Phytoplankton Dynamics in the western basin of Lake Erie with a focus on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Jessica Owen, University of Windsor, GLIER, [email protected]
Subba Rao Chaganti, University of Windsor, [email protected]
Erin Hillis, University of Windsor- GLIER, [email protected]
Yingming Zhao, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, [email protected]
G. Doug Haffner, Great Lakes Institute, Univ. of Windsor, [email protected]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a growing global concern as they negatively impact water quality and aquatic ecosystems. They are especially concerning in the western basin of Lake Erie where they are becoming more frequent. The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) was implemented in the 1970s to mitigate these HABs and was successful. However, since the 1990s HABs have re-emerged. While it is believed that rainfall events and nutrient run-off increase the frequency of these blooms, other factors need to be analyzed. In 2016 and 2017, water samples were collected at four sites in the western basin of Lake Erie. They were then analyzed under the microscope and through genomic techniques. The analyses confirmed the presence of Microcystis, however they were in lower concentrations than previous years especially in 2016. In 2017, concentrations were still low except for the September time period where there was the presence of a large surface bloom at Colchester Harbour. The data also shows that northern and western sites had a higher concentration of the cyanobacteria species than the other sites. This data can provide insight into drivers of phytoplankton dynamics during increased anthropogenic stress and climate change in the Great Lakes region.
1. Keyword
Lake Erie
2. Keyword
phytoplankton
3. Keyword
harmful algal blooms