Water Quality & Monitoring, Zooplankton, Red Tide & Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

Publications

Chaffin, J.D., S. Mishra, D.D. Kane, D.L. Bade, K. Stanislawczyk, K.N. Slodysko, K.W. Jones, E.M. Parker, and E.L. Fox. 2019. Cyanobacterial blooms in the central basin of Lake Erie: potentials for cyanotoxins and environmental drivers. Journal of Great Lakes Research 45(2):277–289.       

Lake Erie western basin (WB) cyanobacterial blooms are a yearly summer occurrence; however, blooms have also been reported in the offshore waters of the central basin (CB), and very little is known about what drives these blooms or their potential for cyanobacterial toxins. Cyanobacteria Index was quantified using MODIS and MERIS data for the CB between 2003 and 2017, and water samples were collected between 2013 and 2017. The goals were to 1) quantify cyanobacteria, 2) determine environmental drivers of CB blooms, and 3) determine the potential for cyanobacterial toxins in the CB. Dolichospermum (Anabaena) occurred in the CB during July before the onset of the WB bloom, and then in August and September, the cyanobacteria community shifted towards Microcystis. The largest Dolichospermum blooms (2003, 2012, 2013, and 2015) were associated with reduced water clarity (Secchi disk depth < 4 m), whereas large CB Microcystis blooms (2011 and 2015) were associated with large WB blooms. Dolichospermum blooms occurred in high nitrate concentrations (>20 μmol/L) and high nitrogen-to‑phosphorus ratios (>100), which indicate nutrient concentrations or ratios did not select for Dolichospermum. Additionally, the sxtA gene, but not mcyE or microcystins, were detected in the CB during July 2016 and 2017. The mcyE gene and microcystins were detected in the CB during August 2016 and 2017. The results indicate the CB's potential for cyanotoxins shifts from saxitoxins to microcystins throughout the summer. Continued monitoring of cyanobacteria and multiple cyanobacterial toxins is recommended to ensure safe drinking water for CB coastal communities.

Beckler, J.S., E. Arutunian, T. Moore, R.D. Currier, E.C. Milbrandt, and S. Duncan. 2019. Harmful algae bloom monitoring via a sustainable, sail-powered mobile platform for inland and coastal monitoring. Frontiers in Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00587.

Harmful algae blooms (HABs) in coastal marine environments are increasing in number and duration, pressuring local resource managers to implement mitigation solutions to protect human and ecosystem health. However, insufficient spatial and temporal observations create uninformed management decisions. In order to better detect and map blooms, as well as the environmental conditions responsible for their formation, long-term, unattended observation platforms are desired. In this article, we describe a new cost-efficient, autonomous, mobile platform capable of accepting several sensors that can be used to monitor HABs in near real time. The Navocean autonomous sail-powered surface vehicle is deployable by a single person from shore, capable of waypoint navigation in shallow and deep waters, and powered completely by renewable energy. We present results from three surveys of the Florida Red Tide HAB (Karenia brevis) of 2017–2018. The vessel made significant progress toward waypoints regardless of wind conditions while underway measurements revealed patches of elevated chl. a likely attributable to the K. brevis blooms as based on ancillary measurements. Measurements of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and turbidity provided an environmental context for the blooms. While the autonomous sailboat directly adds to our phytoplankton/HAB monitoring capabilities, the package may also help to ground-truth satellite measurements of HABs if careful validation measurements are performed. Finally, several other pending and future use cases for coastal and inland monitoring are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a sail-driven vessel used for coastal HAB monitoring.

Ndungu, L.K., J.H. Steele, T.L. Hancock, R.D. Bartleson, E.C. Milbrandt, M. Parsons, and H. Urakawa. 2019. Hydrogen peroxide measurements in subtropical aquatic systems and their implications for cyanobacterial blooms. Ecological Engineering 138:444–453.

Hydrogen peroxide is widely recognized as the most stable of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by both biotic and abiotic pathways in natural waters. Its high reactivity in mediating redox transformations may, directly or indirectly, affect aquatic ecosystem functions, including primary productivity. However, environmental interactions between photoautotrophs, particularly cyanobacteria, and hydrogen peroxide are poorly understood. To gain a better understanding of hydrogen peroxide and cyanobacterial interactions, we determined the hydrogen peroxide concentrations in the presence and absence of cyanobacterial blooms in southwest Florida. Hydrogen peroxide concentrations were determined using a fast response amperometric hydrogen peroxide microelectrode. Our measurements ranged from 0 to 5.3 µM in freshwater bodies (ponds, lakes and the Caloosahatchee River) and 0 to 92.9 µM in rainwater. In general, hydrogen peroxide levels were highly associated with cyanobacterial bloom conditions, indicating the potential role of cyanobacteria in hydrogen peroxide production in freshwater. To determine the potential biodegradation of hydrogen peroxide during sample transportation in the dark condition, water samples were passed through 0.2 µm pore size filters immediately after sampling and compared with unfiltered water samples in the laboratory. We found that filtered water samples retained higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide than unfiltered samples with a mean biodegradation rate of 44 ± 10.6 nmol/h. Out of a total of 26 samples, only one unfiltered sample showed a higher hydrogen peroxide concentration than the filtered samples. Overall, our study found the microelectrode technique could accurately measure hydrogen peroxide concentrations in the samples from various freshwater bodies. This measurement method revealed that hydrogen peroxide concentrations vary with temporal and spatial dynamics of cyanobacterial blooms.

Milbrandt, E.C., R.D. Bartleson, A.J. Martignette, J. Siwicke, and M. Thompson. 2016. Evaluating light attenuation and low salinity in the lower estuary with RECON (River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network). Florida Scientist 79:109-124.

The southern portion of the Charlotte Harbor region, which includes Pine Island Sound, San Carlos Bay, and the lower Caloosahatchee Estuary, has over 11,700 ha of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). The SAV species in the region have been used as environmental indicators because they are affected by nutrient loading, algae blooms, and freshwater discharges. Management approaches to reduce nutrient loading, phytoplankton concentrations, and high freshwater discharges in the region have also been applied to meet water clarity targets (light attenuation). In an effort to understand the duration and effect of low salinity periods in the lower estuary on water clarity, salinity data at several River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network (RECON) sites were analyzed. Optical parameters associated with increased light attenuation (fluorescent dissolved organic matter, chlorophyll, turbidity) were significantly higher during lower salinity periods (less than 25). In addition, discrete light attenuation coefficients, collected as part of RECON monthly maintenance, were analyzed. A synthesis and evaluation of the conditions in the lower Caloosahatchee during the study period (2008-2014) suggest that flow and load reductions would result in increased water clarity.

Martin, N., L.D. Coen, A.J. Martignette, E.C. Milbrandt. 2013. Testing anti-fouling coatings with special emphasis on coastal observing systems. Florida Scientist 76(2):259–247.

Biological fouling is the accumulation and growth of aquatic organisms on submerged surfaces. Fouling can reduce the operation time and quality of data from aquatic real-time sensors. The SCCF Marine Laboratory currently has seven 'River, Estuary and Coastal Observation Network' (RECON) real-time sensor arrays deployed in the waters throughout southwest Florida. This study's goal was to compare eight commercially available anti-fouling coatings at three RECON stations (Redfish Pass, Gulf of Mexico and Shell Point). At all locations, PVC frames holding six plates (each ∼10.2cm²) with various treatments were deployed. At the RECON sites, plates were deployed for four months and sampled monthly using digital photography. Plate images were analyzed using image analysis software Coral Point Count, for percent cover of organisms such as biofilm and barnacles. Four copper-based coating types were the most effective at preventing fouling, particularly by damaging barnacles and amphipod tubes, especially at high fouling locations. Using the correct coating type at a given RECON site is essential in preventing fouling while also minimizing down-time for redeployment.

Milbrandt, E.C., R.D. Bartleson, L.D. Coen, A. Rybak, M. Thompson, P. Stevens. 2012. Local and regional effects of reopening a tidal inlet on estuarine water quality, seagrass habitat, and fish assemblages. Continental Shelf Research 41:1–16.

Blind Pass is an inlet that separates Sanibel and Captiva Islands in southwest Florida but has historically closed and opened by both anthropogenic and natural processes. In July 2010, a dredging project to open the small inlet between the two barrier islands was completed. The objective of this study was to use and supplement ongoing estuary-monitoring programs to examine the responses of water quality, seagrass habitat metrics, and fish assemblages both in the immediate vicinity of the inlet and at broader scales (up to 40 km2). As far as we are aware, there are no previous studies with this intensity of sampling, both before and after an inlet opening. Significant increases in salinity and turbidity were observed inside Blind Pass, with significant decreases in CDOM and chlorophyll a, however, the effects were not far-reaching and limited to less than 1.7 km from the inlet within Pine Island Sound. Seagrass habitat metrics were expected to respond rapidly after the inlet was opened given the reduced light attenuation. However, there were no changes in shoot densities, species composition, and epiphytic algae within the approximately one-year duration of the study. The reopening of the pass did not substantially change fish assemblage structure, except for those from deeper habitats. Although immediate increases in the abundances of estuarine-dependent species were predicted in shallow habitats post opening, this did not occur. In conclusion, the effects of reopening a relatively small ocean inlet on water quality were apparent in the immediate vicinity of the inlet (within 1.7 km), but far-reaching effects on water quality, seagrass metrics, and fish assemblages were not immediately apparent in this well-flushed estuary. If subtle changes in tidal exchange and circulation affect productivity of seagrasses or its fish assemblages at broad scales, it may take several years to reach a steady state.

Thompson, M.A., E.C. Milbrandt, R.D. Bartleson, and A. Rybak. 2012. Evaluation of bacteriological and nutrient concerns in nearshore waters of a barrier island in SW Florida. Marine Pollution Bulletin 64:1425–1434.

To determine if local onsite treatment systems affect nearshore water quality, seasonal and rain event monitoring of bacteria and nitrogen was conducted on the Gulf and estuary sides of Captiva Island. Monitoring wells were used to examine the relationship between surface water and groundwater quality.

Nitrates were found to be significantly greater in ground water samples from the areas of Captiva using onsite treatment compared to areas with sewer. However, groundwater enterococci were no greater in areas with onsite treatment. Surface water nitrogen was significantly greater near onsite systems than areas with sewer, linking groundwater and surface water quality. Surface water enterococci increased significantly after rain events. Study results indicated stormwater runoff disperses indicator bacteria from diffuse terrestrial sources into nearshore waters, elevating the concentrations. This study reveals local onsite treatment systems produce elevated surface water nitrogen levels but do not contribute to elevated indicator bacteria concentrations in this system.

Milbrandt, E.C., R. Comny, P. Coble, A. Martignette, and J. Siwicke. 2010. Evidence for the production of marine fluorescence dissolved organic matter in coastal environments and a possible mechanism for formation and dispersion. Limnology and Oceanography 55:2037–2051.

A positive linear relationship between salinity and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) was observed on several occasions along the West Florida shelf at salinities greater than 36.5. This represents a departure from the typical inverse relationship between FDOM and salinity observed in most coastal regions caused by the mixing of riverine FDOM with clear oceanic water. Three‐dimensional excitation‐emission matrices showed that the high‐salinity, high‐FDOM water had blue‐shifted spectra characteristic of autochthonous, marine FDOM, with peak M concentrations eight times higher than previously reported for seawater. The blue‐shifted fluorescence endmember at high salinity was clearly distinguishable from a photobleached FDOM endmember. A high‐resolution time series collected in a shallow embayment with significant Gulf of Mexico influence supplemented cruise data and provided a possible mechanism for the formation of high‐salinity, high‐FDOM water. During a dry period of spring tides, high‐salinity, high‐FDOM water was exported at ebb tide and lower‐salinity, low‐FDOM water was imported during flood tide. During neap tide, FDOM and salinity demonstrated no evidence of either export or dilution from incoming seawater. After a significant rain event, a more typical inverse relationship between salinity and FDOM was observed. Production of FDOM‐rich water in shallow embayments has not been observed previously. This is likely an important source of organic matter and dispersion of this material may explain observations of a high‐salinity, high‐FDOM water in adjacent coastal regions.

Books, Reports, & Symposia

Thompson, M.A. 2019. Jordan Marsh treatment efficiency update. A report to The City of Sanibel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A. 2019. Evaluation of water quality in The Dunes stormwater system. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A. 2019. Comparison of water quality parameters in Dunes Lake 4 before and after tide gate installed. Report to the City of Sanibel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A. 2018. Water quality in The Dunes stormwater system: 2018 Update. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A. 2018. Lake management plan for Herons Landing Sanibel, Florida. Prepared by SCCF Marine Laboratory in Cooperation with Herons Landing HOA and The City of Sanibel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A. 2017. Summary of water quality monitoring at The Dunes. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A. 2017. Herons Landing Community lake eutrophication evaluation summary of findings. Prepared by SCCF Marine Laboratory for The City of Sanibel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A., R. Bartleson, and E. Milbrandt. 2017. The Sanibel Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan Phase 4: integration and analysis of Sanibel waterbody nutrient data. A report to James Evans, The City of Sanibel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A. 2016. Water quality in The Dunes stormwater system: 4 Year Update. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A., and E. Milbrandt. 2016. Nutrient loading from Sanibel’s surficial aquifer. A report to James Evans, The City of Sanibel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A., and E. Milbrandt. 2016. Sanibel community lakes baseline water quality report. A report to The City of Sanibel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Milbrandt. E.C., and A.J. Martignette. 2011–2016. Continued development of the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System, NOAA Cooperative Agreement #NA11NOS0120024. Final Report to NOAA and Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System. 55 pp.

Martignette, A.J., and E.C. Milbrandt. 2015. Water quality kiosk. Final Report to WCIND and Lee County, 2 pp.

Martignette, A.J., and E.C. Milbrandt. 2015. Real time sea state information for Lee County boaters. Final Report to Lee County and WCIND. 

Thompson, M.A. 2015. 36 month report – Dune’s Lakes water quality for Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, Sanibel, FL. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A., and E. Milbrandt. 2014. Sanibel Nutrient Management Plan Phase 2: Development of stormwater runoff coefficients, nutrient concentrations and loading estimates for Sanibel Island, Florida. A report to James Evans, The City of Sanibel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A., R. Bartleson, E. Milbrandt, and A.J. Martignette. 2014. Water quality and seagrass monitoring within the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Activity Report for the Period From: July 2009 – July 2014. USFWS Cost Share Grant 41540-1261-CS19. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A. 2014. 24 Month Report – Dune’s Lakes water quality. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL. 6 pp.

Barron, H.W., R.D. Bartleson, K.B. McInnis, H.L. Ingraham, R. Bast, and C. Cray. 2014. Hematologic and biochemical parameters in seabirds with brevetoxicosis. Association of Avian Veterinarians Conference, August 2-6, 2014 New Orleans, LA.

Bartleson, R.D., A.J. Martignette, E.C. Milbrandt, J. Siwicke, and M.A. Thompson. 2014. Caloosahatchee Estuary Hypoxia. Charlotte Harbor Watershed Summit, March 25-27, 2014, Punta Gorda, FL.

Bartleson, R.D. 2014. Brevetoxin levels in seagrass blades, epiphytes and invertebrates in Pine Island Sound, FL after a 2013 red tide event. Report to Sanibel-Captiva Chapter of START.

Thompson, M.A. 2013. 18 Month Report – Dune’s Lakes water quality. a report to The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A. 2013. Nutrient removal project at Horseshoe Lake for The Dunes Homeowners Association, Sanibel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A. 2013. Investigating differences in zooplankton populations before and after removal of invasive fish from Horseshoe Lake, The Dunes, Sanibel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A., and E. Milbrandt. 2013. Summary and evaluation of the surface water quality of Sanibel to guide development of a comprehensive nutrient management plan. A report to the City of Sanibel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A., R. Bartleson, E. Milbrandt, and A.J. Martignette. 2013. Water quality and seagrass monitoring within the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Activity Report for the Period From: July 2009 – January 2013. USFWS Cost Share Grant 41540-1261-CS19. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A., E. Milbrandt, and A.J. Martignette. 2013. Final report to the Bayous Preservation Association (BPA). Water quality results and analysis from four stations near Blind Pass, Sanibel-Captiva Islands, Florida 2006–2012; significant changes after the dredging (re-opening) of Blind Pass in August 2009. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Bartleson, R.D., and M.A. Thompson. 2013. Caloosahatchee Watershed issues and cyanobacteria blooms, Caloosahatchee River Science Workshop, Nov. 19-20, 2013, Fort Myers, FL

Bartleson, R.D., E.C. Milbrandt, J. Siwicke, A.J. Martignette, and M.A. Thompson. 2013. Runoff effects on submersed angiosperms and net productivity in the Caloosahatchee Estuary 2013; Benthic Ecology Meeting, Savannah GA.

Bartleson, R.D., E.C. Milbrandt, and M.A. Thompson. 2013. High Caloosahatchee river and estuary nutrient loadings and one harmful algal bloom after another. 7th Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S. October 27-31, 2013 Sarasota, FL.

Barron, H.W., R.D. Bartleson, K.B. McInnis, H.L. Ingraham, and C. Cray. 2013. Hematologic and biochemical parameters in sea birds with brevetoxicosis in southwest Florida 7th Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S. October 27-31, 2013 Sarasota, FL.

Milbrandt, E.C., R.D. Bartleson, A.J. Martignette, J.J. Siwicke, and M. Thompson (invited). 2013. Understanding diurnal, tidal and seasonal dynamics of a southwest Florida barrier island ecosystem through a multi-node sensor network. American Society for Limnology and Oceanography, New Orleans.

Martignette, A.J., E.C. Milbrandt, and J. Siwicke. 2012. Real time weather information for Lee County boaters. Final Report to Lee County WCIND, 12 pp.

Thompson, M.A., R. Bartleson, E. Milbrandt, and A.J. Martignette. 2012. Water quality and seagrass monitoring within the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Activity Report for the Period From: July 2009 – December 2011. USFWS Cost Share Grant 41540-1261-CS19. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A., R. Bartleson, E. Milbrandt, and A.J. Martignette. 2012. Water quality and seagrass monitoring within the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Activity Report for the Period From: July 2009 – July 2012. USFWS Cost Share Grant 41540-1261-CS19. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Loh, A.N., L.E. Brand, D.W. Ceilley, M. Charette, L. Coen, E.M. Everham III, D.C. Fugate, Raymond E. Grizzle, E.C. Milbrandt, B.M. Riegl, G. Foster, K. Provost, L.L. Tomasello, P. Henderson, C. Breier, Q. Liu, T. Watson, and M.L. Parsons. 2011. Bioavailability of nutrients and linkages to red drift algae. Technical Report to the City of Sanibel and Lee County. 133 pp.

Thompson, M.A. 2011. Preliminary evaluation of water quality near The Dunes development, Sanibel, FL. A report to James Evans, The City of Sanibel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A., L. Coen, E. Milbrandt, A. Rybak, and R. Bartleson. 2011. Captiva water quality assessment project final report. Prepared for the Lee County Tourism Development Council and Captiva Community Panel. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A., R.D Bartleson, L. Coen, and A.J. Martignette. 2011. Water quality and seagrass monitoring within the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Activity Report for the Period From: July 2009-December 2010. USFWS Cost Share Grant 41540-1261-CS19. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Thompson, M.A., R.D Bartleson, E. Milbrandt, and A.J. Martignette. 2011. Water quality and seagrass monitoring within the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Activity Report for the Period From: January 2011 – June 2011. USFWS Cost Share Grant 41540-1261-CS19. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Milbrandt, E.C., L.D. Coen, R. Bartleson, M. Parsons, and K. Provost. 2011. A two tear assessment of macroalgal population dynamics, distribution and habitat characterization around Southwest FL barrier islands, with special attention to past macroalgal bloom events. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Summit, Punta Gorda, FL.

Thompson, M.A., and L. Coen. 2010. Captiva water quality assessment project year one: summary and findings. Presented to Lee County Tourism Development Council. SCCF Marine Laboratory. Sanibel, FL.

Coen, L., E. Milbrandt, A.J. Martignette, J. Siwicke, A. Rybak, R. Bartleson, and M. Thompson. 2009. Research and monitoring of coastal habitats in SW Florida using RECON (River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network). CERF Conference, Oregon, October.

Coen L.D., Milbrandt, E.C., A. Martignette, J. Siwicke, A. Rybak, R. Bartleson, and M. Thompson. 2009. Monitoring and research of coastal habitats with RECON: River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network. Coastal Estuarine Research Federation, Portland, OR.

Milbrandt, E.C., L. Coen, R. Bartleson, and A. Rybak. 2009. SCCF’s River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network (RECON) and synergies with water quality and SAV research. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Science Forum, FL.

Bartleson, R.D. 2008. Phosphorus overloading of south Florida estuaries. Everglades Coalition Conference. January 2008.

Bortone, S.A., W.A. Dunson, and J.M. Greenawalt. 2005. Fishes as estuarine indicators. In Bortone, S.A. (Ed.) Estuarine Indicators. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. pp. 381–392.

Milbrandt, E.C. 2005. Bacteria communities as an indicator of estuarine and sediment conditions. In Bortone, S.A., (Ed.), Estuarine Indicators, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. pp. 99–110.

Bortone, S.A. 2005. Estuarine Indicators. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. pp. 560.

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