Lindsey Gleason
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Sara Rivera
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Earth and Environmental Sciences / LSA
Program:
Authors: Greg Dick, Lindsey Gleason, Sara Rivera
Session: Session 7: 4:40 pm – 5:30 pm
Poster: 54
Abstract
Microcystis is the dominant recurring cyanobacterial species found in Lake Erie harmful algae blooms (HABs). Microcystis can produce a cyanotoxin called microcystin—which is highly concerning because it poses a serious threat to human health, aquatic life health, water quality, and local economies by reducing recreation. In 2014, Lake Erie HABs were brought to the national level due to the Toledo drinking water crisis, where 500,000 residents were without water for several days. This project aims to better understand the diversity of Microcystis. To do this, we isolated potentially new strains of Microcystis. The cultures will be continuously preserved and added to the Western Lake Erie Culture Collection (WLECC), which is globally available for research purposes. This work allows us to learn more about HABs in Lake Erie. Ensuring our community’s access to and the upkeep of healthy water systems is what makes this work of isolating Microcystis a vital initial step.
