Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

5-2021

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.

Department

Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies

Degree Program

School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies (Individualized Degree), MS

Committee Chair

Sluss, Tamara

Committee Co-Chair (if applicable)

Day, C. Andrew

Committee Member

Day, C. Andrew

Committee Member

Yoder-Himes, Deborah

Author's Keywords

Harmful algal blooms; Ohio river

Abstract

The frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs) has been increasing across the globe, especially in river ecosystems. Although more common in lakes, more HABs have been reported in rivers in the past decade, particularly in the Ohio River. In 2019, a HAB stretched 200 to 300 miles throughout the Ohio River from September to October. Samples were collected for the duration of the 2019 bloom (August-October) in the McAlpine Pool in Louisville, KY to compare microcystis toxin (microcystin) concentrations on a temporal and spatial scale. Different habitats (bay, creek, river) were sampled throughout the bloom, and two additional sampling days, one in September and one in October, were taken from a boat in various habitats throughout the channel of the river. Wind and temperature were also documented for each sample. ELISA kits were utilized to determine the presence and concentration of microcystin. There was some significance spatially and temporally, however, more samples are needed to draw these conclusions.

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