Cyanobacteria in the Sudbury Area – McCharles Lake Charles Ramcharan Dept. Biology and Living with Lakes Center Laurentian University
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
What Are Blue-Green Algae? - 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.
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Origin of Blue-Green Algae
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
4
First evidence of life
3
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
2 1
Invertebrates Fish Coal Amphib., rep., dinosaurs, birds Flowers Pleistocene mammals
Seaweed and protists
Complex cells
First eukaryotic cells
Abundant bluegreen algae
Oldest bluegreen algae
Oldest rocks
Formation of the Earth
Origin of Bluegreen Algae
0
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.
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
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.
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Toxic Species
Cylindrospermopsis Microcystis Anabaena Oscillatoria Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Algae Biomass
What Causes Blue-Green Blooms?
Blue-green bloom Nutrient Level Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Where Do Nutrients Come From? Nature
Us
Septic beds Fertilizer Detergents
Lake
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Conditions Promoting Blooms
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Bloom Formation
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Bloom Formation
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
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
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Spring Turnover Phosphorus
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
How Can We Keep Nutrient Levels Low? 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.
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
What’s the City Doing? 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.
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Watershed Map
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Levels of Toxin
1.5 μg/kg (ON), 2-4 μg/kg (WHO)
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
Levels of Toxin
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University
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.
Charles Ramcharan, Biology, Laurentian University