Esther Hedin
Research Mentor(s): Sara Rivera
Mentor Department: Earth and Environmental Sciences
Authors: Esther Hedin, Sara Rivera, Greg Dick
Session: Session 6 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 19
Abstract
Harmful algae blooms (HABs) in Western Lake Erie pose significant environmental, economic, and public health risks during the summer bloom season. The production of a toxin, microcystin, by cyanobacteria cause these blooms to have many negative effects such as damaging local ecosystems and polluting water supplies. The dominant microcystin-producing cyanobacteria found in these HABs is Microcystis. To better understand summer blooms dynamics, this study aims to identify and isolate different strains of Microcystis, some with the ability to produce microcystin and some without, through the utilization of microscopy and DNA sequencing techniques. Samples from four sites in Western Lake Erie were screened for morphological traits indicative of Microcystis. DNA was extracted from isolate colonies. Marker gene sequence information was compared to cultured isolates in the Western Lake Erie Culture Collection. These new cultures will be used to better understand bloom dynamics, including the progression of strain dominance throughout the bloom. Through this understanding, we can better monitor and respond to summer blooms in Western Lake Erie and develop mitigation strategies that protect both the environment and those who live around it.
