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JRD thesis 4.pdf (1.69 MB)

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Cyanobacterial Blooms in Chautauqua Lake, NY: Nutrient Sources and Toxin Analyses

DeMarco, Jonathan R
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1625052848648708

Abstract Details

2021, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Biological Sciences.
Chautauqua Lake is prone to harmful algal blooms (HABs) each year and its water quality has degraded over the past few decades. HABs, hypoxia, and eutrophication occur in waters where excessive nutrient loads are present, resulting in the production of cyanotoxins such as microcystins and saxitoxins threatening drinking water, recreational activities and aquatic life. This study couples tributary and open lake sampling with advanced in situ technology (HydroCycle-PO4 sensors) to help quantify phosphorus (P) loads and algae communities for Chautauqua Lake; this information will be essential for updating the lake management plan. The algal composition within the lake was analyzed by Fluoroprobe to differentiate algae taxonomic groups and quantified through dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) chlorophyll extraction. The dominant bloom-forming algae in summertime are the cyanobacteria Gloeotrichia and Microcystis, the latter genus responsible for producing the toxin microcystin, as measured by ELISA. The results of my thesis research are consistent with the current understanding that internal loading is a major source of dissolved inorganic phosphorus to the lake, with a few tributaries contributing significant loading as well. This project is the first study conducted on Chautauqua Lake in several decades that will locate sources of nutrients in order to inform future mitigation efforts. An additional goal of this project is to inform the Chautauqua community about potential threats to pets, livestock and humans due to cyanotoxin exposure.
Timothy Davis, Ph.D. (Advisor)
George Bullerjahn, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Courtney Wigdahl-Perry, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
102 p.
Biology
Cyanotoxins; Cyanobacteria; Harmful algal blooms; Gloeotrichia; Microcystin; Microcystis; Nutrients; Phosphorus; Nitrogen; Chautauqua Lake; Phosphate sensor

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Citations

  • DeMarco, J. R. (2021). Cyanobacterial Blooms in Chautauqua Lake, NY: Nutrient Sources and Toxin Analyses [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1625052848648708

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • DeMarco, Jonathan. Cyanobacterial Blooms in Chautauqua Lake, NY: Nutrient Sources and Toxin Analyses. 2021. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1625052848648708.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • DeMarco, Jonathan. "Cyanobacterial Blooms in Chautauqua Lake, NY: Nutrient Sources and Toxin Analyses." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1625052848648708

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1625052848648708
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This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.