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Algae Bloom IdentificationA “Short Course”
Edward CarneyLimnologist & Algal Taxonomist
Photo Courtesy Tony Stahl
Are Blue-GreensA Problem?
Blue-Green algae are only one of several types of algae in freshwater systems Algae = functional term, not phylogenetic Algae = simple plants (green algae),
photosynthetic bacteria (blue-green algae), and photosynthetic protists (the rest)
Blue-Green algae are a natural component of aquatic systems
They are only problematic when our activities supply over-abundant nutrients and allow them to grow to very large numbers In other words….. Blooms
When Are Blue-GreensA Problem?
Unimpacted systems do have algae blooms But, they tend to be small, infrequent, and last a
short time when they occur Blooms are problems when they impact
beneficial uses by being… 1) Big-enough in magnitude 2) Long-enough in duration, and/or 3) Frequent-enough in their recurrence
Those blooms are a water quality problem, not natural, and we see them in systems with pollution impacts
A Bit of Blue-Green History
Virgil (Roman poet, 70-19 BCE) Writes Nihil Vilior Alga in response to the foul
nature of blooms in urban Roman impoundments Lago di Monterosi, near Rome
Sports “spectacular” blue-green algae blooms in 171 CE
Followed forest clearing during road construction ordered by one Lucius Cassius Longinius
Later given the title “Maximus Phosphorus”
Becoming A Bloom Detective(Without a Microscope Handy)
Using a few types of “forensic clues” one can become able to… Recognize algae blooms from other things that may look
like blooms Recognize what type of algae may be causing a bloom, and Recognize what genera of blue-green algae might be
dominating a bloom These clues include
Algae/water color scums and any decomposition pigments colony shapes, and odors
CSI….. Lake Perry…..
Coming this fall
Bloom ID: Visual Clues Color of the water/algae in the water
Green (a veritable rainbow of green) “Lemon-lime” green (Chl-b, carotenoid pigments present) Grassy green Teal green Olive green
Yellow-ish Bronze or Copper (diatoms) Red-to-Purple Red (brick-red to orange to pink)
Presence of Distinct colonies Clumps or Blobs (green cottage cheese curds) Clumps (grass clippings)
Aphanizomenon and clear water phenomenon Filaments (like short hairs, ~1 cm or less)
Surface scums Decomposition pigments
Bloom ID: Olfactory Clues Unpleasant odors often accompany blue-
green algae blooms Sewage or Septic Fish or Dead Fish Earthy or Musty Bunker Oil (Microcystis spp.)
Bad odors may also be secondary to the bloom rather than primary
Despite looking like paint, blue-greens never smell like paint carriers Important for complaint investigations
Photos Courtesy Diana Lehmann and Wikipedia Commons
Pediastrum sp.
Scenedesmus spp.
Diatoms
Colonial Green
Microcystis sp.
Microcystis sp.
Anabaena sp.
Aphanizomenon sp.
Photos Courtesy Betsy Betros and Diana Lehmann
Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii
Coelosphaerium sp. or Woronichinia sp. bloom
Photo Courtesy Diana Lehmann
Photo Courtesy Scott Campbell
Planktothrix rubescens
Combination blooms are possible
Blue-Greens + Euglenoids
Photo Courtesy Traci Miles
Streams at low flow are susceptible to Euglenoid blooms
Euglenoid blooms will be present as a surface layer only
(lakes or streams)
Photo Marsha Carpenter
Not all red blooms are algae
Visible colonies are a good ID clue
But, don’t confuse duckweeds (Lemna spp.) with colonies or a surface scum… especially from a distance
Photo Courtesy Wikipedia Commons
Wolffia spp. (Water Meal) is a smaller duckweed that will feel like small grains when rolled between the fingers (unlike slimier blue-green colonies)
Photo Courtesy Wikipedia Commons
Filamentous green algae forms mats composed of stringy thread-like filaments
Stoneworts are also green algae that grow in beds like other rooted aquatic plants
Photo Gary Kepley ACOE Other types of Algae to watch for
Photo Wikipedia Commons
Photo Diana Lehmann
Although rare, Kansas has had a freshwater “red tide”
Melvern Lake, 1990
This dinoflagellate algae, Gymnodinium acidotum, likes undeveloped, cleaner water systems
Very unlike blue-greens
Scums are very good clues for the presence of Blue-Greens
White scum? What’s that?
When Does A Scum Warrant “Problem” Status?
Not all Blue-Green bloom scums are created equal
Scums may signify a significant bloom if…… They are extensive enough Heavy or thick enough, or Persistent enough
Photo Diana Lehmann
Scums = Blue-Greens present
Presence of any scum does not = problematic bloom
Phycocyanin pigments along shore or embedded in heavier scums = Blue-Green algae present & likely problematic
Photo Courtesy Tony Stahl
Phycocyanin pigment may also be on exposed rocks, from stranded and dying algae
This may indicate blooms in the recent past, even if the lake now looks clear
Photos Courtesy Scott Lang
Such stranded crusts and scums may represent the most dangerous area during a bloom
Colorful
Attractive to a kid’s eye
Or a dog’s nose
And once dried,
Toxins may last a long time
Once in a while……
Scums are not algae related
Foam, from organic matter, can form a surface scum
Pollen is usually white, grey, brown, or black and can form a surface scum
Photos Wikipedia Commons
Rivers and Streams Can also have Algae Blooms
Photo Richard Basore Photo Vic Montgomery
<2% of routine stream and river samples have had significant blue-green phytoplankton communities
Photo Zach Phillips
Common Bloom Forming Blue-Greens
Common Microcystis Anabaena Aphanizomenon
Less Common Planktothrix Cylindrospermopsis
Occasional Coelosphaerium Woronichinia Numerous other genera
Microcystis sp.
Anabaena sp.
Anabaena sp.
Aphanizomenon sp.
Planktothrix sp.
Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii
Common Algal Toxins Hepatotoxins
Microcystins (Microcystis, Anabaena, Planktothrix) Nodularin (Nodularia, Microcystis?) Cylindrospermopsin (Cylindrospermopsis, Aphanizomenon)
Neurotoxins Anatoxin-a (Anabaena, Planktothrix, Aphanizomenon) Anatoxin-a(s) (Anabaena) Saxitoxins (Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Lyngbya,
Cylindrospermopsis, some Dinoflagellates) Icthyotoxin (unnamed) (Euglena sanguinea)
Dermatotoxins Lipopolysaccharides (all species) Aplysiatoxins (Planktothrix, Lyngbya) Lyngbyatoxin-a (Lyngbya)
BMAA (>90% of spp. beta-methylamino-alanine)
Algal Toxicosis Symptoms Hepatotoxins
Weakness, Lethargy Anorexia, gastroenteritis Pallor of extremities and mucous membranes Mental derangement Photosensitivity (sub-lethal dose)
Neurotoxins Lethargy, muscle tremors Respiratory distress, cyanosis Paralysis, numbness in extremities
Dermatotoxins Rashes, skin irritation Mucous membrane irritation/inflammation Asthma-like symptoms (aerosols)
Formulae Courtesy Wikipedia Commons
= 730 ug/L
= 106 ug/L
In The Beginning… There Is Eutrophication
Causes of Blooms Excess Nutrients
Especially Phosphorus Solar Energy
Highest in Summer Literature Often Cites…
Hot Temperatures and Still Water, but… The Data just don’t show a strong connection
Even though incidence is highest in summer and in lakes (standing waters)
In Summary
Blooms used to be noticed when coincident with fishkills or T&O events….. Now they get notice on their own merits They are increasing (due to both occurrence
frequency and reporting frequency) And they do have health implications (as well as
many others, ecological and economic) People should know what to look for, use
common sense, and realize both the root cause (nutrient pollution), and the solution (prevention), rests with us
Safety Safety is largely a matter of common sense
Limit or avoid direct exposure Gloves for collecting Goggles or face shield if you wish Avoid eating/drinking until you can clean up Aerosols vs. odors Change clothes if contaminated (wash separate) Shower after water contact
Even though blooms represent a health risk, context is needed Risk can be reduced without staying home Other risks in comparison
Oh dear…. I’m afraid I may have some bad news, Earnest.
Ed Carney
Limnologist & Algal Taxonomist, retired
The End
Photo Susan Abbott ACOE
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