Grantee Research Project Results
A systems approach for understanding, predicting, and managing harmful algal blooms in Midwestern lakes
EPA Grant Number: R839270Title: A systems approach for understanding, predicting, and managing harmful algal blooms in Midwestern lakes
Investigators: Howe, Adina , Ikuma, Kaoru , Swanner, Elizabeth , Choi, Jinlyung
Current Investigators: Howe, Adina , Ikuma, Kaoru , Swanner, Elizabeth , Lee, Jaejin
Institution: Iowa State University
EPA Project Officer: Ludwig-Monty, Sarah
Project Period: January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020 (Extended to December 31, 2021)
Project Amount: $760,000
RFA: Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms (2017) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Water , Watersheds , Water Quality
Objective:
The objective of the study is to use a systems approach to identify genetic and environmental factors controlling the occurrence and fate of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Iowa’s recreational lakes. We hypothesize that HAB ecology and cyanotoxin production are the predictable result of environmental factors (e.g., high nutrient conditions); that the underlying genetic markers for cyanotoxin production are taxonomically controlled; and that incipient cyanotoxin-degrading microbes are present during HABs. The proposed research aims to test these hypotheses in conjunction with the development of novel predictive tools to target future cyanotoxin monitoring and mitigation to the highest-risk recreational waters. The following objectives will be accomplished: conduct an integrated meta-analysis of physicochemical parameters and microbiome analyses of Iowa’s HAB-impacted recreational waters to develop a predictive model of HAB occurrence; develop scalable tools that can be used to rapidly monitor HABs and identify when additional cyanotoxin monitoring is necessary; identify emerging cyanotoxins within Iowa's lakes and determine the freshwater HAB species linked to these toxins and the genetic systems that control toxin production; and identify and evaluate novel toxin-degraders for the mitigation of HAB cyanotoxins.
Approach:
Our meta-analysis will generate a microbial community dataset from samples of Iowa’s HAB-impacted recreational waters that will be integrated and analyzed with corresponding physicochemical and toxin data collected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to develop a predictive model of HAB occurrence. This dataset will further be leveraged to develop PCR-based chips and a multi-wavelength fluorometer approach for rapid screening of waters impacted by HABs. Isolation and identification of novel toxin-producing and -degrading microbes will provide additional genetic targets for rapid chip-based screening of key microbial players in HAB toxicity.
Expected Results:
The output of this work will promote the implementation of early warning and closures of HAB-associated recreational waters that threaten public health. Further, we will identify and broaden our understanding of emerging toxic strains and characterize their contribution to HABs in Iowa’s lake waters. We will also assess the native ability of Iowa’s lakes to mitigate toxins via the presence of natural, toxindegrading microbes, which can be developed for future mitigation strategies.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 11 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 1 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
ecosystem, indicators, toxics, environmental chemistry, limnology, MidwestProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.