blue-green algae -the basics & -washington’s monitoring program

Jenifer ParsonsLizbeth Seebacher,

Ph.D.Joan Hardy, PhD

What are Blue-Green Algae?Bacteria, called CyanobacteriaPhotosynthesize like plants and green algaeFound in fresh and marine waterMany different species

Lake Steilacoom

Aphanizomenon sp.

Botryococcus sp.

Anabaena sp. Microcystis sp.

What causes a ‘bloom’Rapid reproduction = ‘bloom’ or HABMany things can contribute

Weather Temperature Wind Rain

NutrientsLightFlow

Fiorito Lake

Why They ThriveNitrogen fixation – use atmospheric nitrogenColony formation inhibits predationCarbon, phosphorus, nitrogen storage

mechanismsGas vesicles for vertical migrationAkinete formation (“spores”)Toxin production

About those ToxinsSome species sometimes produce toxins

(poisons)When toxic can cause illness or death of people,

pets, livestock and wildlife that drink the water. Can also cause rashes on people.

Strains produce different toxins at different amounts

Toxins can have multiple variants Over 80 known microcystin variants

Cyanobacteria & Associated ToxinsToxin Group Primary Target

organ in mammalsCyanobacterial genera

Microcystins Liver Microcystis, Anabaena, Planktothrix (Oscillatoria), Nostoc, Hapalosiphon, Anabaenopsis

Nodularian Liver NodulariaAnatoxin-a Nerve Synapse Anabaena, Planktothrix

(Oscillatoria), Aphanizomenon

Aplysiatoxins Skin Lyngbya, Schizothrix, Planktothrix (Oscillatoria)

Cylindrospermopsins Liver Cylindrospermopsis, Aphanizomenon

Lyngbyatoxin-a Skin, G.I. Tract LyngbyaSaxitoxins Nerve Axons Anabaena,

Aphanizomenon, Lyngbya, Cylindrospermopsis

Lipopolysaccharide Potential irritant; affects any exposed tissue

ALL

DOH established statewide provisional recreational guidance values for Washington

Toxins Guidance level

Microcystin 6 µg / LAnatoxin-a 1 µg / LCylindrospermopsin 4.5 µg / LSaxitoxin 75 µg / L

Lake MacDonaldphoto credit M. Murphy

Drinking water – •No federal standards•WHO – 1 µg/l microcystin and cell count levels that trigger toxin analysis

Toxin levels varyWithin a lake and over time, even hourly

Some Signs of PoisoningNeurotoxins (nerve)

Fast acting, signs appear within 15-20 minPeople – numbness of lips, tingling in fingers

and toes, dizzinessAnimals – weakness, staggering, difficulty

breathing, convulsions, deathHepatotoxins (liver)

Slower, hours or daysPeople – abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomitingAnimals - death

What Washington is DoingSmall program funded by boat registration feesEstablished in 2005, administered by Ecology

ID and toxicity testing programSmall grant program (50 k max)Partnership with DOHAlgae list-serve, website

Silver LakeLone Lake

ID and Toxicity TestingReactionaryPartner with King County lab

Sample analysis Use ELISA and HPLC-FD

Database

Lake Ketchum

https://www.nwtoxicalgae.org/

https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/coastalatlas/tools/LakeDetail.aspx

High Levels:

Microcystin 26,400 µg/l

Anatoxin-a 7,951 µg/l

Three tiered lake management protocol

Microcystis

Anabaena sp.

Current Freshwater Algae Projects

♦ Hicklin Lake Floating Islands Installation and Water Quality Investigation

♦ Lake Ketchum Algae Control Implementation

♦ Anatoxin-a Threat in Puget Sound Lakes –

unique genetic strain?

♦ Heart Lake Management Plan (FY2016)

♦ Fish Lake Management Plan (FY2016)

♦ Upper Joe’s Creek Watershed Nutrient

Reduction (FY2016)

Contacts

Dept of Ecology:Lizbeth Seebacher - Lizbeth.Seebacher@ecy.wa.govDept of Health:Joan Hardy – joan.hardy@doh.wa.gov