Life Sciences Seminar: The role of physical dynamics in driving cyanobacteria blooms at Chautauqua Lake

The role of physical dynamics in driving cyanobacteria blooms at Chautauqua Lake, NY

Dr. Courtney Wigdahl-Perry
Associate Professor of Biology
State University of New York at Fredonia

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To better manage aquatic resources, it is critical to understand drivers of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Our work at Chautauqua Lake focuses on understanding the role of physical dynamics in shaping the frequency and intensity of blooms, including characterizing thermal stratification and spatial HAB patterns on the lake surface.

Abstract:
Cyanobacterial blooms are a growing concern around the world, including lakes in New York State. In order to better manage aquatic resources, it is critical to understand drivers of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Our latest work at Chautauqua Lake focuses on understanding the role of physical dynamics in shaping the frequency and intensity of blooms, including characterizing thermal stratification and spatial HAB patterns on the lake surface. In 2019, we used vertical lines with HOBO temperature sensors to track stratification over the duration of the summer season. The lake was strongly stratified from late June to early September, with a shallower thermocline than has been previously detected in any past study as well as persistent anoxia throughout the stratified period. We also found evidence for an internal seiche wave, which is the first time this has been detected at this site. In addition to the vertical conditions in the water column, our team is also exploring surficial patterns in HABs, using drones and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) cameras. Chautauqua Lake, with a surface area of 13,000 acres, experiences patchy bloom conditions that vary throughout the system - there is currently a poor understanding of where blooms originate, their extent, and how they move throughout this dual basin lake. With some test flights completed in 2020, we are aiming for a full launch of this project across NYS in 2021 to detect spatial patterns in blooms and develop protocols to differentiate harmful versus non-harmful bloom species. By improving our understanding of the physical lake conditions, both at the surface and vertically within the water column, we hope to improve our ability to better track and monitor harmful algae blooms in critical freshwater resources.

Speaker Bio:
Dr. Wigdahl-Perry earned her Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Maine in 2012. She is now an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at the State University of New York at Fredonia. As an aquatic ecologist, Dr. Wigdahl-Perry’s research program centers around understanding how lakes respond to environmental change. She works on local lakes in western New York as well as other systems around the world, primarily focusing on algae communities and water quality issues. Her research interests span different timescales, using field sampling techniques and high-frequency sensors to study lakes today, as well as studying biological fossils preserved within lake sediments to explore the past history of lakes."

Intended Audience:
Beginners, undergraduates, graduates. Those with interest in the topic.