 Bayshore Rd., Oregon, OH 43616, USA
| | - Caren E Binding
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7S1A1, Canada
| | - Johnna A Birbeck
- Lumigen Instrument Center, Wayne State University, 5101Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Thomas B Bridgeman
- Lake Erie Center, University of Toledo, 6200 Bayshore Rd., Oregon, OH 43616, USA
| | - Xuexiu Chang
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada; School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Jill Crossman
- School of the Environment, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Warren J S Currie
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Timothy W Davis
- Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Life Sciences Building, Bowling Green, OH 43402, United States
| | - Gregory J Dick
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan, 2534 North University Building, 1100 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1005, USA
| | - Kenneth G Drouillard
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Reagan M Errera
- Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | - Thijs Frenken
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Hugh J MacIsaac
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Andrew McClure
- Division of Water Treatment, City of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43605, USA
| | - R Michael McKay
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Laura A Reitz
- Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Life Sciences Building, Bowling Green, OH 43402, United States
| | | | - Keara Stanislawczyk
- F.T. Stone Laboratory and Ohio Sea Grant, The Ohio State University, 878 Bayview Ave. P.O. Box 119, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456, USA
| | - Richard P Stumpf
- National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Zachary D Swan
- Lake Erie Center, University of Toledo, 6200 Bayshore Rd., Oregon, OH 43616, USA
| | - Brenda K Snyder
- Lake Erie Center, University of Toledo, 6200 Bayshore Rd., Oregon, OH 43616, USA
| | - Judy A Westrick
- Lumigen Instrument Center, Wayne State University, 5101Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Pengfei Xue
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr., Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - Colleen E Yancey
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan, 2534 North University Building, 1100 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1005, USA
| | - Arthur Zastepa
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7S1A1, Canada
| | - Xing Zhou
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr., Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
McKindles KM, Manes MA, DeMarco JR, McClure A, McKay RM, Davis TW, Bullerjahn GS. Dissolved Microcystin Release Coincident with Lysis of a Bloom Dominated by Microcystis spp. in Western Lake Erie Attributed to a Novel Cyanophage. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:e01397-20. [PMID: 32859600 PMCID: PMC7642080 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01397-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Western Lake Erie (Laurentian Great Lakes) is prone to annual cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs) dominated by Microcystis spp. that often yield microcystin toxin concentrations exceeding the federal EPA recreational contact advisory of 8 μg liter-1 In August 2014, microcystin levels were detected in finished drinking water above the World Health Organization 1.0 μg liter-1 threshold for consumption, leading to a 2-day disruption in the supply of drinking water for >400,000 residents of Toledo, Ohio (USA). Subsequent metatranscriptomic analysis of the 2014 bloom event provided evidence that release of toxin into the water supply was likely caused by cyanophage lysis that transformed a portion of the intracellular microcystin pool into the dissolved fraction, rendering it more difficult to eliminate during treatment. In August 2019, a similar increase in dissolved microcystins at the Toledo water intake was coincident with a viral lytic event caused by a phage consortium different in composition from what was detected following the 2014 Toledo water crisis. The most abundant viral sequence in metagenomic data sets was a scaffold from a putative member of the Siphoviridae, distinct from the Ma-LMM01-like Myoviridae that are typically documented to occur in western Lake Erie. This study provides further evidence that viral activity in western Lake Erie plays a significant role in transformation of microcystins from the particulate to the dissolved fraction and therefore requires monitoring efforts from local water treatment plants. Additionally, identification of multiple lytic cyanophages will enable the development of a quantitative PCR toolbox to assess viral activity during cHABs.IMPORTANCE Viral attack on cHABs may contribute to changes in community composition during blooms, as well as bloom decline, yet loss of bloom biomass does not eliminate the threat of cHAB toxicity. Rather, it may increase risks to the public by delivering a pool of dissolved toxin directly into water treatment utilities when the dominating Microcystis spp. are capable of producing microcystins. Detecting, characterizing, and quantifying the major cyanophages involved in lytic events will assist water treatment plant operators in making rapid decisions regarding the pool of microcystins entering the plant and the corresponding best practices to neutralize the toxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn M McKindles
- Department of Biological Sciences and Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
| | - Makayla A Manes
- Department of Biological Sciences and Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
| | - Jonathan R DeMarco
- Department of Biological Sciences and Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrew McClure
- Division of Water Treatment for the City of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - R Michael McKay
- Department of Biological Sciences and Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothy W Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences and Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
- Center for Great Lakes and Watershed Studies, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
| | - George S Bullerjahn
- Department of Biological Sciences and Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
- Center for Great Lakes and Watershed Studies, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Smith ZJ, Conroe DE, Schulz KL, Boyer GL. Limnological Differences in a Two-Basin Lake Help to Explain the Occurrence of Anatoxin-a, Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Toxins, and Microcystins. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E559. [PMID: 32872651 PMCID: PMC7551069 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chautauqua Lake, New York, is a two-basin lake with a deeper, cooler, and less nutrient-rich Northern Basin, and a warmer, shallower, nutrient-replete Southern Basin. The lake is populated by a complex mixture of cyanobacteria, with toxigenic strains that produce microcystins, anatoxins, and paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins (PSTs). Samples collected from 24 sites were analyzed for these three toxin classes over four years spanning 2014-2017. Concentrations of the three toxin groups varied widely both within and between years. During the study, the mean and median concentrations of microcystins, anatoxin-a, and PSTs were 91 and 4.0 μg/L, 0.62 and 0.33 μg/L, and 32 and 16 μg/L, respectively. Dihydro-anatoxin was only detected once in Chautauqua Lake, while homo-anatoxin was never detected. The Northern Basin had larger basin-wide higher biomass blooms with higher concentrations of toxins relative to the more eutrophied Southern Basin, however blooms in the North Basin were infrequent. Chlorophyll concentrations and toxins in the two basins were correlated with different sets of environmental and physical parameters, suggesting that implementing controls to reduce toxin loads may require applications focused on more than reductions in cyanobacterial bloom density (e.g., reduction of phosphorus inputs), and that lake limnological factors and morphology are important determinants in the selection of an appropriate management strategy. Chautauqua Lake is a drinking water source and is also heavily used for recreation. Drinking water from Chautauqua Lake is unlikely to be a significant source of exposure to cyanotoxins due to the location of the intakes in the deeper North Basin, where there were generally low concentrations of toxins in open water; however, toxin levels in many blooms exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency's recreational guidelines for exposure to cyanotoxins. Current cyanotoxin monitoring in Chautauqua Lake is focused on microcystins. However, the occurrence of blooms containing neurotoxic cyanotoxins in the absence of the microcystins indicates this restricted monitoring may not be sufficient when aiming to protect against exposure to cyanotoxins. The lake has a large number of tourist visitors; thus, special care should be taken to prevent recreational exposure within this group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias J. Smith
- Ramboll, 333 W. Washington St., Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA;
| | | | - Kimberly L. Schulz
- College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA;
| | - Gregory L. Boyer
- College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA;
| |
Collapse
|