Algal blooms are natural phenomena that occur globally and involve the rapid proliferation of single celled planktonic algae. Some bloom causing species can produce detrimental health effects and harm the environment and these events are known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, HABs caused by the marine dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, known as red tides, have led to the loss of millions of dollars in revenue to the state. Due to their economic and environmental impacts, research scientists and management agencies are focused on finding ways to more efficiently detect and track bloom events, to better understand bloom event dynamics, and to mitigate their impacts. My dissertation research has two central aims: 1) develop molecular tools to detect K. brevis and other HAB species as well as to track changes in the broader plankton community during bloom events. For this work I will optimize published primer sets to identify which works best at identifying HAB species while also characterizing plankton. 2) Test the efficiency of clay application to mitigate K. brevis blooms. For this aim, I will test three clay formulations. The first two clays will be used in mesocosms and determine their efficiency at removing K. brevis cells, their effects on the physico-chemical properties of water as well as on non-target organisms from the microbial community to benthic organisms. The third clay will be applied to natural waters during an active bloom, using limnocorrals, to evaluate the effect of clay applications in a natural system.
John Kristoffer Andres
Dr. Michelle R. Gaither, Advisor
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