Blue Green Algae - Cyanobacteria
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Transcript of Blue Green Algae - Cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria in the Sudbury Area – McCharles Lake
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Charles Ramcharan
Dept. Biology and
Living with Lakes Center
Laurentian University
- Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria. - Their ancestors were among the first life on Earth, 3.2 bya. - They gave us: - oxygen - a radiation shield up in space - all the nitrogen for plant growth - They have evolved toxins for defense against predators. - These toxins can be harmful to wildlife, livestock, and people.
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
What Are Blue-Green Algae?
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Origin of Blue-Green Algae
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Origin of Bluegreen Algae
3 2 1 0 4
Form
ation o
f th
e E
art
h
Old
est
rocks
First evid
ence o
f lif
e
Invert
ebra
tes
Old
est
blu
egre
en a
lgae
Am
phib
., r
ep.,
din
osaurs
, birds
Abundant
blu
egre
en a
lgae
First eukary
otic c
ells
Com
ple
x c
ells
Seaw
eed a
nd p
rotists
Fis
h
Coal
Flo
wers
P
leis
tocen
e m
am
mals
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Blue-Green Effects
1. Poor aesthetics. 2. Bad odor and water taste. 3. Poor fish habitat. 4. Effects on wildlife, livestock, and pets.
5. Effects on humans.
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Effects On Humans
1. Skin and eye irritants (e.g., lipopolysachharides) may cause itching and blisters.
2. Hepatotoxins (e.g., microcystins) affect liver, kidneys,
stomach, lungs, and other tissues. 3. Neurotoxins (e.g., anatoxins) can cause excessive
salivation, tremors, and paralysis.
Microcystis
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Toxic Species
Cylindrospermopsis Anabaena Oscillatoria
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Alg
ae B
iom
ass
Nutrient Level
Blue-green
bloom
What Causes Blue-Green Blooms?
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Nature Us
Lake
Septic beds
Detergents
Fertilizer
Where Do Nutrients Come From?
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Conditions Promoting Blooms
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Bloom Formation
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Bloom Formation
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
McCharles Lake Data
- Surface area 150 ha - Maximum depth 15 m - Mean depth 5.5 m - Shoreline length 12.7 km - 89 permanent and 32
seasonal residents - Meso-eutrophic
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Spring Turnover Phosphorus
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
1. Reduce use of fertilizers on lawns and gardens. City enacted a ban on high-P fertilizers. 2. Maintain septic systems. Just a few bad systems can cause a local
cyanobacterial bloom. 3. Switch to phosphorus-free detergents. Phosphorus-free dishwashing liquids and powders are
widely available. 4. Don’t remove aquatic plants.
How Can We Keep Nutrient Levels Low?
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
1. Obtained equipment for bluegreen monitoring. “First-alert” type probe for Lake Ramsey and other water sources. 2. Hired a new technician for bluegreen monitoring. Technician is responsible for collecting data to assess blooms. 3. Funded a graduate student to study risk of blooms in the Sudbury area. Ramsey Lake – no immediate risk of heavy bloom;
major sources of P are storm water and other runoff.
What’s the City Doing?
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Watershed Map
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Levels of Toxin
1.5 μg/kg (ON), 2-4 μg/kg (WHO)
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Levels of Toxin
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Conclusions
1. Cyanobacteria are a normal component of a healthy lake or river.
2. Cyanobacterial blooms (in our area) are enabled by
high levels of phosphorus. 3. Phosphorus abatement and control is the key. Both individual and municipal action is necessary.