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.


What Are Blue-Green Algae?


Origin of Blue-Green Algae


Origin of Bluegreen Algae

3 2 1 0 4

Form

ation o

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First evid

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Abundant

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Seaw

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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.


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


Toxic Species

Cylindrospermopsis Anabaena Oscillatoria


Alg

ae B

iom

ass

Nutrient Level

Blue-green

bloom

What Causes Blue-Green Blooms?


Nature Us

Lake

Septic beds

Detergents

Fertilizer

Where Do Nutrients Come From?


Conditions Promoting Blooms


Bloom Formation


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


Spring Turnover Phosphorus


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?


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?


Watershed Map


Levels of Toxin

1.5 μg/kg (ON), 2-4 μg/kg (WHO)


Levels of Toxin


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.

blue green algae - cyanobacteria

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