Intensity Of Cyanobacterial Blooms Research Articles

Molecular mechanisms underlying sodium percarbonate treatment suppress the recovery and growth of Pseudanabaena sp. in early spring

Increasing frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms in water sources is a growing global issue. Algicides are usually implemented in summer or autumn when blooms break out, however, the blooms will form again when algicide’s concentration declines to a certain extent. Preventing the recovery and growth of cyanobacteria in early spring may be conducive to abatement of the blooms in summer or autumn. In this study solid sodium percarbonate (SPC) was used as an algicide to suppress recovery and growth of Pseudanabaena sp., a common odour-producing cyanobacterium, in early spring (12 °C). Results showed that 3.0 and 6.0 mg/L SPC were able to kill most of the algal cells after 12 h treatment at 12 °C, and the residual cells gradually died during the re-cultivation period at 25 °C. As a control, although SPC also caused most of algal cells to lyse at 25 °C, regrowth of cells was found during the period of re-cultivation at 25 °C. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the dysregulated genes were strongly associated with translation and photosynthesis after SPC treatment. All differentially expressed unigenes related to translation and photosynthesis were down-regulated after SPC oxidation at 12 °C, whereas key genes associated with translation and photosynthesis were upregulated after SPC treatment at 25 °C.

The declining cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Taihu (China) in 2021: The interplay of nutrients and meteorological determinants

The cyanobacterial blooms are global environmental perils and have been extensively compounded and changeable in Lake Taihu with emerging significantly higher intensities during 2016–2019 than those in 2010–2015. However, the cyanobacterial density and chlorophyll-a (chl-a) contents of Lake Taihu in 2021 have been downturned in recent years, and the underlying mechanisms have become a heated subject in multiple aspects. Based on the monthly occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms at 31 monitoring stations in Lake Taihu from 2010 to 2021, combined with the data of environmental conditions such as water quality, pollutants load into the lake, and hydrometeorological factors, this study seeks to unravel the characteristics of cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Taihu in 2021, the shifting kinetics of the environmental factors, and discusses the intrinsic causes of the lower cyanobacterial bloom intensity in 2021. The results revealed that the wind speed in Lake Taihu remained stable in 2021, with an average rise of 0.5 °C in the ambient temperature. Similarly, the rainfall incidence and the total rainy days from July to August were 1.6 and 1.2 times of the average value from 2010 to 2020 respectively. Among the critical nutrients, a respective decline of 49 %, 56 %, and 78 % was recorded for the total nitrogen (TN), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO3–-N). Moreover, the random forest results evidenced that the NO3–-N, and NH4+-N were the key factors to affect the cyanobacterial density. This reduction in the nutrient levels caused by the abated nutrient loading into the lake coupled with the disproportionate rainfall and rainy days were the central causes for the obvious drop in the intensity of cyanobacterial blooms. Henceforth, the present work advocates to accelerate the robust technological application and management measures such as dual control of pollutant concentration and total amount to further reduce the nitrogen and phosphorus load to Lake Taihu.

Using metabarcoding and droplet digital PCR to investigate drivers of historical shifts in cyanobacteria from six contrasting lakes

The frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms is increasing worldwide. Multiple factors are implicated, most of which are anthropogenic. New Zealand provides a useful location to study the impacts of human settlement on lake ecosystems. The first humans (Polynesians) arrived about 750 years ago. Following their settlement, there were marked landscape modifications which intensified after European settlement about 150 years ago. The aims of this study were to reconstruct cyanobacterial communities in six lakes over the last 1000 years and explore key drivers of change. Cyanobacterial environmental DNA was extracted from sediment cores and analysed using metabarcoding and droplet digital PCR. Cyanobacteria, including potentially toxic or bloom forming species, were already present in these lakes prior to human arrival, however their overall abundance was low. Total cyanobacteria abundance and richness increased in all lakes after European settlement but was very pronounced in four lakes, where bloom-forming taxa became dominant. These shifts occurred concomitant with land-use change. The catchment of one deteriorated lake is only moderately modified, thus the introduction of non-native fish is posited as the key factor driving this change. The paleolimnological approach used in this study has enabled new insights into timing and potential causes of changes in cyanobacterial communities.

Cyanobacterial bloom intensities determine planktonic eukaryote community structure and stability

The intensity of cyanobacterial blooms that predominate in the world's lakes and reservoirs is variable, which may lead to differing effects on the freshwater ecosystem. Planktonic eukaryotes play key roles in the structure and function of freshwater ecosystems; however, little is known about the influence of cyanobacterial blooms on eukaryotic plankton communities and their function. Herein, the dynamics of eukaryotic plankton communities in Hongze Lake, which is the fourth largest freshwater lake in China, with a range of bloom levels occurred, from low to high, were studied to reveal the effect of cyanobacterial blooms' spatial heterogeneity on planktonic eukaryotes. Results showed that the diversity, richness, and evenness of eukaryotic plankton community were not affected by low level of bloom; however, they were decreased obviously by high level of bloom. Metazoa, Ochrophyta, Chloroplastida, Cryptomonadales, and Ciliophora were the main planktonic eukaryotes in this lake. Metazoa relative abundance declined 25.1% and relative abundance of eukaryotic phytoplankton (mainly Ochrophyta, Chloroplastida, and Cryptomonadales) and Ciliophora increased 17.4% and 2.0%, respectively, during the period with low level of bloom; conversely, the site with the high bloom level manifested the opposite changes. The linkage density of planktonic eukaryotic network was 0.188 and 0.138 with low and high level of bloom, respectively, indicating the stability of planktonic eukaryotes was lower when a high level of bloom occurred compared to that of a low bloom level. Our findings indicate that cyanobacterial blooms should be controlled at low level to avoid their obvious negative impact on microeukaryotes in lakes or reservoirs.

Phenanthrene and pyrene disturbed the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa as co-cultured with Chlorella pyrenoidosa.

Significant levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in lakes. The competition between algae would be disturbed by PAHs resulted in variations of algal growth. For controlling the cyanobacterial blooms, it is important to understand this disturbed competition between Microcystis aeruginosa and other algae. A 6-day cultivation experiment was designed to investigate the responses of M. aeruginosa to PAHs in presence of green algae. A popular green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa was used as a representative of green algae, and phenanthrene and pyrene were selected as representatives of PAHs. The results showed that M. aeruginosa outcompeted C. pyrenoidosa under PAH contamination, and PAHs and M. aeruginosa significantly inhibited the survival of C. pyrenoidosa. PAHs disturbed the growth of algae by influencing photosynthetic pigments and phycobiliproteins, and the different alteration of Fv/Fm ratios implied that shifted algal community composition would be induced by PAHs. The Fv/Fm of the two algal mixture and individual C. pyrenoidosa was significantly negatively correlated with phenanthrene levels. However, there were no significant correlations between the Fv/Fm of M. aeruginosa and the exposure levels of phenanthrene or pyrene. Remarkably, the Fv/Fm significantly increased in M. aeruginosa at 0.15 mg L-1 pyrene, suggesting that PSII resistance to pyrene was enhanced in M. aeruginosa. Our results pointed out an increasing frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms could be induced by PAHs in contaminated waters.

Feedback Regulation between Aquatic Microorganisms and the Bloom-Forming Cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa.

The frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms are increasing worldwide. Interactions between toxic cyanobacteria and aquatic microorganisms need to be critically evaluated to understand microbial drivers and modulators of the blooms. In this study, we applied 16S/18S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics analyses to measure the microbial community composition and metabolic responses of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa in a coculture system receiving dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus (DIP) close to representative concentrations in Lake Taihu, China. M. aeruginosa secreted alkaline phosphatase using a DIP source produced by moribund and decaying microorganisms when the P source was insufficient. During this process, M. aeruginosa accumulated several intermediates in energy metabolism pathways to provide energy for sustained high growth rates and increased intracellular sugars to enhance its competitive capacity and ability to defend itself against microbial attack. It also produced a variety of toxic substances, including microcystins, to inhibit metabolite formation via energy metabolism pathways of aquatic microorganisms, leading to a negative effect on bacterial and eukaryotic microbial richness and diversity. Overall, compared with the monoculture system, the growth of M. aeruginosa was accelerated in coculture, while the growth of some cooccurring microorganisms was inhibited, with the diversity and richness of eukaryotic microorganisms being more negatively impacted than those of prokaryotic microorganisms. These findings provide valuable information for clarifying how M. aeruginosa can potentially modulate its associations with other microorganisms, with ramifications for its dominance in aquatic ecosystems.IMPORTANCE We measured the microbial community composition and metabolic responses of Microcystis aeruginosa in a microcosm coculture system receiving dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus (DIP) close to the average concentrations in Lake Taihu. In the coculture system, DIP is depleted and the growth and production of aquatic microorganisms can be stressed by a lack of DIP availability. M. aeruginosa could accelerate its growth via interactions with specific cooccurring microorganisms and the accumulation of several intermediates in energy metabolism-related pathways. Furthermore, M. aeruginosa can decrease the carbohydrate metabolism of cooccurring aquatic microorganisms and thus disrupt microbial activities in the coculture. This also had a negative effect on bacterial and eukaryotic microbial richness and diversity. Microcystin was capable of decreasing the biomass of total phytoplankton in aquatic microcosms. Overall, compared to the monoculture, the growth of total aquatic microorganisms is inhibited, with the diversity and richness of eukaryotic microorganisms being more negatively impacted than those of prokaryotic microorganisms. The only exception is M. aeruginosa in the coculture system, whose growth was accelerated.

The Individual and Combined Effects of the Cyanotoxins, Anatoxin-a and Microcystin-LR, on the Growth, Toxin Production, and Nitrogen Fixation of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Algae.

Globally, eutrophication and warming of aquatic ecosystems has increased the frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms and their associated toxins, with the simultaneous detection of multiple cyanotoxins often occurring. Despite the co-occurrence of cyanotoxins such as microcystins and anatoxin-a (ATX) in water bodies, their effects on phytoplankton communities are poorly understood. The individual and combined effects of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and ATX on the cyanobacteria Microcystis spp., and Anabaena variabilis (a.k.a. Trichormus variabilis), and the chlorophyte, Selenastrum capricornutum were investigated in the present study. Cell density, chlorophyll-a content, and the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) of Microcystis cells were generally lowered after exposure to ATX or MC-LR, while the combined treatment with MC-LR and ATX synergistically reduced the chlorophyll-a concentration of Microcystis strain LE-3. Intracellular levels of microcystin in Microcystis LE-3 significantly increased following exposure to MC-LR + ATX. The maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II of Anabaena strain UTEX B377 declined during exposure to the cyanotoxins. Nitrogen fixation by Anabaena UTEX B377 was significantly inhibited by exposure to ATX, but was unaffected by MC-LR. In contrast, the combination of both cyanotoxins (MC-LR + ATX) caused a synergistic increase in the growth of S. capricornutum. While the toxins caused an increase in the activity of enzymes that scavenge reactive oxygen species in cyanobacteria, enzyme activity was unchanged or decreased in S. capricornutum. Collectively this study demonstrates that MC-LR and ATX can selectively promote and inhibit the growth and performance of green algae and cyanobacteria, respectively, and that the combined effect of these cyanotoxins was often more intense than their individual effects on some strains. This suggests that the release of multiple cyanotoxins in aquatic ecosystems, following the collapse of blooms, may influence the succession of plankton communities.

Transgenerational effects of cyanobacterial toxins on a tropical micro-crustacean Daphnia lumholtzi across three generations

Climate change and human activities induce an increased frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms which could release toxins to aquatic ecosystems. Zooplankton communities belong to the first affected organisms, but in tropical freshwater ecosystems, this issue has yet been poorly investigated. We tested two questions (i) if the tropical Daphnia lumholtzi is capable to develop tolerance to an ecologically relevant concentration of purified microcystin-LR and microcystins from cyanobacterial extract transferable to F1 and F2 generations? And (ii) would F1 and F2 generations recover if reared in toxin-free medium? To answer these questions, we conducted two full factorial mutigenerational experiments, in which D. lumholtzi was exposed to MC-LR and cyanobacterial extract at the concentration of 1 μg L−1 microcystin continuously for three generations. After each generation, each treatment was spit into two: one reared in the control (toxin free) while the other continued in the respective exposure. Fitness-related traits including survival, maturity age, body length, and fecundity of each D. lumholtzi generation were quantified. Though there were only some weak negative effects of the toxins on the first generation (F0), we found strong direct, accumulated and carried-over impacts of the toxins on life history traits of D. lumholtzi on the F1 and F2, including reductions of survival, and reproduction. The maturity age and body length showed some inconsistent patterns between generations and need further investigations. The survival, maturity age (for extract), and body length (for MC-LR) were only recovered when offspring from toxin exposed mothers were raised in clean medium for two generations. Chronic exposure to long lasting blooms, even at low density, evidently reduces survival of D. lumholtzi in tropical lakes and reservoirs with ecological consequences.

Allelopathic interactions of linoleic acid and nitric oxide increase the competitive ability of Microcystis aeruginosa

The frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms are increasing worldwide with major societal and economic costs. Interactions between toxic cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algal competitors can affect toxic bloom formation, but the exact mechanisms of interspecies interactions remain unknown. Using metabolomic and proteomic profiling of co-cultures of the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa with a green alga as well as of microorganisms collected in a Microcystis spp. bloom in Lake Taihu (China), we disentangle novel interspecies allelopathic interactions. We describe an interspecies molecular network in which M. aeruginosa inhibits growth of Chlorella vulgaris, a model green algal competitor, via the release of linoleic acid. In addition, we demonstrate how M. aeruginosa takes advantage of the cell signaling compound nitric oxide produced by C. vulgaris, which stimulates a positive feedback mechanism of linoleic acid release by M. aeruginosa and its toxicity. Our high-throughput system-biology approach highlights the importance of previously unrecognized allelopathic interactions between a broadly distributed toxic cyanobacterial bloom former and one of its algal competitors.

Nutrient reduction magnifies the impact of extreme weather on cyanobacterial bloom formation in large shallow Lake Taihu (China)

Cyanobacterial bloom formation is dependent on nutrient levels and meteorological conditions. In this study, we elucidated the effects of extreme weather events (EWEs, heavy rainfall and strong winds) on the cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Taihu in recent years based on an analysis of the meteorological, nutrient, and bloom area data from 2007 to 2015. The levels of total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) decreased by 42.5% and 31.2%, respectively, in the water of Lake Taihu over the past nine years. However, the frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms did not significantly decrease. A total of 50.5% of the extended blooms (>300 km2) were associated with EWEs from 2007 to 2015, 36.2% of which were due to heavy rainfall and 38.3% of which were due to strong winds (25.5% were due to both). Interestingly, the frequency of the EWE-induced extended blooms significantly increased after 2012. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that this frequency correlated positively with EWE-induced nutrient increases in the water, indicating that the complement from nutrient increases induced by EWE allow cyanobacterial cells to reach high biomass under relatively low nutrient condition. Our results suggest that EWEs play a more important role in extended bloom formation after the nutrient levels in shallow lakes are reduced.

Iron and iron‐binding ligands as cofactors that limit cyanobacterial biomass across a lake trophic gradient

Summary The frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms (cyanoblooms) is increasing globally. While cyanoblooms in eutrophic (nutrient‐rich) freshwater lakes are expected to persist and worsen with climate change projections, many of the ‘new’ cyanobloom reports pertain to oligotrophic (nutrient‐poor) freshwater lakes with no prior history of cyanobloom occurrence. Iron (Fe) is required in nearly all pathways of cyanobacterial macronutrient use, although its precise role in regulating cyanobacterial biomass across a lake trophic gradient is not fully understood. In all lakes sampled representing a gradient in trophic status from oligotrophic to hypereutrophic (2.2–561.2 μg L−1 total phosphorus), the relative cyanobacterial biomass was highest at low predicted Fe bioavailability in eutrophic Alberta lakes (<1.0 × 10−22 mol L−1) and low Fe concentration in oligotrophic Ontario Lakes (<3.2 μg L−1). Fe‐binding organic ligands were measured within this range of low bioavailable Fe. Concentrations of ligands with reactive hydroxamate moieties were positively correlated to cyanobacterial biomass in lakes with low Fe bioavailability and supply, suggesting a possible cellular origin (i.e. siderophores) mediated by low Fe. These findings suggest that Fe serves as a possible cofactor that maintains cyanobacterial biomass across a lake trophic gradient and that cyanobacteria invoke a similar Fe‐scavenging system to overcome Fe limitation in lakes of all trophic states.

Cyanobacteria and microcystin in the Nebraska (USA) Sand Hills Lakes before and after modern agriculture

Chlorophyll a, zeaxanthin, and pheophytin a were measured from sediment core samples from three lakes (Dewey, Island, and Two Mile Lakes) in the Nebraska Sand Hills. Pigments were extracted and identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and used to estimate changes in the relative proportion of cyanobacteria to the algal community. The cyanobacterial toxins microcystin-LR and LA were extracted and measured using electrospray ionization liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Microcystin-LR was found in core sections estimated to be as early as 1832, and was present in all three lake cores. Pigment and toxin data were used to determine if there were changes that occurred in the algal community structure with the onset of modernized agriculture in the region. No significant changes were found in the relative percent of cyanobacteria or chlorophyll a accumulation, indicating the frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms has not changed over the last century. Despite this trend, there was a dramatic increase in microcystin-LR accumulation during the 1980s in Dewey Lake, which may be human induced.

Carotenoid Pigments as Tracers of Cyanobacterial Blooms in Recent and Post-glacial Sediments of the Baltic Sea

The distributions of carotenoid pigments were studied in recent and postglacial sediments collected in the Gotland Basin, in the northern part of the Baltic proper, and in the eastern Gulf of Finland in May 1999. The aim was to provide a systematic, historical review of the occurrence and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms in the Baltic Sea in recent centuries. The presence of pigments was determined using high-pressure liquid chromatogrpahy (HPLC), with attention mainly focused on pigments considered as markers for cyanobacteria. The pigment concentrations in sediments from the 3 sampling locations were found to differ markedly. In general, concentrations were highest in sediments from the Gotland Basin, and lowest in sediments from the eastern Gulf of Finland. In all 3 cores echinenone was the dominant carotenoid in the topmost layer of the sediment (0-1 cm). In the deeper sections of the cores, myxoxanthophyll and zeaxanthin dominated. To our knowledge, this is first time that myxoxanthophyll and echinenone have been detected in Baltic Sea sediments from the early Litorina stage. The decrease in the pigment content with sediment depth coincides with a decrease in carbon content, and also fits in with general historical records of the occurrence and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms in the Baltic Sea, which show that cyanobacterial blooms were seldom recorded before World War II.