1. Harmful Algal Blooms and Microcystin in the Tidal Fresh James River, Joe Wood, Ph.D. - Chesapeake Bay Foundation
*Research performed while at VCU

2. Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Largest non-profit working to “Save the Bay”
Offices in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania
205,000 members (78,000 in Virginia)
Focus on education, advocacy, restoration, and litigation
Introduction 2

3. Talk Outline Background on the tidal fresh James River
What is Microcystin?
Effects on Aquatic Life
Do Micrcoystin levels correspond to Chlorophyll levels?

4. The Tidal Fresh James River
Study Site
Data: Average of monthly values from (DEQ~ Chesapeake Bay Program)

5. Algal Blooms in the Tidal Fresh James
Persistent blooms occur in the region where the James transitions from a narrow, deep channel to a wide shallow channel.
Shallow areas provide more favorable light conditions which enhance algal growth.
Sampling locations for VCU weekly monitoring (2010-present).

6. Protective Standards:
What is Microcystin?
Hepatotoxin (liver) produced by several cyanobacteria (photosynthetic bacteria)
Potential grazer deterrent
Increased Probability of Detection in Eutrophic Systems (Poste et al. 2011, Heisler et al.)
Microcystin
Protective Standards:
World Health Organization (WHO) Drinking water 1 µg L-1.
Virginia recreational Waterbody Closure: 6 µg L-1
WHO Consumption standard .04 µg MC kg human-1
Poste et al 2011

7. Negative Impacts of Microcystin
Increased Apoptic Cell death, Tumors and Liver Cancer in Trout (Fischer et al 2011)
Mortality and Hematological Lesions in Flamingos (Miller et al 2010)
Mortality, Liver Hemorrhaging and tumor formation in Sea Otters, (Miller et al 2010)
2012
Lake Erie
2014: Toledo Water Supply severely impacted

8. CHLa and cyanotoxins in the James River during 2011.
Contact standard
(WHO)
Drinking standard*
(WHO)
CHLa and cyanotoxins in the James River during 2011.
*treated water

9. Microcystin assimilated by fish and crabs and persists at lower concentrations
DEQ concludes human exposure via consumption is unlikely in this system

10. Fish who consume algae-rich diets are more vulnerable to toxin exposure

11. Algal Toxins to Riparian Food Webs
Microcystin is found in aquatic insects including mayflies.
When insects emerge and are consumed, the toxin is transferred to birds and spiders.
L. Bulluck, N. Moy and P. Bukaveckas. VCU.

12. Microcystin influences on Clams
With Clams
Without Clams

13. Cyanotoxin Effects on Benthic Filter-feeders
Top: effects of exposure to dissolved Microcystin on clearance rates of Rangia.
Bottom: likelihood of exceeding Microcystin concentrations at various levels of CHLa.

14. Current Summer Standard
Microcystin Impairments occur more frequently at Higher Chlorophyll Levels
Current Summer Standard
(23 µg L-1)

15. Conclusions
Microcystin occurs regularly in the tidal fresh James and accumulates in invertebrates, fish and birds
Bivalve Grazing rates are constrained by Microcystin
Microcystin occurs much more frequently at levels above the current CHLa standard

16. Questions?
Funding provided by VA DEQ and City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities