Water Quality
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item The trophic state is dynamic: Understanding within and across year dynamics of nutrient controls on lake phytoplankton growthRichardson, David C.; Elzey, Lissa; Williams, Reed; Wigdahl-Perry, Courtney; Yokota, Kiyoko (New York State Water Resources Institute, 2021)Scientists, managers, and citizens use the concept of the trophic state to characterize lakes by categorizing them into oligo-, meso-, or eutrophic states based on a few snapshot measurements. However, lakes have seasonal variability in phytoplankton biomass with the possibility for periodic blooms that impair water quality and ecosystem services. First, we developed a dynamic mathematical simulation model to understand seasonal cycles of nutrient uptake and phytoplankton growth. We found predictable cycles of phytoplankton biomass and available nutrients related to seasonal internal loading. Second, we assessed three years of nutrient limitation data from in situ incubations in 9 regional lakes and found that most of the lakes had interannual variability in nutrient limitation type, with colimitation being most common. Together, these results support the need for a more dynamic framework based on function, process, and temporal change that would better inform management actions and understanding of lake ecosystems.Item Sources and Speciation of Elevated Manganese in a Surface Water Supply ReservoirReid, Matthew C. (New York State Water Resources Institute, 2022)Item Mobile toolkit for rapid in-field screening of freshwater Harmful Algal BloomsRichardson, Ruth (New York State Water Resources Institute, 2022)This project aimed to develop inexpensive and rapid field screening tools for microcystin producing cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). During the 2020 HABs season, we trained 10 volunteers in Cayuga and Canandaigua Lakes how to collect and share images of suspected HABs using inexpensive WiFi microscopes. Using ImageJ opensource image analysis software we generated correlations between image colony abundance and the levels of microcystin (MC) (R squared of 0.48) and chlorophyll A, a general measure of algal density (R squared = 0.64). Additionally, our team performed qPCR for MC synthase genes on DNA extracted from a subset of HABs and background non-bloom samples. Using both benchtop and handheld devices for qPCR we found excellent sensitivity of the method for screening for high toxin HABs (87.5-96%). Other key findings are that: multiple strains of Microcystis (MC-producing genus) are present in the Finger Lakes and that one, specific to Canandaigua Lake, has a very high MC/chloral ratio; blooms arose quickly from non-bloom samples and non-bloom samples immediately preceding the event had detectable levels of the MC toxin gene. The work strengthened relationships among the community partners and trained community members on tools for HABs monitoring. In addition to one publication submitted to Water Research journal, and two others in preparation our team also disseminated the results via webinars, a newsletter in the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network newsletter, and the creation of a publicly available GIS based map that shows microscope images associated with the different locations sampled.Item Short Communication: Is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), present and viable in raw and in partially-treated sewageSayess, Rassil; Hychka, Kristen; Rahm, Brian (New York State Water Resources Institute, 2021)This WRI briefing explores the possible presence and transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in raw (untreated) or partially-treated sewage Note 1. The key question we pose here is: is there scientific evidence to support SARS-CoV-2 transmission and infection through raw or partially-treated sewage? As of January 22, 2021, scientists have shown that the virus has been detected in stool and rectal samples of infected individuals. Consequently, SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in wastewaters all over the world. Multiple studies showed that the virus was viable and/or infectious in stool samples. However, there are no reports of infection through the fecal-oral route to date. Based on our best effort to review the science, there is currently no evidence to suggest infection through contact recreation and professional interaction (sampling, monitoring, etc.). Regardless of the possible risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, caution is warranted any time there is possible exposure to untreated wastewater. For stakeholders concerned about the risk of COVID-19 infection associated with their personal and professional activities, and for people handling wastewater or coming in contact with surface water that might reasonably contain raw or partially treated sewage, we refer to existing guidance from public health experts and water professional organizations.Item Short Communication: Staying Ahead of the Curve: Wastewater Surveillance for Monitoring COVID-19 Outbreaks in New York StateHychka, Kristen; Sayess, Rassil; Rahm, Brian; Perreault, Meredith; Dodson, Khris (New York State Water Resources Institute, 2020)Item Mid-Hudson Young Environmental Scientist (MH-YES) 2020 Program in Home Ecosystem and Watershed EcologyBerkowitz, Alan (New York State Water Resources Institute, 2021)The 2020 Mid-Hudson Young Environmental Scientist (MH-YES) Program took place remotely from July 7 through August 14. Eight Dutchess County high school students, working in two groups, convened daily on Zoom with their mentors - research scientists, undergraduate students, and local high school science teachers – and with program leaders to develop original scientific investigations pertaining to their home ecosystems in the context of regional watershed ecology. Students performed fieldwork independently in their backyards and neighborhoods and synthesized results during virtual discussions with their team members. One research team created water budgets for members’ “home ecosystems,” representing inputs and outputs in schematic diagrams. The other team investigated the differences in soil water quality between deciduous and coniferous environments following a major storm event. At the end of the six-week program, students presented their findings at a virtual symposium. Students also participated in several virtual enrichment activities offered by MH-YES program leaders, the regional network of high school research programs and Cary Institute’s REU program. MH-YES participants - both students and mentors - reported a positive summer experience despite significant challenges with virtual programming. High school students in particular reported social, emotional, and intellectual gains as a result of program participation.Item Comments on the Preliminary International Joint Commission Recommendations on Microplastics in the Great LakesWatkins, Lisa; Rahm, Brian G.; Walter, M. Todd (New York State Water Resources Institute, 2016)We wish to generally support the recommendations as already articulated by the IJC, and provide the following additional comments in three broad areas: science, pollution prevention, and policy.Item Methane and Nutrient cycling in Septic Leach Field SystemsFernandez-Baca, Cristina (New York State Water Resources Institute, 2016)Onsite septic systems treat approximately 25% of U.S. domestic wastewater. Despite their prevalence and continued use in new building, few studies have attempted to characterize septic systems’ air and water quality impacts. Understanding septic systems’ effectiveness is vital to managing them in a way that promotes both air and water quality. Systems that are improperly sited and/or managed can cause ground and surface water contamination as well as increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as compared to well-managed systems. To examine microbial populations and potential GHG and nutrient cycling within leach field soil systems, we constructed two leach field soil columns in the lab. Reactors were subjected to either flooded conditions (Column A) or well-maintained conditions (Column B) and compared in: (1) measured atmospheric methane (CH4) fluxes; (2) measured CH4 depth profile, (3) distribution and activity of key organisms involved in CH4 cycling; (4) measured chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nutrient treatment (N, P). Overall, the columns performed more similarly in nutrient removal than in CH4 cycling with flooded conditions significantly increasing CH4 fluxes and overall CH4 production. COD removal was variable and is negatively impacted by flooding while nutrient removal appears to be unaffected by flooded conditions.Item PFOA, PFOS, and Other Perfluoroalkyl Substances: What we KnowNew York State Water Resources Institute (New York State Water Resources Institute, 2016)This list is in no way exhaustive. Rather, it attempts to provide a set of primary references that offer key pieces of information in building a clear understanding of the issue. Thus, it is subjective in its completeness. Annotations attempt to identify unique or defining characteristics of each entry.Item Water quality and algal community dynamics in the Finger LakesCleckner, Lisa; Razavi, Roxanne; Halfman, John (New York State Water Resources Institute, 2016)Nutrient loading has resulted in the proliferation of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwaters worldwide. Most HABs are composed of cyanobacteria, also known as blue‐green algae, which can harm human and animal health when they produce cyanotoxins. Ubiquitous HABs represent a serious problem across waterbodies in New York State and the Finger Lakes. Studies of algal community dynamics can help illuminate factors that lead to increases in HABs. Advanced sensor technology allows for in situ measurements of chlorophyll differentiated by algal class. In this study, a FluoroProbe spectrofluorometer (bbe moldaenke, GmbH) was used to assess four major phytoplankton groups in the pelagic and nearshore of two Finger Lakes (i.e., Honeoye and Canandaigua Lakes). The objective of this work was to determine whether pelagic sampling reflects nearshore algal communities, and how this varies by lake trophic status. Seasonal changes in algal communities were also assessed, and water quality parameters that best explain phytoplankton succession and specifically cyanobacteria are evaluated.