Use of in vivo phycocyanin fluorescence to monitor potential microcystin-producing cyanobacterial biovolume in a drinking water source

The source water of a drinking water treatment plant prone to blooms, dominated by potential microcystin-producing cyanobacteria, was monitored for two seasons in 2007-2008. In the 2008 season, the median value for potential microcystin-producing cyanobacterial biovolume was 87% of the total phytoplankton biovolume in the untreated water of the plant. Depth profiles taken above the plant's intake identified three sampling days at high risk for the contamination of the plant's raw water with potentially toxic cyanobacteria. Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae caused false positive values to be generated by the phycocyanin probe when cyanobacteria represented a small fraction of the total phytoplanktonic biovolume present. However, there was little interference with the phycocyanin probe readings by other algal species when potential microcystin-producing cyanobacteria dominated the phytoplankton of the plant's untreated water. A two-tiered method for source water monitoring, using in vivo phycocyanin fluorescence, is proposed based on (1) a significant relationship between in vivo phycocyanin fluorescence and cyanobacterial biovolume and (2) the calculated maximum potential microcystin concentration produced by dominant Microcystis sp. biovolume. This method monitors locally-generated threshold values for cyanobacterial biovolume and microcystin concentrations using in vivo phycocyanin fluorescence.     

Monitoring of potentially toxic cyanobacteria using an online multi-probe in drinking water sources

Toxic cyanobacteria threaten the water quality of drinking water sources across the globe. Two such water bodies in Canada (a reservoir on the Yamaska River and a bay of Lake Champlain in Québec) were monitored using a YSI 6600 V2-4 (YSI, Yellow Springs, Ohio, USA) submersible multi-probe measuring in vivo phycocyanin (PC) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) fluorescence, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, temperature, and turbidity in parallel. The linearity of the in vivo fluorescence PC and Chl-a probe measurements were validated in the laboratory with Microcystis aeruginosa (r(2) = 0.96 and r(2) = 0.82 respectively). Under environmental conditions, in vivo PC fluorescence was strongly correlated with extracted PC (r = 0.79) while in vivo Chl-a fluorescence had a weaker relationship with extracted Chl-a (r = 0.23). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlations between extracted Chl-a, extracted PC and cyanobacterial biovolume and in vivo fluorescence parameters measured by the sensors (i.e. turbidity and pH). This information will help water authorities select the in vivo parameters that are the most useful indicators for monitoring cyanobacteria. Despite highly toxic cyanobacterial bloom development 10 m from the drinking water treatment plant's (DWTP) intake on several sampling dates, low in vivo PC fluorescence, cyanobacterial biovolume, and microcystin concentrations were detected in the plant's untreated water. The reservoir's hydrodynamics appear to have prevented the transport of toxins and cells into the DWTP which would have deteriorated the water quality. The multi-probe readings and toxin analyses provided critical evidence that the DWTP's untreated water was unaffected by the toxic cyanobacterial blooms present in its source water.     

Assessment and significance of phytoplankton species composition within Chesapeake Bay and Virginia tributaries through a long-term monitoring program

Phytoplankton and water quality long term trends are presented from a 20-year monitoring program of Chesapeake Bay and several of its major tributaries. Increasing phytoplankton biomass and abundance are ongoing within this estuarine complex, with diatoms the dominant component, along with chlorophytes and cyanobacteria as sub-dominant contributors in the tidal freshwater and oligohaline regions. Diatoms, dinoflagellates, and cryptomonads are among the major flora downstream in the tributaries and within the Chesapeake Bay. Water quality conditions within the three tributaries have remained rather stable over this time period; while there are long term trends of reduced nutrients, increasing bottom oxygen, and decreasing water clarity for the lower Chesapeake Bay. Of note is an increasing trend of cyanobacteria biomass at 12 of the 13 stations monitored at tributary and Chesapeake Bay stations, plus the presence of 37 potentially harmful taxa reported for these waters. However, the overall status of the phytoplankton populations is presently favorable, in that it is mainly represented and dominated by taxa suitable as a major food and oxygen source within this ecosystem. Although potentially harmful taxa are present, they have not at this time exerted profound impact to the region, or replaced the diatom populations in overall dominance.     

Microcystins and cyanobacteria trends in a 14 year monitoring of a temperate eutrophic reservoir (Aguieira, Portugal)

A monitoring program of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the framework of the surveillance of the Water Treatment Plant efficiency of the municipality of Santa Comba D?o (Portugal) was conducted from 1994 until 2007. With these data we aimed to answer the question, are MCs produced evenly over the years in a single water body? Samples were taken by the local health authorities in the site of the Water treatment plant and analyzed for total phytoplankton, cyanobacteria and the hepatotoxic cyanotoxins microcystins (MCs). Apart from 1999 and 2000, cyanobacteria represented a high proportion of total phytoplankton, attaining during several months of the year more than 90% of total phytoplankton density. A total of 24 cyanobacteria species were identified and Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena flos-aquae and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae were the main potentially toxic cyanobacteria species present throughout the period. MC concentration varied between 0.3 μg MC-LR eq l?1 in October 98 and 87.0 μg MC-LR eq l?1 in September 2001. The evolution of the average cell quota does not reveal any especial trend, although in 2001 the quota was the highest but not significantly different from the other years. The threshold limit of 5000 cells per ml of Microcystis aeruginosa should be taken into consideration in monitoring programs because the 10,000 cells per ml proposed by several other national programs might not be enough to prevent human health risks. Due to high annual variation in MC cell quota, monitoring programs of cyanobacteria and MC should be extended in time, since short term studies do not provide us the data needed for a safe management of a water body used for human purposes.     

于桥水库浮游植物群落特征

于桥水库是天津市惟一饮用水水源地,为了研究该水库浮游植物群落特征,于2012年春、夏、秋对于桥水库浮游植物进行了监测分析。结果表明:该水库共鉴定出绿藻(Chlorophyta)、蓝藻(Cyanophyta)、硅藻(Diatoms)、裸藻(Euglenophyta)、甲藻(Pyrrophyta)、隐藻(Cryptophyta)和黄藻(Xanthophyta)7门114种,群落组成以绿藻-硅藻门为主;浮游植物细胞密度具有明显的季节变化规律,表现为春季较低,夏季急剧增长,到了秋季又有所回落。优势种对于桥水库水质的评价结果表明,春季为中营养水体,夏季为富营养化水体,秋季为中富营养水体。春、夏、秋季于桥水库香农-韦弗多样性指数平均值分别为3.22、2.51和3.17,说明2012年于桥水库春季、秋季为贫营养水体,夏季为中营养水体,且有暴发水华的危险。     

Nutrient dynamics and seasonal variation of phytoplankton assemblages in the coastal waters of southwest Bay of Bengal

In order to understand the phytoplankton community structure and its relationship with the environmental variables in the near shore waters of Kalpakkam, east coast of India, observations were carried out during 2008–2009. Phytoplankton population was comprised of 219 species, and the density was higher during the southwest monsoon (SWM) and inter-monsoon seasons than that of north east monsoon (NEM) season. The nutrient status on a temporal and spatial scale indicated the impact of point sources carrying anthropogenic runoff. Comparison of ambient nutrient ratios with the Redfield ratio (N/P/Si?=?16:1:16) showed a clear temporal variation in the factors that regulate the phytoplankton growth. SWM and inter-monsoon season was evident to have an acute N-limitation of algal growth (~76 %) whereas P-limitation was encountered during the NEM season (~75 %). Interestingly, a sizable population of cyanobacteria (Trichodesmium erythraeum) were noticed during NEM season when there was an exponential increase in nitrogen concentration, probably due to nitrogen fixation. No significant impact of temperature on phytoplankton proliferation was observed in situ during the study period.     

西安市景观水体营养状态调查及浮游藻类多样性研究

对西安市城区景观水体浮游藻类状况及生物多样性进行了研究。结果表明,7个景观水体中有5个水体的水质未达到Ⅴ类水质标准,主要超标项目为pH值和TN;7个水体的ρ(N)/ρ(P)为16.6~43.6,磷为限制性因子;其中2个水体富营养化严重,DO含量低,水质达不到要求,其优势藻种为蓝藻门,含量占浮游藻类总数的64.3%~93.4%;而水质较好的贫营养水体优势种为黄藻门,含量占到浮游藻类总数的54.3%;通过6种生物多样性指数与景观水体营养状态的拟合,发现MeNaughton's多样性指数适合城区景观水体的富营养化评价。     

An environmental assessment of a small shallow lake (Little Black Lake, MI) threatened by urbanization

A limnological survey was conducted of Little Black Lake, MI, and its tributaries during summer 2007. This small, shallow lake is located in a rapidly developing area of west Michigan. As such, our analytical approach and recommendations can serve as a model for other similar systems threatened by urbanization. Soluble reactive phosphorus and nitrate concentrations in both the inflows to (during baseflow) and Little Black Lake itself were low (??0.007 and ??270 mg/L, respectively). Nutrient concentrations increased during stormflow conditions, although the magnitude of the increase depended on the nutrient and sampling location. Macrophyte growth was extensive throughout most parts of the lake, with Chara and Potamogeton spp. present in most sites; based on the coefficient of conservatism, plant composition was indicative of good water quality conditions. Chlorophyll a concentration averaged 1.7 ??g/L in Little Black Lake, with cryptophytes and cyanobacteria being the most dominant members (by biovolume) of the phytoplankton community. The fish community in Little Black Lake was dominated by bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and pumpkinseed (L. gibbosus), with no invasive species observed. Overall, abiotic and biotic conditions indicate that Little Black Lake is in good ecological health despite increasing pressures of urbanization in its watershed. To maintain this status, it is recommended that the local municipalities develop a comprehensive watershed management plan and implement best management practices to limit nonpoint source pollutant loading to Little Black Lake.     

利用流式影像术(FlowCAM)分析淡水浮游藻类群落特征 ——以北京城区主要河流为例

浮游藻类是水生态系统的重要初级生产者,对其进行分类鉴定和定量分析是开展生态研究的基础.选取北京城区主要河流为研究对象,于2020年6—7月(夏季)、10月(秋季)对北运河水系22个站位的表层水进行采样调查,探究利用流式影像术(FlowCAM)分析浮游藻类群落结构的可行性.结果表明,浮游藻类的细胞丰度和粒径组成均存在着明...     

Performance evaluation of phycocyanin probes for the monitoring of cyanobacteria

The performance of two field probes (YSI 6600 and TriOS), used for the measurement of in vivo phycocyanin fluorescence, was compared and validated in the laboratory in 2008 and 2009 with cultures of Microcystis aeruginosa and field samples. The background noise of the two probes was low and the detection limits were estimated at 1500 cells mL(-1) for the YSI and 0.69 μg PC L(-1) for the TriOS. The linearity and repeatability of both probes have been excellent. Strong relationships were observed between the in vivo fluorescence and the total cyanobacterial biovolume (R(2) = 0.82 YSI; 0.83 TriOS) or the abundance (R(2) = 0.71 YSI; 0.75 TriOS) of cyanobacteria. However, the difference between cell densities determined by microscopy and measured by the YSI can be very large and has been associated to the variability of cell volume among cyanobacteria. This last observation makes the YSI a qualitative tool if a post-calibration is not done. The analysis of filtrated samples showed that dissolved phycocyanin (extracellular) may represent a significant fluorescence signal. No relationship could be established between the abundance, the total cyanobacterial biovolume or the in vivo fluorescence of phycocyanin and the concentrations of cyanotoxins (R(2) ≤ 0.22).     

Multivariate Analysis of Interactions Between Phytoplankton Biomass and Environmental Variables in Taihu Lake, China

Phytoplankton variation in large shallow eutrophic lakes is characterized by high spatial and temporal heterogenity. Understanding the pattern of phytoplankton variation and the relationships between it and environmental variables can contribute to eutrophic lakes management. In this study Taihu Lake, one of the largest eutrophic fresh water lake in China, was taken as study area. The water body of Taihu Lake was divided into five regions viz. Wuli bay (WB), Meilian Bay (MB), West Taihu Lake (WTL), Main Body of Taihu Lake (MBTL) and East Taihu Lake (ETL). Concentrations of chlorophyll-a and the related environmental variables were determined in each region in the period 2000–2003. Factor analysis and multivariate analysis were applied to evaluate the interactions between phytoplankton variation and environmental variables. Results showed that the highest average concentrations of TN, TP and Chl-a were observed in WB, followed in a descending order by MB and WTL, and the lowest concentrations of TN, TP and Chl-a were observed in MBTL and ETL. Chl-a and TP concentrations in most regions (except ETL) declined during the study period. It suggested that to some extent the lake was recovering from eutrophication. However, persistent ascending of TN and NH₄–N in all five regions indicated the deteriorating of water quality in the study period. Results of multivariate showed that the relationships between phytoplankton biomass and environmental variables varied among regions. TP illustrated itself a controlling role on phytoplankton in WB, MB, WTL and MBTL according to the significant positive relations to phytoplankton biomass in these regions. Nitrogen could be identified as a limiting factor to phytoplankton biomass in ETL in view of the positive correlations between TN and phytoplankton and between NH₄–N and phytoplankton. Spatial variation of interactions between phytoplankton and environmental parameters suggested proper eutrophication control measures were needed to restore ecological system in each region of Taihu Lake.     

新安江水库浮游植物群落特征及影响因素分析

为了解新安江水库浮游植物群落特征及影响因素,于2008年1月—2009年12月,对其浮游植物和相关理化因子进行了单月1次的采样。共检测到浮游植物103种(属),浮游植物密度为1.46×106~2.55×107cells/L,年平均密度为6.09×106cells/L,春、秋季出现2个密度峰值;浮游植物组成随季节变化有所不同,春、冬季硅藻、隐藻占优势,夏季蓝藻、绿藻占优势,秋季蓝藻、硅藻占优势;浮游植物密度与TP、Chl-a及上月降水量均呈显著正相关,与透明度呈显著负相关,与TN相关性不明显;水库的水文形势季节性变化显著影响浮游植物结构和密度的变化,浮游植物生长短期效应明显受流域降水和温度双重影响;从大尺度生态效应角度看,食物网的下行效应可能是目前影响新安江水库浮游植物密度的主导因素,大规模滤食性的杂食性鱼类对浮游动物造成较高的捕食压力,间接促进了浮游植物种群的增长;磷是关键的营养盐因子,保持水体低磷浓度和氮磷比大于100,对降低浮游植物密度有现实意义。     

Pond bank access as an approach for managing toxic cyanobacteria in beef cattle pasture drinking water ponds

Forty-one livestock drinking water ponds in Alabama beef cattle pastures during were surveyed during the late summer to generally understand water quality patterns in these important water resources. Since livestock drinking water ponds are prone to excess nutrients that typically lead to eutrophication, which can promote blooms of toxigenic phytoplankton such as cyanobacteria, we also assessed the threat of exposure to the hepatotoxin, microcystin. Eighty percent of the ponds studied contained measurable microcystin, while three of these ponds had concentrations above human drinking water thresholds set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (i.e., 0.3 μg/L). Water quality patterns in the livestock drinking water ponds contrasted sharply with patterns typically observed for temperate freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Namely, we found several non-linear relationships between phytoplankton abundance (measured as chlorophyll) and nutrients or total suspended solids. Livestock had direct access to all the study ponds. Consequently, the proportion of inorganic suspended solids (e.g., sediment) increased with higher concentrations of total suspended solids, which underlies these patterns. Unimodal relationships were also observed between microcystin and phytoplankton abundance or nutrients. Euglenoids were abundant in the four ponds with chlorophyll concentrations >?250 μg/L (and dominated three of these ponds), which could explain why ponds with high chlorophyll concentrations would have low microcystin concentrations. Based on observations made during sampling events and available water quality data, livestock-mediated bioturbation is causing elevated total suspended solids that lead to reduced phytoplankton abundance and microcystin despite high concentrations of nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen. Thus, livestock could be used to manage algal blooms, including toxic secondary metabolites, in their drinking water ponds by allowing them to walk in the ponds to increase turbidity.     

升钟水库浮游植物的生物多样性调查及时空分布

2008年5月至2009年4月对升钟水库的浮游植物群落结构进行了研究.结果表明,升钟水库浮游植物共计8门69属219种(含变种和变型),种群结构主要以蓝藻、绿藻和硅藻为主.浮游植物的生物多样性指数平均为1.059,均匀度指数平均为0.192,平均藻类密度为33.41×10 5个/L,标志升钟水库的水体营养程度较高.     

汉江下游干支流浮游植物群落特征及其对水质的指示评价

浮游植物群落的动态变化可以全面、真实地反映水质的优劣,有利于了解水体污染状况的发展趋势.为及时掌握汉江下游水质变化,基于2019年3—12月汉江下游干流及主要支流浮游植物和水体理化指标监测数据,分析了浮游植物群落结构特征,并通过冗余分析研究了影响浮游植物群落结构的主要环境因子,同时运用浮游植物群落特征对汉江下游水质进行...     

Seasonal variation in physicochemical properties of coastal waters of Kalpakkam, east coast of India with special emphasis on nutrients

A study pertaining to the seasonal variation in physicochemical properties of the coastal waters was carried out at Kalpakkam coast for a period of 1 year (February 2006 to January 2007). It revealed that the coastal water was significantly influenced by freshwater input during North East (NE) monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Concentration of all the nutrients and dissolved oxygen (DO) was relatively high during the NE monsoon, whereas, salinity and chlorophyll-a (chl-a) were at their minimum level during this period. Phytoplankton production peak was observed in summer during which a typical marine condition prevailed. The present observed values of nitrate, phosphate, silicate, and turbidity are significantly high (five to ten times) compared to that of the pre-Tsunami period from this coast. Relatively low DO and chl-a concentration was noticed during the post-Tsunami period. A notable feature of this study is that though nutrient concentration in the coastal waters during post-Tsunami period has increased significantly, turbidity, the most single dominating factor, was found to adversely affect the phytoplankton production during post-Tsunami period as reflected by relatively low chl-a concentration. Thus, the post-Tsunami period may result in a change in coastal biodiversity pattern concomitant with change in coastal water quality.     

溪源水库蓄水前后冬春季水体营养盐和浮游植物特征研究

于2007—2008年溪源水库蓄水前,2014—2015年溪源水库蓄水后对溪源宫水源地水体进行采样,分析了冬春季水体的理化指标、浮游植物生物量及群落组成。蓄水前共鉴定出浮游植物6门26属43种,水体水质状况较好,浮游植物细胞密度平均为7.31×10~5cells/L,以硅藻、绿藻门为优势门类,两者占浮游植物总生物量的比例约为54.7%、32.2%,水体呈贫-中营养状态。蓄水后,水体氮、磷营养盐浓度分别约为蓄水前的2.4倍、3倍,浮游植物细胞密度平均为1.42×10~7cells/L,约为蓄水前的20倍,且群落结构发生改变,优势门类为硅藻、蓝藻、绿藻,所占比例分别为40.2%、38.7%、14.4%,蓝藻门比例有显著提高,约为蓄水前的5倍。说明建库蓄水对浮游植物的影响显著。     

珠江口四大口门及近滩水域浮游藻类和关键水质因子的监测与分析

对珠江口四大口门虎门、蕉门、洪奇沥、横门及近滩为主的水域进行浮游藻类发生与关键水质因子 (溶解氧(DO)、活性磷 (PO3- 4-P)、硝酸盐 (NO- 3-N) )的监测与总结 ,得出二者间具有较高相关性。为珠江口水域水质、浮游藻类生态及赤潮研究做些基础工作与贡献。     

Biomanipulation of hypereutrophic ponds: when it works and why it fails

Phytoplankton, zooplankton, submerged vegetation and main nutrients have been monitored in 48 eutrophic ponds from the Brussels Capital Region (Belgium) between 2005 and 2008. Nine ponds have been biomanipulated in order to improve their ecological quality and prevent the occurrence of noxious cyanobacterial blooms. The 4-year study of a large number of ponds allowed identification of the factors having the strongest influence on phytoplankton growth. Continuous monitoring of the biomanipulated ponds allowed the significance of changes caused by biomanipulation to be tested as well as the main reasons of biomanipulation successes and failures to be elucidated. The main factors controlling phytoplankton in the ponds studied appeared to be grazing by large cladocerans and inhibition of phytoplankton growth by submerged vegetation. Biomanipulation resulted in a significant decrease in phytoplankton biomass in general and biomass of bloom-forming cyanobacteria in particular that were associated with a significant increase in large Cladocera density and size. In six out of nine ponds biomanipulation resulted in the restoration of submerged vegetation. The maintenance of the restored clearwater state in the biomanipulated ponds was strongly dependent on fish recolonisation and nutrient level. In the absence of fish, the clearwater state could be maintained by submerged vegetation or large zooplankton grazing alone. In case of fish recolonisation, restoration of extensive submerged vegetation could buffer, to a considerable degree, the effect of fish except for ponds with high nutrient levels.     

Seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton and its relationship with the environmental factors in Dongping Lake, China

Dongping Lake is the final adjusting and storing lake in the east route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China, and there has been serious concern regarding the water quality. Understanding the process of phytoplankton variation can be particularly useful in water quality improvement and management decisions. In this study, the phytoplankton taxonomic composition, abundance, temporal variations, spatial distribution, and diversity were studied based on a monthly sampling campaign from three sampling stations between May 2010 and May 2011. A total of 132 species (8 phyla, 72 genera), including 64 species of Chlorophyta, 26 species of Bacillariophyta, 21 species of Cyanophyta, 12 species of Euglenophyta, 3 species of Cryptophyta, 2 species of Xanthophyta, 1 species of Pyrrophyta, and 3 species of Chrysophyta were identified. Average phytoplankton diversity index and evenness values were 3.83 and 0.77, respectively, revealing a high biodiversity of phytoplankton community. The phytoplankton abundance averaged 5.11?×?10⁶ cells/L, with Bacillariophyta dominant in winter and spring, but Cyanophyta in summer and autumn. There were 14 predominant species including Pseudanabaena limnetica, Chlamydomonas simplex, Cyclotella stelligera, and Chroomonas acuta. Phytoplankton community structure and water quality variables changed substantially over the survey period; redundancy analysis, Pearson correlations, and regression analysis as an integrated approach were applied to analyze the relationships among them. Total phosphorus and ammonium played governing roles in the phytoplankton dynamics of Dongping Lake during all periods investigated.