This ongoing study around the alarming chemistry behind Lake Erie’s warming waters a lot of nasty surprises. These alterations are having tremendous negative effects on biological communities, most alarmingly ever-increasing occurrence of harmful cyanobacterial blooms. Algal blooms are increasing in frequency. They naturally produce the most toxic substance known to man, putting wildlife and human health at risk.
Lake Erie has a history of experiencing toxic algal blooms, notably one in 2014 that threatened Toledo’s drinking water supply through the release of microcystin. Increased water temperatures create ideal conditions for summertime outbreaks of harmful cyanobacteria, or bloom-forming blue-green algae. This problem is compounded as their growth quickly spirals out of control.
In 2007, scientists unexpectedly found the very first traces of a highly potent toxin called saxitoxin, in Lake Erie. But its source was a mystery—until now. Gregory Dick, a professor of Earth and environmental sciences, directs the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR). He is accompanied by scientist Paul Den Uyl as they take the lead on this crucial inquiry.
Den Uyl used these new “shotgun” sequencing techniques to track down the source of saxitoxin in Lake Erie. Researchers applied this cutting-edge approach and successfully sequenced genomic material extracted from environmental samples. This testing yielded valuable information about the movement of the toxin throughout Lake Okeechobee’s ecosystem. Throughout the last nine years they’ve been busy being the first to monitor saxitoxin levels. They want to learn how such levels impact the health of lakes.
As hard as we’ve tried, the data we’ve been able to collect thus far just doesn’t cut it. One major question we still cannot answer is whether warming waters in Lake Erie will accelerate saxitoxin production. The lack of clarity creates apprehension about future algal blooms and their resulting toxins.
Organizations, including NOAA, are working hard to keep a finger on the pulse. They contribute satellite imagery of Lake Erie to monitor its health that further complicates the situation. One OST-R example is this photo from July 6, 2020. It documents the scope of algal blooms nationwide and illustrates their harmful impact on water quality.