The IUPUI Center for Earth and Environment Science is pleased to continue partnership with Citizens Water to conduct algae monitoring and speciation in Geist, Morse and Eagle Creek reservoirs.

The Center has provided field and analytical support to the drinking water utility, collecting data that is used to ensure that production processes are maximized to deliver the highest quality drinking water. We have been assisting in monitoring local reservoirs since summer 2008 through partnerships with local agencies and utilities. Citizens Water is continuing this partnership through funding to support the field and analytical support related to algae monitoring and speciation in area reservoirs. This partnership provides significant opportunity for students and faculty in the School of Science to be engaged with the drinking water utility to better understand the connections between scientific study and practical application.

IUPUI CEES Documents

• Blue Green Algae Fact Sheet

• 2010 BGA in Indiana: Distribution, Toxicity and Causes

• 2009 BGA in Indiana

• 2009 BGA Update

• 2008 BGA Update

• 2008 Geist Update (ppt)

• 2008 Morse Update (ppt)

• 2008 Algae Toxin Study

• 2007 BGA Report

• 2004 Algaecide Study

• How to Recognize a Blue-green Algal Bloom

• Dense concentration of cells

• Composed of microscopic cyanobacteria (also known as Blue-green algae)

• Some blue-green algae may produce toxins.

• Toxins released through excretion from cells or as cells die

• Harmful to aquatic life, pets, and humans

• NOT all algal blooms produce toxins

• Sunlight

• Warm water temperature

• Nutrients (fertilizer!)

• Still Water Conditions

• This is very difficult!

• Reduce nutrient fertilizer input into the reservoir – Lakeside property owners –
  Fall Creek Watershed landowners

• Algaecide treatment –Short-term solution; limited effectiveness –
  Only possible before bloom well developed – Not advisable if toxin-producing species present

Resources and Web Links Related to Algae

2010-06-17 Blue-Green Algal Blooms and Nutrients that Cause Them: Exploring Indiana’s Story One-Day Free Symposium 2010-02-09 Steuben County No-P fertilizer ordinance waiver denied by State Chemist office 2009-10-26 Blue-Green Algae in Indiana: An Emerging Threat and the Need for Statewide Monitoring and a Public Information Plan.   Presented to the Indiana Environmental Quality Service Council (EQSC) 2009-09 State Reports High Levels of Blue-Green Algae in Area Lakes (Kosciusko Lakes and Streams Newsletter) 2009-07 White River Bloom Information The White River is currently experiencing a bloom.  These conditions are being caused by a bloom of single-celled algae in the group of algae known commonly as yellow-brown algae or diatoms.

These pictures were taken in the White River on July 24th, 2009

Press

2010-05-24 Indy Star Article: What's Good for your grass can be bad for your water

2010-05-25 Indy Star Editorial: We can find the fertilizer fix

CEES Research Publications

• Pascual, D.L., T.H. Johengen, G.M. Filippelli, L.P. Tedesco, and D. Moran. Cultural eutrophication of three Midwest urban reservoirs: The role of nitrogen limitation in determining phytoplankton community structure. Interagency International Symposium on Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms. September 6-10, 2005. Research Triangle Park, NC. p 68. Download Abstract (.pdf 45 kb ) | Download Poster (.pdf 5.4 mb)

• Pascual, D.L., T.H. Johengen, P.G. Meier, G.M. Filippelli, L.P. Tedesco, and D. Moran. 2004. Cultural eutrophication of three Midwest urban reservoirs:  the role of nitrogen and  phosphorus in determining phytoplankton communities.  American Society of Limnology and Oceanography 2004 Summer Meeting Abstract Book, p. 50. Download Abstract: 26kb doc Download Poster: 2.2mb pdf

Indiana Resources

• 2008-04-29 Geist Public Meeting (Cyanobacteria Review)
• Dr. Lenore P Tedesco's response to Geist Area Residents on Toxin
  (This link leaves the IUPUI website)
• IDEM Blue Green Algae
  http://www.in.gov/idem/algae/
• Veolia 2007 Operating Report
  (This link leaves the IUPUI website)

National Resources

• Ohio Sea Grant Harmful Algal Blooms - 1 Page Overview(pdf)
• Ohio Sea Grant Harmful Algal Blooms Fact Sheet(pdf)
• NOAA Great Lakes Sea Grant Extension Office - Harmful Algae Blooms
  http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/seagrant/GLWL/Algae/HAB/HABFAQ.html
• North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) Blue Green Initiative
  http://www.nalms.org/Resources/BlueGreenInitiative/Overview.htm
  Links to other websites of interest
• Nebraska Blue Green Algae and Bacteria Sampling Approach and Background Info
  http://www.deq.state.ne.us/Beaches.nsf/LakeSampling08
• PhycoTech, Inc. - Algal Taxonomy
  http://www.phycotech.com/AlgaeTaxLinks.htm
• USGS - Harmful Algae Blooms (pdf) or http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3147/

• USGS Kansas Algal Toxin Research Team
  http://ks.water.usgs.gov/Kansas/studies/qw/cyanobacteria/
  Links to other websites of interest

International Resources

• World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Safe Recreational Waters
  http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/bathing/srwe1/en/