The ecosystem impacts of cyanobacterial blooms:

a pan-GLEON sampling and analysis program

Cayelan Carey1

1Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA

Photo: Louise Miles

What happens to a lake ecosystem during a cyanobacterial bloom?

• Toxins, scums, odors all well documented• But, what about lake biogeochemical cycles

(C, N, P)? Phytoplankton, zooplankton dynamics?

• Cyanobacterial blooms significantly impact many ecosystem variables

Expanding my analysis to the GLEON network

• Survey indicates that ~55% of GLEON lakes consistently exhibit blooms every year

• Range of trophic status and cyanobacterial species represented

Soliciting historical & limnological data from GLEON (and non-GLEON) lakes

• I am collecting:1. Historical weekly datasets2. Weekly plankton samples

• If you can take a weekly plankton sample at your GLEON lake, I will count and ID the phytos for you.

• I will acknowledge you and your site on any publications that result from this project.

Lake/data requirements• Lake must experience at least one bloom/summer. • Plankton sample must be collected weekly

throughout bloom season using a standardized sampling protocol.

• After bloom season ends, we will identify when bloom events occurred, and you will mail me the samples.

• I will count the phytos and send you the data.

Why this is a ‘cool thing’

• Cyanobacterial blooms are increasing every year in geographical range and frequency; there is much we do not know

• One of the first attempts to utilize the GLEON network to conduct large-scale, collaborative biology; perhaps a model for future GLEON research?

Interested in participating?

• Talk to me this week, come see my poster, or

email me at: ccc99@cornell.edu