Michelle Kong, MSc. Candidate Department of Biology, Wang Lab, Queen's University Measuring the efficiency of bioremediation of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms With rising global temperatures, harmful algal blooms have been increasing in size and frequency for several decades. These blooms produce and release toxins while severely reducing the oxygen levels of marine and freshwater ecosystems, resulting in large scale mortality events of aquatic life. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CHABs) produce cyanotoxins, which have caused poisoning cases of aquatic life, agricultural animals, and humans alike. A key element in a proactive approach to controlling CHABs may be bioremediation, which is the use of naturally occurring organisms to consume environmental pollutants. Viviparus georgianus, the banded mystery snail, is ubiquitous to freshwaters, naturally occurs in high densities, and can safely ingest cyanobacteria with high tolerance and rapid detoxification effects, making them an ideal candidate for use in bioremediation. However, little is known about their consumption, their rate of consumption, and how it may be affected by the species of cyanobacteria present and density of snails. We placed V. georgianus in microcosms with varying species of cultured algae or cyanobacteria, as well as varying densities of snails and then measured the quantity of cyanobacteria ingested via chl-a levels. Through this, we were able to observe V. georgianus’ consumption of cyanobacteria at a similar efficiency to green algae, as well as significant drops in chl-a with as little as 3g of snails per 200mL of water. By understanding how to optimize V. georgianus’ consumption of cyanobacteria, we can make use of a widespread and highly populous species for efficient and effective inhibition of bloom growth.
Comments are closed.
|
Categories
All
Archives
April 2024
|