Information related to CyanoHABs Newsletters 2015.

• December, 2015
• November, 2015
• October, 2015
• September, 2015
• August, 2015
• July, 2015
• June, 2015
• April/May/June, 2015
• March, 2015
• February, 2015
• January, 2015

For comments, feedback or additional information, please contact Lesley D'Anglada (Danglada.Lesley@epa.gov), Project Manager, at 202-566-1125.

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December, 2015

Revisions to the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4) for Public Water Systems and Announcement of a Public Meeting
EPA published a FRN proposing the fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule identifying eleven analytical methods to support water system monitoring for a total of 30 chemical contaminants/groups, consisting of ten cyanotoxins/groups; two metals; eight pesticides plus one pesticide manufacturing byproduct; three brominated haloacetic acid groups of disinfection byproducts; three alcohols; and three semivolatile organic chemicals. Comments must be received on or before February 9, 2016. EPA is also announcing a public webinar to discuss this proposal. The public webinar will be held on January 13, 2016, from 1:00 p.m.. to 4:30 p.m., EST. Persons wishing to participate in the webinar must register by January 10, 2016. For more information on the UCMR 4.

• Total N and Total P 
• Arsenic
• Cyanotoxins
• Ecoli

Once compiled, the information will be used to inform a dialogue with technology developers/providers to identify and pursue opportunities for research, development and adoption of the next-generation of instrumentation that meets community needs. A series of webinars has been planned for spring 2016, culminating in a workshop at the National Water Quality Monitoring Council meeting in June 2016. For more information please contact Denice Shaw at Shaw.Denice@epa.gov or Andrea Jaegge at Jaegge.Andrea@epa.gov and for more information on the Nutrient Sensor Challenge.

Water Quality Technology Conference (WQTC) HABs Presentations
The Water Quality Technology Conference (WQTC), held in November in Salt Lake City, recently published the proceedings on HABs including Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins: Reviewing the State of Cyanotoxins and Treatment Challenges Through Experiences, DBPs and Organics; Algae and Invasive Species; Lab Methods and Microbes; Algae and Cyanobacteria Control and Nutrient Management, How Do I Treat for Microcystins?, Security and Risk Assessment,?, Monitoring Control of Invasive Species, and. These presentations provide good information on a variety of topics, including analytical methods and toxin removal techniques. Download the presentations.

Webinar: Use of real-time HABs sensors for drinking water treatment on Wednesday, December 16, 11:00-12:00 PM EST
The webinar discussed how HAB sensors are used in drinking water treatment plants across Ohio to monitor for the presence and abundance of cyanobacteria in source and raw water. A website with links to the speakers presentation slides and contact information, a link to a recorded version of the webinar, which is hosted on YouTube, and additional resources put out by USEPA and AWWA concerning HABs and drinking water treatment.

Harmful Algal Bloom Integrated Observing System (HABIOS) Plan
The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System Regional Association (GCOOS-RA) released a new plan that, when fully implemented, will help protect humans and marine life from the negative impacts caused by harmful algal blooms, or HABs. The goal of the Harmful Algal Bloom Integrated Observing System (HABIOS) Plan is to establish a sustained observing system as part of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) to support and enhance HAB management and monitoring and reduce and mitigate the negative impacts that HABs have on human health, marine organisms and coastal communities. This plan is the summation of three Harmful Algal Bloom workshops sponsored by GCOOS with the Gulf of Mexico Alliance that was attended by numerous stakeholders and systems managers.

Unprecedented toxic algae bloom along the west coast found record levels of the algal toxin domoic acid
Researchers monitoring the unprecedented bloom of toxic algae along the west coast of North America in 2015 found record levels of the algal toxin domoic acid in samples from a wide range of marine organisms. The toxin was also detected for the first time in the muscle tissue or filet of several commercial fish species. In addition, sea lions exposed to this toxin are showing permanent neurological and behavioral changes.

Fish Kills in Upper Middle River caused by algae toxins
In November, toxic algae killed up to 200,000 fish in the Upper Middle River and tributaries near Baltimore, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment. The agency blamed the fish kill of largemouth bass, yellow perch and other species on a type of algae called Karlodinium veneficum, which damages the gills of fish so that they can't take in oxygen. The algae may have bloomed in the warmer waters this fall, then died off when the temperature dropped, releasing the fatal toxin. Laboratory testing done by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental showed the presence of Karlotoxins in levels sufficient to cause gill damage.

USEPA 2015-16 SBIR Funding Opportunities Closing Date January 7th, 2016
EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program supports the development and commercialization of environmental technologies that support the EPA’s mission of protecting human health and the environment. It is a small SBIR Program and therefore very competitive. EPA’s Office of Water (OW) is seeking innovative technologies that can cost-effectively do one or, preferably, both of the following. The ideal technologies will be applicable to both small and large treatment systems. The technologies should recover potentially valuable resources from wastewater and sewage sludge, such as nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and/or phosphorus, micronutrients, etc.), heavy metals (e.g., copper, zinc, molybdenum, magnesium), precious metals (e.g., palladium, platinum, gold, silver), plasmids, and rare earth elements, and/or produce enough energy from treating the wastewater and sewage sludge to operate the treatment facility on a continuous basis. All proposals must be responsive to the topics listed in the solicitation and all applications must be submitted through FedConnect. For more information on the program please see our fact sheet. An informational webinar was held to answer questions about the solicitation. The webinar slides and questions & answers from the webinar are now posted as the first bullet under Special Announcements on our homepage.

• Other SBIR agencies that support environmental technologies include NSF, DOE, NIEHS, NOAA and USDA. For links to all SBIR agencies and general information about SBIR.
• To learn more about EPA’s Water Research Funding Opportunities and to sign up for EPA’s National Center for Environmental Research listserv.

Hypoxia-Nutrient Data Portal
The Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Coastal Ocean Observing System and Gulf of Mexico Alliance have developed a develop Hypoxia –Nutrient Data Portal that incorporates information from multiple sources to support informed strategies that will reduce nutrient inputs and hypoxia impacts to Gulf coastal ecosystems. Parameters include current and historical datasets related to dissolved oxygen, dissolved nitrogen, phosphate compounds and many others. The project extends from the inshore waters of estuaries to the continental shelf break of the five U.S. Gulf states. A Hypoxia Decision Support Tool allows users to inspect base maps of observation locations down to the station level.

2016 Recreational Waters Conference – April 12-15, 2016, New Orleans, LA
The EPA’s Office of Science and Technology will host a Recreational Waters Conference on: beach monitoring, beach notification, and implementation tools for the 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria (RWQC). The conference will include Pre-Conference Training Sessions and a Poster Session. Conference registration is FREE and online registration is now open. If you have questions, please contact Tracy Bone at 202/564-5257 or send an email to rec_criteria@epa.gov.

ASLO 2016 Summer Meeting - June 5-10, 2016, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Registration and abstract submission are open for ASLO’s 2016 Summer Meeting that will take place 5-10 June in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. The meeting will host a session on Cyanobacterial patterns and processes across scales: implications for water resource and will include observational, experimental, and theoretical research studies that broadly range in time and space to elucidate the biogeochemical, ecological, molecular, and climatic factors mediating cyanobacterial dominance in a changing climate. The management implications of each study will be emphasized. ASLO invites the submission of abstracts for oral and poster presentations before the abstract deadline of 23:59 U.S. Central Standard Time / 06:00 Greenwich Mean Time, on February 2nd, 2016. The abstract submission deadline will not be extended.

17th International Conference on Harmful Algae – October 9-14, 2016, Florianapolis, Brazil
More information soon!

10th International Conference on Toxic Cyanobacteria – October 23-28, 2016, Wuhan China
The 10th International Conference on Toxic Cyanobacteria is scheduled for October 23 – 28, 2016 and will be held in Wuhan, China. The theme for the conference is “Research to Risk Management”. Scheduled sessions include: Cyanobacterial detection; Cyanotoxin analysis; Toxicology and toxicity assessment; Secondary metabolites production and functions: biosynthesis, regulation, biological functions; Ecology and Cyanobacterial Bloom Dynamics: the nutrient control of cyanobacterial blooms; Cyanotoxin compartmentation and persistence; Interactions between bacteria and cyanobacteria; Risk management of cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxins at scales of catchment, in-lake and water treatment; and Remote sensing of blooms. Abstracts of poster and oral presentations are now being accepted through June 23, 2016.

Recent Research Publications

Freshwater HABs and Health in a Challenging World Topical Collection
A new Toxins Topical Collection entitled Freshwater HABs and Health in a Changing World was developed to continue discussing the topics published in the Special Issue Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Public Health: Progress and Current Challenges and address challenges in assessing freshwater HAB-associated effects on public health and the environment. Manuscripts are invited that provide information about exposure assessment; health outcomes; outbreak investigations; wild and domestic animal poisonings; toxicology of cyanobacterial toxins in animals and humans, and the production of toxins in the environment. Manuscripts on the absorption, distribution, and elimination of toxins in animals and humans, and the control of toxins in the built and natural environment, as well as related topics are also invited. Manuscripts should be submitted online by registering and logging in to the website. Once you are registered, click go to the submission form. Papers will be published continuously and will be listed together on the collection website.

Water Quality, Cyanobacteria, and Environmental Factors and Their Relations to Microcystin Concentrations for Use in Predictive Models at Ohio Lake Erie and Inland Lake Recreational Sites, 2013-14
Francy, D.S., Graham, J.L., Stelzer, E.A., Ecker, C.D., Brady, A.M.G., Struffolino, Pamela, and Loftin, K.A., 2015, U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2015–5120, 58 p., 2 appendixes

MC-LR Exposure Leads to Subfertility of Female Mice and Induces Oxidative Stress in Granulosa Cells
Jiang Wu, Mingming Yuan, Yuefeng Song, Feng Sun and Xiaodong Han. Toxins 2015, 7(12), 5212-5223

Results of a Saxitoxin Proficiency Test Including Characterization of Reference Material and Stability Studies
Kirsi Harju, Marja-Leena Rapinoja, Marc-André Avondet, Werner Arnold, Martin Schär, Werner Luginbühl, Anke Kremp, Sanna Suikkanen, Harri Kankaanpää, Stephen Burrell, Martin Söderström and Paula Vanninen. Toxins 2015, 7(12), 4852-4867

Optimization of Sample Preparation for the Identification and Quantification of Saxitoxin in Proficiency Test Mussel Sample using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Kirsi Harju, Marja-Leena Rapinoja, Marc-André Avondet, Werner Arnold, Martin Schär, Stephen Burrell, Werner Luginbühl and Paula Vanninen. Toxins 2015, 7(12), 4868-4880

Are harmful algal blooms becoming the greatest inland water quality threat to public health and aquatic ecosystems?
Brooks, B. W., Lazorchak, J. M., Howard, M. D.A., Johnson, M.-V. V., Morton, S. L., Perkins, D. A.K., Reavie, E. D., Scott, G. I., Smith, S. A. and Steevens, J. A. (2016),. Environ Toxicol Chem, 35: 6–13

Nutrient-controlled niche differentiation of western Lake Erie cyanobacterial populations revealed via metatranscriptomic surveys
Harke, M. J., Davis, T. W., Watson, S. B., & Gobler, C. J. Environmental Science & Technology.

Daily transcriptome changes reveal the role of nitrogen in controlling microcystin synthesis and nutrient transport in the toxic cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa
Harke, M. J., & Gobler, C. J. (2015). BMC Genomics, 16(1), 1068.

Photosynthesis regulates succession of toxic and nontoxic strains in blooms of Microcystis (Cyanobacteria)
Zhicong Wang, Dunhai Li, Xiuyun Cao, Chulei Song, and Yiyong Zhou (2015) Phycologia: 2015, Vol. 54, No. 6, pp. 640-648. doi

Toxic Algae and Health Advisories – December, 2015

Kansas – (last updated 11/12/2015) Warnings: Hiawatha City Lake, Brown County, and Plainville Township Lake, Rooks County
Oregon – (permanent) South Umpqua River (anatoxin-a)

November, 2015

EPA's Algal Toxin Risk Assessment and Management Strategic Plan for Drinking Water
EPA developed, and submitted to Congress, the Algal Toxin Risk Assessment and Management Strategic Plan for Drinking Water, a strategic plan outlining how the Agency will continue to assess and manage algal toxins in drinking water. The strategic plan outlines approaches and projects that will control and manage algal toxins in source water and treat algal toxins in drinking water, with the goal of ultimately protecting water quality and public health. EPA developed this strategic plan in response to the Drinking Water Protection Act (also known as H.R. 212) signed on August 7, 2015.

Recordings Webinar on Record-Breaking HABs in the US in 2015
The Inland HABs Discussion Group Webinar had a webinar on November 5th on two record-breaking blooms in the US in 2015: the US West Coast HAB and the Ohio River cyanobacterial bloom. The webinar also included a presentation by USGS on the data collection for the Cyanobacteria Assessment Network (CyAN) project led by USGS, EPA, NOAA and NASA, and a presentation from the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Colorado’s Draft response plans to HABs for Recreation and Drinking Water. The agenda, power point presentations and recording are posted.

Recordings WASH Webinar on Drinking Water Protection Act and EPA’s Guidelines for Cyanotoxins
Colleagues from at least 32 states/jurisdictions participated in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) webinar on October 27th. WASH webinars were created to support dialogue and collaboration between waterborne disease epidemiologists, sanitarians and laboratorians across the nation. The role of CDC's Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch for these webinars is to actively solicit presentations and topics from local and state participants; coordinate presentations describing local, state and federal activities; and facilitate discussions on the topics presented.

Marine wildlife exposed to domoic acid produced by vast algae bloom off West Coast
Tests on dead or dying marine wildlife, including whales, dolphins, seabirds and seals, show the animals were exposed to a vast bloom of toxic algae that flourished off the West Coast this summer, from Washington to California.

Webinar: Use of real-time HABs sensors for drinking water treatment - Wednesday, December 16, 11:00-12:00 PM EST
The webinar will discuss how HAB sensors are used in drinking water treatment plants across Ohio to monitor for the presence and abundance of cyanobacteria in source and raw water. This session is intended to provide insight into the equipment needed, approximate costs, discuss how operators use data from the sensors in real-time, and how the sensors might help minimize treatment and monitoring costs. Presentations will be given by Brenda Snyder from the University of Toledo, Ed Verhamme of LimnoTech and Paul Nieberding of Fondriest Environmental. You MUST pre-register for the webinar in order to participate. Attendance is limited, so please sign-up now.

2016 Recreational Waters Conference – April 12-15, 2016, New Orleans, LA
The EPA’s Office of Science and Technology will host a Recreational Waters Conference on: beach monitoring, beach notification, and implementation tools for the 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria (RWQC). The conference will include Pre-Conference Training Sessions and a Poster Session. Conference registration is FREE and online registration is now open. If you have questions, please contact Tracy Bone at 202/564-5257 or send an email to rec_criteria@epa.gov.

Recent Research Publications

Agencies Collaborate, Develop a Cyanobacteria Assessment Network
Schaeffer, B. A., K. Loftin, R. P. Stumpf, and P. J. Werdell
Eos, 96, doi:10.1029/2015EO038809. Published on 10 November 2015

Water Quality, Cyanobacteria, and Environmental Factors and Their Relations to Microcystin Concentrations for Use in Predictive Models at Ohio Lake Erie and Inland Lake Recreational Sites, 2013-14
Francy, D.S., Graham, J.L., Stelzer, E.A., Ecker, C.D., Brady, A.M.G., Struffolino, Pamela, and Loftin, K.A., 2015, U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2015–5120, 58 p., 2 appendixes

Toxic Algae and Health Advisories – November, 2015

Kansas – Warnings: Hiawatha City Lake, Brown County, and Plainville Township Lake, Rooks County
Oregon – South Umpqua River

October, 2015

Recent Research Publications

UV-B Exposure Affects the Biosynthesis of Microcystin in Toxic Microcystis aeruginosa Cells and Its Degradation in the Extracellular Space
Zhen Yang and Fanxiang Kong
Toxins 2015, 7(10), 4238-4252

Activity and Transcriptional Responses of Hepatopancreatic Biotransformation and Antioxidant Enzymes in the Oriental River Prawn Macrobrachium nipponense Exposed to Microcystin-LR
Julin Yuan, Xueqin Wang, Zhiming Gu, Yingying Zhang and Zaizhao Wang
Toxins 2015, 7(10), 4006-4022

Toxic Algae and Health Advisories – October, 2015

September, 2015

2015 HAB Activity & Sampling
Aerial photography and water sampling by researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science help delineate the extent and intensity of algal blooms in lower Chesapeake Bay. Flight paths, Dataflow runs, and the outlines of the shaded bloom regions are approximate. Red blooms are most dense, yellow blooms are less intense.

NOAA awards $2.1 million for observation, forecasting, mitigation of harmful algal blooms
The grants will allow these organizations to implement new monitoring technologies to address emerging HABs, and investigate the role of climate change, nutrient pollution, and other factors to better predict and manage blooms. They will also improve upon current monitoring and seasonal forecasting for HABs, as well as apply robotic technology to improve hypoxia monitoring.

Researchers study ways to disable algal bloom
Cornell researchers set out to understand the interdependent environmental and cellular triggers that lead to sudden, devastating algal growth. Scientists currently understand the factors encouraging brown tides to flourish but not the cell processes occurring inside the algae. The team designed a hydrogel-based microfluidic device that screens multiple environmental conditions that promote algal bloom. The researchers believe algae cells communicate with one another and work as a team. They have discovered that as cell density increases, algae start to form a colony and behave as a group.

Murre die-off reported around Kodiak
Kodiak Island residents have been reporting a large number of common murres washing up dead on local beaches.

U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System Video on Red Tides
Video on Red tides and the impact to human health

High domoic acid levels likely to delay start of razor clam season
Coastal pseudo-nitzschia bloom is having an effect on razor clamming and delaying the razor clam season. Decadal domoic acid plots

8th Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S. - November 15 - 19, 2015 , Long Beach, California – Symposium Schedule is posted!
This is the eighth in a series of biannual meetings intended to provide a forum for scientific exchange and technical communication on all aspects of HAB research in the United States. We encourage everyone who works on HAB issues to attend the only national conference focused exclusively on HABs whether your focus is freshwater or saltwater, microalgae or macroalgae, basic research and monitoring, or policy and management. Students, established HAB folks, managers and scientists from NGOs, academic institutions, and local, state and federal agencies are invited to join us in Long Beach. Registration will remain open until November 1, 2015. Don’t forget to book your room early aboard the Queen Mary as our reserved room block expires October 15th. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly (877.342.0742) or using their online reservations system: Harmful Algae 2015 ~ Queen Mary Reservations

Stalton-Stahl Kennedy Competitive Research Grant
The Saltonstall-Kennedy Act established a fund (known as the S-K fund) used by the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants or cooperative agreements for fisheries research and development projects addressing aspects of U.S. fisheries, including, but not limited to, harvesting, processing, marketing, and associated business infrastructures. Under this authority, grants and cooperative agreements are made on a competitive basis (subject to availability of funding) to assist in carrying out projects related to U.S. commercial and recreational fisheries. The term “fisheries” encompasses wild capture, marine aquaculture and recreational fishing. The objective of the S-K Grant Program is to address the needs of the fisheries and fishing communities in optimizing economic benefits by building and maintaining sustainable fisheries and practices, dealing with the impacts of conservation and management measures, and increasing other opportunities to use existing infrastructure to support keeping working waterfronts viable. U.S. fisheries include any fishery, commercial or recreational, that is, or may be, engaged in by citizens or nationals of the United States. Proposals submitted to this competition must address at least one of the following priorities: Aquaculture; Fisheries Data Collection; Techniques for Reducing Bycatch and other Adverse Impacts; Adapting to Climate Change and Other Long Term Ecosystem Change; Promotion, Development and Marketing; Socio-Economic Research; and Territorial Science. This Federal Funding Opportunity includes information on application and criteria for research proposals requesting a maximum of $300,000 in total federal funding for up to a two-year period. Matching funds are not required. Awards are anticipated to start no earlier than September 1, 2016.

PhD/MS Assistantships - Auburn University (AL) - aquatic ecology/limnology
Two graduate research assistantships (Ph.D. or M.S.) in aquatic ecology and limnology are available in Alan Wilson’s lab at Auburn University. Current lab research projects take advantage of our large field station, which includes hundreds of ponds, and nearby reservoirs where we answer basic and applied questions associated with understanding the ecological, evolutionary, and limnological mechanisms controlling the structure and function of freshwater plankton communities with an emphasis on harmful algal blooms. My students are welcome to participate on existing projects but are strongly encouraged to develop their own projects in addition to applying for external grants and fellowships.

Ideal candidates will be hard-working, honest, team-oriented, and excited about studying freshwater communities using lab and field-based approaches. Prior coursework in ecology and statistics, a strong interest in mentoring undergraduates, and relevant research experiences (including analytical skills, such GC-MS, HPLC, ELISA), are desirable. Interested students are encouraged to email Alan Wilson (wilson@auburn.edu) describing why the lab is a good fit for you by 1 November 2015 for full consideration. In addition, please include your resume (including GRE scores), copies of transcripts, and contact information for three references.

Recent Research Publications

Field and laboratory guide to freshwater cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms for Native American and Alaska Native Communities
Rosen, B.H., and St. Amand, Ann, U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2015–1164, 44 p.

Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogues in the Pufferfish Arothron hispidus and A. nigropunctatus from the Solomon Islands: A Comparison of Their Toxin Profiles with the Same Species from Okinawa, Japan
Clyde Gorapava Puilingi, Yuta Kudo, Yuko Cho, Keiichi Konoki and Mari Yotsu-Yamashita Toxins 2015, 7(9), 3436-3454

First Report of Ciguatoxins in Two Starfish Species: Ophidiaster ophidianus and Marthasterias glacialis
Marisa Silva, Inés Rodriguez, Aldo Barreiro, Manfred Kaufmann, Ana Isabel Neto, Meryem Hassouani, Brahim Sabour, Amparo Alfonso, Luis M. Botana and Vitor Vasconcelos Toxins 2015, 7(9), 3740-3757

Immunomodulatory potency of microcystin, an important water polluting cyanobacterial toxin
Ondrej Adamovsky, Zdena Moosova, Michaela Pekarova, Amrita Basu, Pavel Babica, Lenka Svihalkova Sindlerova, Lukas Kubala, and Ludek Blaha Environ. Sci. Technol., 18 Sep 2015

Toxic Algae and Health Advisories – September, 2015

West Coast Toxic Algal Bloom - Central California Coast north to Washington
Ohio River Toxic Algae Outbreak - 636 miles from Wheeling, West Virginia to Cannelton, Indiana
California - Lake Chabot, Quarry Lakes, Temescal Lake, Klamath River
Connecticut - Sagg Pond (or Sagaponack Pond), Lake Pocotopaug (in East Hampton)
Florida- Crescent Lake & Dead Lake/ Haw Creek, Doctors Lake
Idaho – Fernan Lake and Avondale Lake (Panhandle Health District); Hayden Lake
Illinois - Monee Reservoir, Southern Illinois University Campus Lake
Iowa - Green Valley Beach
Kansas – Warnings: Brown County State Fishing Lake, Brown County; Chisholm Creek Park Lake, Sedgwick County; Mcpherson County State Fishing Lake, Mcpherson County; Melvern River Pond (Not Melvern Lake), Osage County; Memorial Park Lake, Barton County; Milford Reservoir (Zones A, B And C), Clay, Dickinson And Geary Counties; Nemaha State Fishing Lake, Nemaha County; Plainville Township Lake, Rooks County; Watches: Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County, Sabetha City Lake, Nemaha County
Kentucky - Barren River Lake, Campbellsville City Reservoir (Taylor County) Carpenters Lake (Daviess County) General Butler State Park Lake (Carroll County) Green River Lake Nolin Reservoir Rough River Lake Taylorsville Lake Willisburg Lake (Washington County
Massachusetts- Jamaica Pond, Lake Siog, West Monponsett Pond, White Pond, Willis Pond
Missouri - Smithville
New Hampshire: Silver Lake, Robinson Pond, Norway Pond, Sondogardy Pond
Nebraska: Willow Creek Lake
New York - Evens Lake, Indian Pond, Maratooka Lake, Mill Pond-Watermill, Prospect Park Lake, Roaring Brook Lake, Rockland Lake, Warners Lake, Lake Agawam, Quaker Lake, Owasco Lake, Orange Lake, Old Town Pond, Lawsons Lake, Lake Placid, Lake Neatahwanta, Lake Innisfree, Lake Carmel, Kirk Lake, Kiamesha Lake, Deans Pond, Central Park Lake, Cazenovia Lake, Beaver Lake, Allegheny Reservoir, Wainscott Pond, Smith Pond, Saratoga Lake, Seneca Lake,
North Carolina - Waterville Lake, Albemarle Sound
North Dakota – Homme Dam, Park River
Ohio - Buckeye Lake State Park Crystal, Brooks Park, and Farifield Beach - Buckeye Lake, Windy Point and Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground Beach and Main Beach West and East - Grand Lake St. Marys, Kiser Lake, Pine Reservoir, Toledo Drinking Water Quality Test Reports
Oregon –Clackamas Clove, Lake Billy Chinook Reservoir (Jefferson County), Upper Klamath Lake, Agency Lake, Detroit Reservoir, Willamette River, South Umpqua River
Pennsylvania - Shenango Lake
Rhode Island - Blackamore Pond
Texas – fish kills souther Texas coast
Utah – Blackridge Reservoir, Henry’s Lake
Vermont - Lake Champlain
Washington – Bay Lake, Lake Washington
West Coast Toxic Algal Bloom - Central California Coast north to Washington and possibly Alaska
Ohio River Toxic Algae Outbreak - 636 miles from Wheeling, West Virginia to Cannelton, Indiana

August, 2015

HABs Bloom Season is here…be prepared! Please visit the EPA CyanoHABs webpage for information on States HABs Programs and for a list of laboratories performing cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins analysis.

• EPA Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins: Information for Drinking Water Systems
• EPA Recommendations for Public Water Systems to Manage Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water
• AWWA and WRF A Water Utility Manager’s Guide to Cyanotoxins

• EPA Webinar Prevention, Control and Mitigation of CyanoHABs Presentations
• Australian Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water 
• Treatment Options, International Guidance Manual for the Management of Toxic Cyanobacteria, Water Quality Research Australia
• WHO Guidelines for safe recreational water environments. Volume 1, Coastal and fresh waters
• WHO Guidelines for safe recreational water environments. Volume 2, Volume 2 - Swimming pools and similar recreational-water environments
• WHO Toxic Cyanobacteria in Water: A guide to their public health consequences, monitoring and management

• Connecticut Blue-Green Algae Bloom webpage
• Ohio’s Cyanotoxin Monitoring Mapping Tool
• Ohio EPA 2015 HAB Response Strategy
• Oregon's Algae Resources for Drinking Water website
• Washington HABs Water System Guidance Fact Sheet
• Great Lakes Observing System
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection HABs updates
• Florida Department of Health Blooms Database
• Kansas Department of Health and Environment Blue-green Algae Reporting System

• New York Sea Grant Dogs and HABs Brochure
• Wisconsin Keeping Your Pet Safe from Harmful Algal Blooms Brochure
• Oregon Readiness for timely response to dog poisoning events Presentation
• Oregon Veterinary Medical Association Blue Green Algae: Hazard for Dogs webpage
• Ohio HABs can be deadly to pets and livestock Article
• Blue-green algae blooms: How toxic waters affect pets webpage
• Pet Poison Help Line
• Kansas Veterinarian’s Guide Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB)

News

Obama Signs Bill to Control Harmful Algal Blooms
President Barack Obama signed into law a bill (H.R. 212) to control harmful algal blooms in drinking water. The Senate passed the bill, previously approved by the House, on Aug. 5. The legislation, signed Aug. 7, requires the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and submit a plan to Congress by Nov. 5 to evaluate harmful cyanotoxins' risk to human health and to recommend feasible treatment options to mitigate any adverse public health effects. Algal blooms are formed from bacteria, including cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, which reproduce rapidly in lakes and ponds. Under certain conditions—especially runoff of nitrogen and phosphorus— these blue-green algal blooms can form cyanotoxins. The law also would require the EPA to publish a list of harmful cyanotoxins, summarize their known adverse health effects, and issue health advisories for them. On June 17, the EPA issued two health advisories for the cyanotoxins microcystin and cylindrospermospsin.

EPA Research Opportunity – ORISE Internship at the Office Of Research and Development
A research project training opportunity is currently available at the National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL), Ecosystems Research Division (ERD) in Athens, Georgia to participate as a member of an agile software development team to design, implement, and maintain/enhance an Android mobile application disseminating occurrences of HABs to Cyanobacteria Assessment Network (CyAN) program stakeholders.

Microcystin being re-evaluated by Minnesota’s Contaminants of Emerging Concern Program
Microcystin is a toxin produced naturally by cyanobacteria, commonly known as "blue-green algae." The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently released a new evaluation of the health effects of microcystin. The EPA evaluation used a different point of departure (POD) than MDH's current guidance values. MDH has initiated a re-evaluation to determine if the current health-based guidance values for microcystin should be revised.

NASA Earth Observatory, Algae Bloom on Lake Erie and in Lake St. Clair
On July 28, 2015, the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on the Landsat 8 satellite captured images of algal blooms around the Great Lakes, visible as swirls of green in this image of Lake St. Clair and in western Lake Erie. Early August 2015, blooms formed off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States. More information and annotated images: NASA Earth Observatory

2015 Large Whale UME in the Western Gulf of Alaska
NOAA Fisheries has declared an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) for large whale strandings in the Western Gulf of Alaska. The event began in May 2015 and strandings remain elevated.

OneNOAA Science Seminar: Keeping Tabs on HABs - September 24, 2015
Dr. Lisa Campbell, Professor, Dept. of Oceanography and Biology, Texas A&M University, 12:00 pm - 1:00pm. Access the OneNOAA Science Seminar google calendar from http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/seminars/index.html or from google calendar. For general questions, contact Tracy.Gill@noaa.gov or Hernan.Garcia@noaa.gov

USDA invests new conservation funds to improve Lake Erie water quality
The U.S. Agriculture Department is awarding $2 million in conservation funds to Ohio to help implement conservation techniques that will help improve water quality. The Secretary said USDA is also partnering with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to expand "boots-on-the-ground" capacity in the area and will be contributing an additional $1 million in technical assistance which will in turn be leveraged by the NFWF along with other public and private entities.

IOC Intergovernmental Panel on Harmful Algal Blooms (IPHAB)
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are a serious, expanding problem in coastal areas world-wide, poisoning seafood that can result in death and sub-lethal intoxication of humans and living resources and cause severe economic impacts, including to the aquaculture industry, desalinization plants and tourism/recreation. The Assembly expressed appreciation of the progress made and the priorities set for the biennium 2016-2017, in particular due to increasing major public health threats from neurotoxins, impact on aquaculture, massive fish kills, damage to coastal ecosystems, and impacts of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP). The U.S. will lead a task team to implement an IOC Ciguatera Strategy. The Assembly stressed the need for effective and continuous coordination between regional and global IOC activities on HAB. The IOC continues to seek to expand its work and mobilize funding to address HAB impact on desalinization.

2016 ASLO meeting in New Orleans, February 21st - 26th - Technological Advancements in Phytoplankton Ecology: Observation Techniques and Platforms, Data Analysis and Interpretation, and Model Development Session
Phytoplankton are a vital component of the aquatic ecosystem and affect water chemistry through nutrient uptake, alteration, and excretion. Shifts in phytoplankton community structure serve as indicators of environmental perturbations to aquatic systems, including climate change, eutrophication, and pollution. Furthermore, bloom-forming species can cause negative effects including hypoxia, high turbidity, or toxicity. Technologies for assessing phytoplankton distribution and ecological variables have improved in efficiency and spatial/temporal resolution through the development and advancement of laboratory techniques, adaptation to new in-situ platforms, and incorporation into regional observation systems. Phytoplankton observations range from simple detection (e.g. remote sensing, optical techniques) to species discrimination (e.g. microscopy, spectral fingerprinting, molecular approaches), to community structure determination (i.e. chemotaxonomic analysis). Additionally, laboratory and in-situ measurements of phycotoxins, macro- and micronutrients, and chemical and physical variables provide a critical ecological context for phytoplankton observations. In turn, advancements in data interpretation and modeling offer insight into physicological observations and allow for forecasting and prediction of harmful algal blooms, providing resource managers with tools to mitigate negative effects.

We invite presentations focused on the development or use of new or improved observation technologies, data analysis and interpretation techniques, and model development that address the many aspects of phytoplankton ecology. Please register here.

8th Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S. - November 15 - 19, 2015 , Long Beach, California
This is the eighth in a series of biannual meetings intended to provide a forum for scientific exchange and technical communication on all aspects of HAB research in the United States. We encourage everyone who works on HAB issues to attend the only national conference focused exclusively on HABs whether your focus is freshwater or saltwater, microalgae or macroalgae, basic research and monitoring, or policy and management. Students, established HAB folks, managers and scientists from NGOs, academic institutions, and local, state and federal agencies are invited to join us in Long Beach. Registration will remain open until November 1, 2015.

Recent Research Publications

Summer 2015 edition LakeLine Magazine of the North American Lake Management Society
This edition is dedicated to highlighting the good work at EPA addressing HABs and nutrient pollution. Available now on the open access side of our website.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Microcystin Variants and Relationships with Environmental Parameters in Lake Taihu, China
Xiaomei Su, Qingju Xue, Alan D. Steinman, Yanyan Zhao and Liqiang Xie Toxins 2015, 7(8), 3224-3244;

Toxic Algae and Health Advisories – August, 2015

California - Lake Chabot, Quarry Lakes, Temescal Lake, Klamath River
Connecticut - Sagg Pond (or Sagaponack Pond), Lake Pocotopaug (in East Hampton)
Florida- Crescent Lake & Dead Lake/ Haw Creek, Doctors Lake
Idaho – Fernan Lake and Avondale Lake (Panhandle Health District); Hayden Lake
Illinois - Monee Reservoir, Southern Illinois University Campus Lake
Iowa - Green Valley Beach
Kansas – Warnings: Brown County State Fishing Lake, Brown County; Chisholm Creek Park Lake, Sedgwick County; Mcpherson County State Fishing Lake, Mcpherson County; Melvern River Pond (Not Melvern Lake), Osage County; Memorial Park Lake, Barton County; Milford Reservoir (Zones A, B And C), Clay, Dickinson And Geary Counties; Nemaha State Fishing Lake, Nemaha County; Plainville Township Lake, Rooks County; Watches: Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County, Sabetha City Lake, Nemaha County
Kentucky - Barren River Lake, Campbellsville City Reservoir (Taylor County) Carpenters Lake
(Daviess County) General Butler State Park Lake (Carroll County) Green River Lake Nolin Reservoir Rough River Lake Taylorsville Lake Willisburg Lake (Washington County Massachusetts- Jamaica Pond, Lake Siog, West Monponsett Pond, White Pond, Willis Pond
Missouri - Smithville
New Hampshire: Silver Lake, Robinson Pond, Norway Pond, Sondogardy Pond
Nebraska: Willow Creek Lake
New York - Evens Lake, Indian Pond, Maratooka Lake, Mill Pond-Watermill, Prospect Park Lake, Roaring Brook Lake, Rockland Lake, Warners Lake, Lake Agawam, Quaker Lake, Owasco Lake, Orange Lake, Old Town Pond, Lawsons Lake, Lake Placid, Lake Neatahwanta, Lake Innisfree, Lake Carmel, Kirk Lake, Kiamesha Lake, Deans Pond, Central Park Lake, Cazenovia Lake, Beaver Lake, Allegheny Reservoir, Wainscott Pond, Smith Pond, Saratoga Lake, Seneca Lake
North Carolina - Waterville Lake, Albemarle Sound
North Dakota – Homme Dam, Park River
Ohio - Buckeye Lake State Park Crystal, Brooks Park, and Farifield Beach - Buckeye Lake, Windy Point and Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground Beach and Main Beach West and East - Grand Lake St. Marys, Kiser Lake, Pine Reservoir, Toledo Drinking Water Quality Test Reports
Oregon –Lake Billy Chinook Reservoir (Jefferson County), Upper Klamath Lake, Agency Lake, Detroit Reservoir, Willamette River
Pennsylvania - Shenango Lake
Rhode Island - Blackamore Pond
Utah – Blackridge Reservoir
Vermont - Lake Champlain
Washington – Bay Lake, Lake Washington
West Coast Toxic Algal Bloom - Central California Coast north to Washington and possibly Alaska

July, 2015

HABs Bloom Season is here…be prepared! Please visit the EPA CyanoHABs webpage for information on States HABs Programs and for a list per state of laboratories performing cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins analysis

• EPA Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins: Information for Drinking Water Systems
• EPA Recommendations for Public Water Systems to Manage Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water
• AWWA and WRF A Water Utility Manager’s Guide to Cyanotoxins
• AWWA Free online tool Cyanotoxins Resource Community website  
• Australia Management Strategies for Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) and their Toxins: a Guide for Water Utilities

• USGS Guidelines for design and sampling for cyanobacterial toxin and taste-and-odor studies in lakes and reservoirs
• Australian Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water
• WHO Guidelines for safe recreational water environments. Volume 1, Coastal and fresh waters
• WHO Guidelines for safe recreational water environments. Volume 2, Volume 2 - Swimming pools and similar recreational-water environments
• WHO Toxic Cyanobacteria in Water: A guide to their public health consequences, monitoring and management.

• New York Sea Grant Dogs and HABs Brochure
• Wisconsin Keeping Your Pet Safe from Harmful Algal Blooms Brochure
• Oregon Readiness for timely response to dog poisoning events Presentation
• Oregon Veterinary Medical Association Blue Green Algae: Hazard for Dogs webpage
• Ohio HABs can be deadly to pets and livestock Article
• Blue-green algae blooms: How toxic waters affect pets webpage
• Pet Poison Help Line

News

Project to reduce risk of harmful algal blooms in ponds and lakes in Pennsylvania
A new project to help identify and remediate harmful algal blooms could make Pennsylvania ponds and lakes safer for people and animals. With a grant from the Penn State-based Pennsylvania Water Resources Research Center, Penn State Extension will develop a network of county-based extension educators trained in the identification of harmful algal blooms. These educators will collect data to help determine the abundance and geographic distribution of these blooms.

NOAA Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Early Season Projection
A Microcystis blooms has formed in the western basin of Lake Erie stretching to Pennsylvania water, but is presently located away from the Ohio coast. Based on P output from Maumee Bay, the current prediction is for a severe bloom season overall. For more bulletins.

Safeguarding Source Water: How Online Monitoring of Algae Leads to Data-Driven Decisions Webinar Recording
On July 28^th Dr. Arash Zamyadi, UNSW Australia and Kevin Simpson, YSI, discussed recent work deploying optical sensing technology to monitor for harmful algae blooms (HAB’s) in raw water. Also, Dr. Arash shared his experiences using this real-time data to help drive water treatment decisions.

Heidelberg University launches LakeERieAlgae.com
LakeErieAlgae.com provides a step-by-step explanation of the role of a specific type of phosphorus – dissolved reactive phosphorus – from specific areas, particularly the Maumee River watershed, in creating the conditions that led to explosive algal in Lake Erie.

OneNOAA Science Seminar:  Keeping Tabs on HABs - September 24, 2015
Dr. Lisa Campbell, Professor, Dept. of Oceanography and Biology, Texas A&M University, 12:00 pm - 1:00pm. Access the OneNOAA Science Seminar google calendar from our webpage or from google calendar. For general questions, contact​​ ​Tracy.Gill@noaa.gov or Hernan.Garcia@noaa.gov

Recent Research Publications

Neurotoxic action of microcystin-LR is reflected in the transcriptional stress response of Caenorhabditis elegans
Nadine Saul, Shumon Chakrabarti, Stephen R. Stürzenbaum, Ralph Menzel, Christian E.W. Steinberg; Chemico-Biological Interactions, Volume 223, 5 November 2014, Pages 51-57

Nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria stimulates production in Baltic food webs
Agnes M. L. Karlson, Jon Duberg, Nisha H. Motwani, Hedvig Hogfors, Isabell Klawonn, Helle Ploug, Jennie Barthel Svedén, Andrius Garbaras, Brita Sundelin, Susanna Hajdu, Ulf Larsson, Ragnar Elmgren, Elena Gorokhova. June, 2015; 44(Suppl 3): 413–426.

α,β-Dehydroamino acids in naturally occurring peptides
Dawid Siodłak 2015; 47: 1–17

Status, Alert System, and Prediction of Cyanobacterial Bloom in South Korea
Ankita Srivastava, Chi-Yong Ahn, Ravi Kumar Asthana, Hyung-Gwan Lee, Hee-Mock Oh. Biomed Res Int. February,  2015

Photocatalytic Removal of Microcystin-LR by Advanced WO₃-Based Nanoparticles under Simulated Solar Light
Chao Zhao, Dawei Li, Yonggang Liu, Chuanping Feng, Zhenya Zhang, Norio Sugiura, Yingnan Yang. Scientific World Journal. March, 201

Grazing livestock are exposed to terrestrial cyanobacteria
Bruce C McGorum, R Scott Pirie, Laura Glendinning, Gerry McLachlan, James S Metcalf, Sandra A Banack, Paul A Cox, Geoffrey A Codd. Vet Res. February, 2015; 46: 16.

Toxic Algae and Health Advisories – July, 2015

• California - Lake Chabot, Quarry Lakes, Temescal Lake
• Florida- Crescent Lake & Dead Lake/ Haw Creek, Doctors Lake
• Idaho – Fernan Lake  and Avondale Lake (Panhandle Health District); Hayden Lake
• Illinois - Monee Reservoir, Southern Illinois University Campus Lake
• Iowa - Black Hawk Lake, Green Valley Lake, North Twin Lake (Twin Lake), Pine Lake
• Kansas – Warnings: Memorial Park Lake, Marion Reservoir, Milford Reservoir, Public Health Advisory: Norton Lake (Sebelius Lake), Concannon State Fishing Lake, Norton Lake (Sebelius Lake), Plainville Township Lake, Sabetha City Lake, Webster Lake, Lovewell State Park Lake
• Massachusetts- Jamaica Pond, Lake  Siog, West Monponsett Pond, White Pond, Willis Pond
• Missouri - Smithville
• Nebraska - Sutherland Reservoir
• New York - Evens Lake, Indian Pond, Maratooka Lake, Mill Pond-Watermill, Prospect Park Lake, Roaring Brook Lake, Rockland Lake, Warners Lake, Lake Agawam, Quaker Lake, Owasco Lake, Orange Lake, Old Town Pond, Lawsons Lake, Lake Placid, Lake Neatahwanta, Lake Innisfree, Lake Carmel, Kirk Lake, Kiamesha Lake, Deans Pond, Central Park Lake, Cazenovia Lake, Beaver Lake, Allegheny Reservoir, Wainscott Pond, Smith Pond, Saratoga Lake
• North Carolina - Waterville Lake
• Ohio - Buckeye Lake State Park Crystal, Brooks Park, and Farifield Beach - Buckeye Lake, Windy Point and Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground Beach and Main Beach West and East - Grand Lake St. Marys, Kiser Lake, Pine Reservoir, Toledo Drinking Water Quality Test Reports
• Oregon –Lake Billy Chinook Reservoir (Jefferson County), Upper Klamath Lake, Agency Lake, Detroit Reservoir, Willamette River
• Pennsylvania - Shenango Lake
• Rhode Island - Blackamore Pond
• Vermont - Lake Champlain
• Washington – Bay Lake, Lake Washington
• West Coast Toxic Algal Bloom - Central California Coast north to Washington and possibly Alaska, diatoms producing domoic acid

June, 2015

Northeast-Midwest Institute Study Finds Inadequate Water Data in the Lake Erie Drainage Basin
A new study released by the Northeast-Midwest Institute and the U.S. Geological Survey found that current water quality monitoring in the Lake Erie drainage basin is inadequate for evaluating agricultural management practices for improving the health of Lake Erie. The monitoring challenges identified in the Lake Erie drainage basin, such as the lack of overlap between monitoring sites and areas targeted by conservation incentive programs, likely apply in other regions across the country. According to Elin Betanzo, lead author of the study, "A substantial increase in agricultural management practice use is needed to generate and detect statistically significant reductions in nutrient loads to Lake Erie, even in places where the needed water data are collected." The study presents several strategies for improving efficiencies and results of both water monitoring and conservation incentive programs across the Lake Erie drainage basin. The study calls for targeted monitoring in small watersheds and enhanced collaboration and coordination among water monitoring organizations and agriculture agencies within the Lake Erie drainage basin. Such collaboration, the study notes, is essential to efficiently collect the data needed to measure nutrient load reductions to Lake Erie that will prevent future harmful algal blooms such as the one that impaired Toledo's water supply last summer.

The Northeast-Midwest Institute will host a Capitol Hill briefing on July 14 to provide an overview of the study's findings and recommendations for improving water quality monitoring. Given recent announcements by the States of Ohio and Michigan and the Province of Ontario to reduce nutrient inputs by 40%, efficient, effective, and coordinated monitoring will be essential for evaluating management practices to improve the health of Lake Erie. The briefing will be in the Capitol Visitor Center, SVC-209, by Elin Betanzo and Michael Goff, Northeast-Midwest Institute; Lana Pollack, International Joint Commission, and Larry Antosch, Ohio Farm Bureau. To rsvp contact Danielle Chesky, dchesky@nemw.org

Host 9th Symposium on Harmful Algae 2017
The National HAB Committee (NHC) is soliciting letters of intent (LOIs) to host the Ninth Symposium on Harmful Algae, to be held in 2017. If you are interested in hosting the next US HAB symposium, please visit the NHC website for instructions on completing a LOI. LOIs should be sent to Mindy Richlen at mrichlen@whoi.edu by August 15th. Potential hosts should also plan on giving a brief presentation at the Eighth US HAB symposium this fall.

8th Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S. - November 15 - 19, 2015 , Long Beach, California
This is the eighth in a series of biannual meetings intended to provide a forum for scientific exchange and technical communication on all aspects of HAB research in the United States. We encourage everyone who works on HAB issues to attend the only national conference focused exclusively on HABs whether your focus is freshwater or saltwater, microalgae or macroalgae, basic research and monitoring, or policy and management. Students, established HAB folks, managers and scientists from NGOs, academic institutions, and local, state and federal agencies are invited to join us in Long Beach. Registration will remain open until November 1, 2015.

Research

Deriving nutrient targets to prevent excessive cyanobacterial densities in U.S. lakes and reservoirs.
Yuan, L. L. and Pollard, A. I. Freshwater Biology. June, 2015.

Cyanobacterial dynamics in shallow Lake Apopka (Florida, U.S.A.) before and after the shift from a macrophyte-dominated to a phytoplankton-dominated state.
Waters, M. N., Schelske, C. L. and Brenner, M. Freshwater Biology. June, 2015.

Growth response of four freshwater algal species to dissolved organic nitrogen of different concentration and complexity
Fiedler, D., Graeber, D., Badrian, M. and Köhler, J. Freshwater Biology. June, 2015.

Toxic Algae and Health Advisories - June 2015

Kansas – Warnings: Memorial Park Lake, Marion Reservoir, Milford Reservoir, South Park Lake, Lake Warnock, Cedar Brook Pond; Public Health Advisory: Jewel State Fishing, Norton Lake (Sebelius Lake),

Oregon –Lake Billy Chinook Reservoir (Jefferson County), South Umpqua River, Detroit Reservoir

Washington – Bay Lake, Lake Washington

Ohio - Buckeye Lake State Park Crystal, Brooks Park, and Farifield Beach - Buckeye Lake, Windy Point and Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground Beach and Main Beach West and East - Grand Lake St. Marys

New York - Evens Lake, Indian Pond, Maratooka Lake, Mill Pond-Watermill, Prospect Park Lake, Roaring Brook Lake, Rockland Lake, Warners Lake, Lake Agawam,

West Coast Toxic Algal Bloom - Central California Coast north to Washington and possibly Alaska, diatoms producing domoic acid

Idaho – Fernan Lake and Avondale Lake (Panhandle Health District);

April/May/June, 2015

EPA has published Health Advisories and technical support documents for the cyanobacterial toxins
EPA announced drinking water health advisory values for the cyanobacterial toxins microcystins and cylindrospermopsin in a May 6, 2015 press release. The Agency then held a public meeting on May 11, 2015 to seek input from stakeholders on the recommended actions and other information EPA can provide to best support states and utilities in addressing these cyanotoxins in drinking water. EPA has since published technical documents that describe the development of these health advisories. The advisories identify concentrations of the two algal toxins in drinking water at or below which adverse human health effects are not anticipated to occur over a 10-day exposure period. Information on testing methods and treatment techniques is also included.

EPA has also published a cyanotoxin management document as a companion to the health advisories. The document provides information and a framework that Public Water Systems (PWSs) and others can consider to inform their decisions on managing the risks from cyanotoxins to drinking water. It includes a potential stepwise approach PWSs could use to inform their decisions on whether and how to monitor, treat and communicate with stakeholders.

To view the technical documents on the health advisories and cyanotoxin health effects.

To view the support document for managing cyanotoxins in drinking water.

EPA, NASA, NOAA and USGS Creating Early Warning System to Detect Harmful Algal Blooms
On April 7th, 2015, EPA announced that it is developing an early warning indicator system using historical and current satellite data to detect algal blooms. EPA researchers will use satellite data on cyanobacteria algal blooms from three partnering agencies-- NASA, NOAA, and the U.S. Geological Survey-- through a mobile app to inform water managers of changes in water quality as an early warning system. The multi-agency project will create a reliable, standard method for identifying cyanobacteria blooms in U.S. freshwater lakes and reservoirs using ocean color satellite data. Several satellite data sets will be evaluated against environmental data collected from these water bodies, which allows for more frequent observations over broader areas than can be achieved by taking traditional water samples.

EPA is pioneering the integration of satellite data into the decision-making process, and NOAA and NASA have pioneered the use of oceanic satellite data for monitoring and forecasting harmful algal blooms. Researchers will compare new freshwater algal blooms data with satellite records of land cover changes over time to identify specific land-use activities that may have caused environmental changes linked to the frequency and intensity of observed blooms. Studies will also include how satellite imagery could be integrated into economic assessments and protecting human health.

Ocean color satellite data are currently accessible to scientists but are not routinely processed and produced in formats that can meet the needs of state and local environmental and water quality managers. The new multi-agency effort will build on previous NASA ocean satellite sensor technologies created to study the global ocean’s microscopic algal communities, which play a major role in the movement of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and ocean, and climate change, and will yield an improved understanding of the health impacts of cyanobacteria and phytoplankton blooms in the United States.

EPA Video--- Science safeguards drinking water from harmful algal blooms
Toxins from harmful algal blooms are increasingly contaminating source waters, as well as the drinking water treatment facilities that source waters supply. EPA researchers are helping the treatment facilities find safe, cost effective ways to remove the toxins and keep your drinking water safe. For more information.

Save the Date! –12th Annual Workshop on Drinking Water Compliance Challenges and Solutions - August 25-27, 2015
EPA’s Office of Research and Development/National Risk Management Research Laboratory and Office of Water/Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water in cooperation with the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) will be holding the 12th annual workshop on drinking water compliance challenges and solutions on August 25-27, 2015, at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH.

The workshop is primarily designed for state personnel responsible for drinking water regulations compliance and treatment technologies permitting. However, past workshops have attracted attendees from numerous other disciplines such as Design engineers, Technical assistance providers, Consulting firms, Equipment manufacturers, Academia, Small systems owners, Certified water systems operators

The workshop will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2015, and is anticipated to conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2015. A preliminary workshop agenda is under development and will be distributed once available. The following topics will be included this year:

• Lead and Copper Rule
• Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)
• Cyanotoxins
• Legionella
• Fluoridation
• Disinfection and DBPs
• Small Systems Treatment
• Distribution System Issues
• Emerging Contaminants
• Other Small Systems Information

The workshop is free to the public, so there is no registration fee to attend. Online registration will open soon. Information on lodging options and how to book a room within the group block at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati will be distributed within the next week. Inquiries about the workshop may be directed to Alina Martin of Leidos, Inc. (EPA contractor) at (858) 432-3750 or martinali@leidos.com.

Interagency Working Group on the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (IWG-HABHRCA) Webinar Series
The Interagency Working Group on HABHRCA conducted a series of webinars to initiate conversation between federal representatives and stakeholders on topics related to HABs and hypoxia, some of the most scientifically complex and economically damaging issues affecting our ability to protect the health of our nation’s coastal and freshwater ecosystems. Each webinar was recorded and is accessible via the links below:

• National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Webinar, held March 26, 2015
• Regional Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Webinar – Southeast/Gulf of Mexico/Mid-Atlantic, held April 2, 2015.
• Regional Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Webinar – Inland/Great Lakes, held April 22, 2015.
• Regional Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Webinar – Northwest, held April 29, 2015.
• Regional Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Webinar – Northeast, held April 30, 2015.

Stakeholder input gathered prior to, during, and following the webinars is being used to inform the development of a comprehensive research plan and action strategy for dealing with and responding to HABs and hypoxia. For more information please visit the HABHRCA website.

AWWA and WRF A Water Utility Manager’s Guide to Cyanotoxins
The American Water Works Association and Water Research Foundation published A Water Utility Manager’s Guide to Cyanotoxins to help utilities gain a better sense of whether cyanotoxins are a water quality issue they should be preparing for and where to find relevant resources and knowledge when cyanotoxins do cause water quality problems.

Host 9th Symposium on Harmful Algae 2017
The National HAB Committee (NHC) is soliciting letters of intent (LOIs) to host the Ninth Symposium on Harmful Algae, to be held in 2017. If you are interested in hosting the next US HAB symposium, please visit the NHC website for instructions on completing a LOI. LOIs should be sent to Mindy Richlen at mrichlen@whoi.edu by August 15th. Potential hosts should also plan on giving a brief presentation at the Eighth US HAB symposium this fall.

SETAC North America 36th Annual Meeting: Aquatic Toxicology and Ecology Session: HAB Toxins in Inland Waters: Environmental Contaminants of Emerging Concern
From the 1st to 5th of November, 2015 in Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. Abstract submission is now open and closes on May 27. Non-refundable late submission fee added for any abstract submitted between May 27 - June 10. Registration opens in July.

Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) 2015 – November 8-12, Portland Oregon
The CERF 2015 scientific program offers four days of timely, exciting and diverse information on a vast array of estuarine and coastal subjects. Presentations will examine new findings within CERF’s traditional scientific, education and management disciplines and encourage interaction among coastal and estuarine scientists and managers. Additionally, the Scientific Program Committee plans to convene special sessions and workshops that promote intellectually stimulating discussions of challenges in coastal and estuarine science.

8th Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S. - November 15 - 19, 2015 , Long Beach, California
This is the eighth in a series of biannual meetings intended to provide a forum for scientific exchange and technical communication on all aspects of HAB research in the United States. We encourage everyone who works on HAB issues to attend the only national conference focused exclusively on HABs whether your focus is freshwater or saltwater, microalgae or macroalgae, basic research and monitoring, or policy and management. Students, established HAB folks, managers and scientists from NGOs, academic institutions, and local, state and federal agencies are invited to join us in Long Beach. Registration will remain open until November 1, 2015.

Research

Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins Occurrence and Removal from Five High-Risk Conventional Treatment Drinking Water Plants
David C. Szlag, James L. Sinclair, Benjamin Southwell, and Judy A. Westrick. Toxins 2015, 7(6), 2198-2220 (This article belongs to the Special Issue Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Public Health: Progress and Current Challenges)

One Health and Cyanobacteria in Freshwater Systems: Animal Illnesses and Deaths Are Sentinel Events for Human Health Risks
Elizabeth D. Hilborn, E. and Beasley, V. Toxins 2015, 7(4), 1374-1395 (This article belongs to the Special Issue Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Public Health: Progress and Current Challenges)

Spatial and Temporal Patterns in the Seasonal Distribution of Toxic Cyanobacteria in Western Lake Erie from 2002–2014
Timothy T. Wynne, T and Stumpf, R. Toxins 2015, 7(5), 1649-1663 (This article belongs to the Special Issue Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Public Health: Progress and Current Challenges)

Integrative Monitoring of Marine and Freshwater Harmful Algae in Washington State for Public Health Protection
Trainer VL and Hardy FJ. Toxins. 2015; 7(4):1206-1234. (This article belongs to the Special Issue Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Public Health: Progress and Current Challenges)

Cyanobacteria and Algae Blooms: Review of Health and Environmental Data from the Harmful Algal Bloom-Related Illness Surveillance System (HABISS) 2007–2011
Lorraine C. Backer, Deana Manassaram-Baptiste, Rebecca LePrell and Birgit Bolton. Toxins 2015, 7(4), 1048-1064 (This article belongs to the Special Issue Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Public Health: Progress and Current Challenges)

Harmful Algal Bloom Characterization at Ultra-High Spatial and Temporal Resolution Using Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Deon Van der Merwe and Kevin P. Price. Toxins 2015, 7(4), 1065-1078 (This article belongs to the Special Issue Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Public Health: Progress and Current Challenges)

Alteration in the Expression of Cytochrome P450s (CYP1A1, CYP2E1, and CYP3A11) in the Liver of Mouse Induced by Microcystin-LR
Bangjun Zhang, Yang Liu and Xiaoyu Li. Toxins 2015, 7(4), 1102-1115

Influence of Different Shellfish Matrices on the Separation of PSP Toxins Using a Postcolumn Oxidation Liquid Chromatography Method
Verónica Rey, Amparo Alfonso, Luis M. Botana and Ana M. Botana. Toxins 2015, 7(4), 1324-1340

Interactions between Microcystis aeruginosa and coexisting amoxicillin contaminant at different phosphorus levels
Liu Ying, Chen Shi, Chen Xiao, Jian Zhang, Gao Baoyu. 2015 Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 297, Pages 83–91

Do the A Subunits Contribute to the Differences in the Toxicity of Shiga Toxin 1 and Shiga Toxin 2?
Debaleena Basu and Nilgun E. Tumer. Toxins 2015, 7(5), 1467-1485

First Detection of Tetrodotoxin in Greek Shellfish by UPLC-MS/MS Potentially Linked to the Presence of the Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum
Aristidis Vlamis, Panagiota Katikou, Ines Rodriguez, Verónica Rey, Amparo Alfonso, Angelos Papazachariou, Thetis Zacharaki, Ana M. Botana and Luis M. Botana. Toxins 2015, 7(5), 1779-1807

Identification of Microcystis aeruginosa Peptides Responsible for Allergic Sensitization and Characterization of Functional Interactions between Cyanobacterial Toxins and Immunogenic Peptides
Esmond N. Geh, Debajyoti Ghosh, Melanie McKell, Armah A. de la Cruz, Gerard Stelma, and Jonathan A. Bernstein Environmental Health Perspectives, 2015

Toxic Algae and Health Advisories - April/May/June 2015

March, 2015

WHO Technical Brief: Management of Cyanobacteria in Drinking-Water Supplies: Information for Regulators and Water Suppliers
This technical brief provides general information on the management of cyanobacteria in drinking-water supplies to help regulators and water suppliers determine when to take action and what actions to take. It describes a number of measures to prevent the formation of cyanobacterial blooms as well as options to manage such blooms when they occur. Although some of the measures are specific to cyanobacteria, many are equally useful for the management of other hazards. Risks from cyanobacteria should be assessed along with the other microbial, chemical, physical and radiological hazards that may be encountered in a water supply. This can be effectively achieved in the context of developing a water safety plan for the water supply system.

EPA Awards Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Grants to Reduce Runoff that Contributes to Algal Blooms
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the award of 14 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grants totaling over $17 million to fund projects that will improve Great Lakes water quality by preventing phosphorus runoff and soil erosion that contribute to algal blooms and by reducing suspended sediments in Great Lakes tributaries. “These Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants will be used for critical projects to prevent soil erosion and reduce phosphorus runoff that contributes to algae growth in the Great Lakes,” said Great Lakes National Program Manager Susan Hedman. “Many of these grants target Great Lakes watersheds where there have been harmful algal blooms in recent years – such as Maumee Bay on Lake Erie, Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron and Green Bay on Lake Michigan.” The projects funded by the GLRI grants will be implemented by conservation organizations and by state and local governments: This year, EPA has awarded GLRI grants totaling over $25 million to fund 29 projects to protect and restore the Great Lakes including a 15 GLRI grants totaling over $8.1 million to fund projects to combat invasive species. Since 2010, EPA has funded more than 700 Great Lakes restoration and protection projects totaling over $570 million.

Contact Information: Peter Cassell, 312-886-6234, cassell.peter@epa.gov

SETAC North America 36th Annual Meeting: Aquatic Toxicology and Ecology Session: HAB Toxins in Inland Waters: Environmental Contaminants of Emerging Concern

SETAC North America 36th Annual Meeting: Buzzing with Science: Cross-Pollination for Environmental Progress 1–5 November 2015, Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Abstract submission is now open and closes on May 27. Non-refundable late submission fee added for any abstract submitted between 27 May and June 10th.

No abstracts will be accepted after June 10th.  Registration opens in July.

National Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) and Hypoxia Webinars
The Interagency Working Group on HABHRCA* is pleased to announce a series of regional webinars - Southeast/Gulf of Mexico/Mid-Atlantic, Inland/Great Lakes, Northwest, and Northeast - about harmful algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxia. This webinars will initiate conversation between federal representatives and stakeholders on topics related to HABs and hypoxia, some of the most complex and economically damaging issues affecting our ability to protect the health of our nation’s coastal and freshwater ecosystems. The goal of the series is to gain region-specific information on, and to discuss what stakeholders perceive to be, the needs for handling HAB and hypoxia events, as well as an action strategy for managing future situations.

The dates/times for each regional webinar follow, and call-in information is attached.

Regional Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Webinar – Southeast/Gulf of Mexico/Mid-Atlantic – April 2, 2015, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT

Regional Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Webinar – Inland/ Great Lakes – April 22, 2015, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM EDT

Regional Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Webinar – Northwest – April 29, 2015, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT)

Regional Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Webinar – Northeast– April 30, 2015, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM EDT

Persons wishing to attend the meeting must register no later than 5 PM EDT on the evening before each presentation by sending an email to Caitlin.Gould@noaa.gov. Each meeting is limited to 500 participants and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals are encouraged to submit comments and questions in advance of and following each webinar, via e-mail (IWG-HABHRCA@noaa.gov) or to Caitlin Gould at NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, SSMC-4, #8234, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

* Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2014

Research

Cyanobacteria and Algae Blooms: Review of Health and Environmental Data from the Harmful Algal Bloom-Related Illness Surveillance System (HABISS) 2007–2011

Backer, L.C.; Manassaram-Baptiste, D.; LePrell, R.; Bolton, B. Toxins 2015, 7, 1048-1064.

Harmful Algal Bloom Characterization at Ultra-High Spatial and Temporal Resolution Using Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Van der Merwe, D.; Price, K.P. Harmful Algal Bloom Characterization at Ultra-High Spatial and Temporal Resolution Using Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Toxins 2015, 7, 1065-1078.

Toxic Algae and Health Advisories – March 2015

No advisories posted.

February, 2015

House Passes Bill to Study Algal Toxins in Drinking Water
On February 5th the House approved H.R. 212 directing the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a strategy to Congress within 90 days about how it will manage health risks caused by the presence of algae in water systems used by the public. The bill would require EPA to develop and submit to Congress within 90 days a strategic plan for “assessing and managing the risk associated with cyanotoxins in drinking water,” to establish a list of which cyanotoxins are harmful to human health when present in drinking water -- including the known adverse effects of those cyanotoxins and the factors that caused them to proliferate -- and to develop health advisories for those on the list as well as technical guidance and assistance for states in monitoring the cyanotoxins. It would also require the agency to enter into “cooperative agreements” and provide technical assistance to states and public water systems to help them manage risks posed by algal toxins.

REGISTRATION OPEN: National Science Foundation (NSF) CyanoHABs Workshop
April 13-14, 2015
The goal of this NSF- and NOAA-sponsored workshop is to discuss the current science on bloom formers and factors contributing to CHABs, along with identifying knowledge gaps regarding bloom prevention and remediation. Additionally, discussion of case studies on current and prior remediation programs will help guide the development of a workshop paper that presents potential future strategies for bloom prevention, mitigation and long-term research goals.

• Biology of bloom-forming species
• Environmental factors underlying CHABs
• Sensor development in bloom detection
• Remote sensing
• Prediction of CHABs

Best practices for control and remediation
Workshop main page

REGISTRATION OPEN - The U.S. Algal Toxin Conference
April 28-30, 2015
This two day conference will focus on those issues relating to algal toxins facing Utility Managers, Engineers, Researchers, Consultants, Government Leaders and all Water Professionals involved in water treatment, Water Distribution and Watershed Management.

• economic effects of a HAB incident
• scientific research
• monitoring solutions
• treatment and prevention
• regulatory input from the EPA

Fore more information, contact us or visit our website.
Hosted By: Akron Global Water Alliance & Netherlands Water Alliance
Location: The Student Union at The University of Akron

Research

Temporal and spatial changes in Chesapeake Bay water quality and relationships to Prorocentrum minimum, Karlodinium veneficum, and CyanoHAB events, 1991–2008
Ji Li, Patricia M. Glibert, Yonghui Gao, Harmful Algae, Volume 42, February 2015, Pages 1-14

Growth inhibitory effect of Microcystis on Aphanizomenon flos-aquae isolated from cyanobacteria bloom in Lake Dianchi, China
Haiyan Ma, Yanlong Wu, Nanqin Gan, Lingling Zheng, Tianli Li, Lirong Song, , Harmful Algae, Volume 42, February 2015, Pages 43-51

Examination of six commonly used laboratory fixatives in HAB monitoring programs for their use in quantitative PCR based on Taqman probe technology
Lisa K. Eckford-Soper, Niels Daugbjerg, Harmful Algae, Volume 42, February 2015, pp. 52-59

Metatranscriptome profiling reveals versatile N-nutrient utilization, CO2 limitation, oxidative stress, and active toxin production in an Alexandrium fundyense bloom
Yunyun Zhuang, Huan Zhang, Linda Hannick, Senjie Lin, Harmful Algae, Volume 42, February 2015, Pages 60-70

Experimental additions of aluminum sulfate and ammonium nitrate to in situ mesocosms to reduce cyanobacterial biovolume and microcystin concentration
Ted D. Harris, Frank M. Wilhelm , Jennifer L. Graham , Keith A. Loftin, Lake and Reservoir Management Vol. 30, Iss. 1, 2014

Experimental manipulation of TN:TP ratios suppress cyanobacterial biovolume and microcystin concentration in large-scale in situ mesocosms
Ted D. Harris, Frank M. Wilhelm, Jennifer L. Graham , Keith A. Loftin , Lake and Reservoir Management, Vol. 30, Iss. 1, 2014

Detection of Cyanotoxins, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine and Microcystins, from a Lake Surrounded by Cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Sandra Anne Banack, Tracie Caller, Patricia Henegan, James Haney, Amanda Murby, James S. Metcalf, James Powell, Paul Alan Cox and Elijah Stommel, Toxins 2015, 7(2), 322-336

Human Illnesses and Animal Deaths Associated with Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms—Kansas
Ingrid Trevino-Garrison, Jamie DeMent, Farah S. Ahmed, Patricia Haines-Lieber, Thomas Langer, Henri Ménager, Janet Neff, Deon van der Merwe and Edward Carney, Toxins 2015, 7(2), 353-366

Health-Based Cyanotoxin Guideline Values Allow for Cyanotoxin-Based Monitoring and Efficient Public Health Response to Cyanobacterial Blooms
David Farrer, Marina Counter, Rebecca Hillwig and Curtis Cude, Toxins 2015, 7(2), 457-477

Subacute Microcystin-LR Exposure Alters the Metabolism of Thyroid Hormones in Juvenile Zebrafish (Danio Rerio)
Zidong Liu, Rong Tang, Dapeng Li, Qing Hu and Ying Wang, Toxins 2015, 7(2), 337-352

The effect of Basic pH and Carbonate Ion on the Mechanism of Photocatalytic Destruction of Cylindrospermopsin
Geshan Zhang, Xuexiang He, Mallikarjuna N. Nadagouda, Kevin O'Shea, and Dionysios D. Dionysiou, Water Research 73 (2015) 353-361

January, 2015

Nutrient Sensor Challenge
Beta testing is an opportunity for all developers to take advantage of no-cot, no-risk beta testing for their technologies. Participants must register by March 16, 2015 to take part in beta testing and the networking opportunities at the Challenge Summit. For questions email info@nutrients-challenge.org

Reminder: Conferences and Sessions on HABs and Cyanotoxins

April - Global Solutions to Regional Problems: Collecting Global Expertise to Address the Problem of Harmful Algal Blooms
Workshop at Bowling Green State University on April 13-14, 2015. The goal of this NSF and NOAA sponsored workshop is to discuss the current science on bloom formers and factors contributing to cyanobacterial blooms, along with identifying knowledge gaps regarding bloom prevention/remediation. Additionally, discussion of case studies on current and prior remediation programs will help guide the development of a workshop paper that presents potential future strategies for bloom prevention, mitigation and long-term research goals. Topics include:

• Biology of bloom-forming species
• Environmental factors underlying bloom formation
• Sensor development in bloom detection
• Remote sensing
• Prediction of blooms
• Best practices for control and remediation

The registration website will be available in a couple weeks with additional information.

For more information, please contact: George S. Bullerjahn (bullerj@bgsu.edu) or Robert Michael McKay (rmmckay@bgsu.edu).

Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, OH

April - U.S. Algal Toxin Conference - Abstracts due January 15, 2015
Hosted by Akron Global Water Alliance (AGWA) and Netherlands Water Alliance

You are invited to participate in the 2015 U.S. Algal Toxin Conference hosted by the Akron Global Water Alliance (AGWA) and the Netherlands Water Alliance on April 29 and 30, 2015. Speakers and participants are anticipated to come from the United States and overseas including the Netherlands. The program will cover such topics as Watershed Management and Operational Techniques; Watershed/Raw Water Sampling and Analysis; Watershed Operational Products; Water Plant Management and Operational Techniques; Water Plant Operational Products; Distribution System Sampling and Analysis; Distribution System Emergency Preparedness; Distribution System Operational Products; Planning Tools & Techniques; Current U.S. Regulations and Legislation; and Research on Treatment Alternatives.

May - Scientific Symposium on Harmful Algal Blooms and Climate Change
A Scientific Symposium on climate change effects on the global distribution, frequency and intensity of harmful Algal blooms will be held 19-22 May 2015, at Gothenburg, Sweden.

The central purpose of this symposium will be to bring together HAB scientists and climate change scientists to ascertain what is known about climate change and its potential linkages to HABs, to identify the most pressing, achievable research goals over the next decade, and to determine the minimal long term monitoring infrastructure needed to provide the data for global HAB assessment in the context of climate change. The symposium will include invited speakers, oral and poster presentations by participants, with concentration on participant-led break-out sessions on specific topics. A second announcement with information on registration, abstract submission etc. will be distributed in early 2015. Information on symposium fee and possibilities for young scientists travel awards also will be part of the second announcement. Prepare for registration and submission of abstracts in early 2015. The Symposium is sponsored by the IOC UNESCO, GEOHAB and the SMHI - University of Gothenburg, Sweden. For more information contact: Bengt.Karlson@smhi.se

May - IAGLR’s 58th Annual Conference: New Views New Tools - Abstracts due January 23, 2015
The International Association of Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) is holding their 58th Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research in Burlington, Vermont from May 25 to 29, 2015. The meeting will have several sessions on HABs, cyanotoxins and human health, including:

• HAB Considerations for Drinking Water Suppliers
• Using Cutting-edge Technologies to Advance Freshwater HAB Monitoring and Forecasting
• HABs and the 2014 Toledo Drinking Water Crisis
• Cyanobacteria and Human Health: Current Understanding and Research Directions
• Holy Toledo! Nitrogen in the Great Lakes (Yes, Nitrogen): Blooms, Cyanotoxins, and Hypoxia

June – AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition
AWWA Conference: Uniting the World of Water, June 7-10, 2015, Anaheim, California

Professional program will be released at the end of January

November - 8th Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S.
The Eighth Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S. will be held in Long Beach, California, November 15-19, 2015. This is the eighth in a series of biannual meetings intended to provide a forum for scientific exchange and technical communication on all aspects of HAB research in the United States. The event will begin with a reception on Sunday evening, November 15th. Further details will be provided as soon as they are available.

Research

Cyanobacteria as biological drivers of lake nitrogen and phosphorus cycling
Kathryn L. Cottingham, Holly A. Ewing, Meredith L. Greer, Cayelan C. Carey, and Kathleen C. Weathers 2015. Ecosphere 6:art1–art1.

Evaluation of three field test kits to detect microcystins from a public health perspective
Rocio Aranda-Rodriguez, Zhiyun Jin, Jeromy Harvie, Ashley Cabecinha,2015, Harmful Algae, Volume 42, Pages 34-42.

Human Illnesses and Animal Deaths Associated with Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms—Kansas
Trevino-Garrison I, DeMent J, Ahmed FS, Haines-Lieber P, Langer T, Ménager H, Neff J, van der Merwe D, Carney E. (2015) Toxins; 7(2):353-366.

Evaluating fluorescence spectroscopy as a tool to characterize cyanobacteria intracellular organic matter upon simulated release and oxidation in natural water.
Korak, Julie A., Eric C. Wert, and Fernando L. Rosario-Ortiz. (2015). Water research 68: 432-443.

The effect of basic pH and carbonate ion on the mechanism of photocatalytic destruction of cylindrospermopsin.
Zhang, G., He, X., Nadagouda, M. N., O'Shea, K., & Dionysiou, D. D. (2015).Water Research.

Health Effects of Toxic Cyanobacteria in US Drinking and Recreational Waters: Our Current Understanding and Proposed Direction.
Otten, T. G., & Paerl, H. W. (2015). Current Environmental Health Reports, 1-10.

Effect of TiO 2 Photocatalysis on the Destruction of Microcystis aeruginosa Cells and Degradation of Cyanotoxins Microcystin-LR and Cylindrospermopsin.
Pinho, L. X., Azevedo, J., Brito, Â., Santos, A., Tamagnini, P., Vilar, V. J., & Boaventura, R. A. (2015). Chemical Engineering Journal.

Photocatalytic degradation of cylindrospermopsin under UV-A, solar and visible light using TiO 2. Mineralization and intermediate products.
Fotiou, T., Triantis, T., Kaloudis, T., & Hiskia, A. (2015).Chemosphere, 119, S89-S94.

Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to characterise trace levels of cyanobacteria and dinoflagellate toxins in suspended solids and sediments.
Rivetti, C., Gómez-Canela, C., Lacorte, S., & Barata, C. (2015). Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry, 1-12.

Oxidation of microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin by heterogeneous photocatalysis using a tubular photoreactor packed with different TiO 2 coated supports.
Pinho, L. X., Azevedo, J., Miranda, S. M., Ângelo, J., Mendes, A., Vilar, V. J. & Boaventura, R. A. (2015). Chemical Engineering Journal, 266, 100-111.

Toxicity of cyanobacterial secondary metabolites: treating for water supplies.
Vlcek, V., & Pohanka, M. (2015). Reviews in Medical Microbiology.

Toxic Algae and Health Advisories – January 2015

Chisholm Creek Park Lake (North), Memorial Park Lake (Veteran’s Lake), Jewell State Fishing Lake

Oregon–Lost Creek Lake