Statewide Blue Green Algae Toxins 2009-2010
Return to Search

Purpose

This project supports the issue of Blue Green Algae Toxins in Wisconsin Waters. We currently lack information about the frequency and spatial extent of blue-green algae blooms, and conditions that lead to the production of toxins. In addition the Department of Health Services (DHS) has obtained a 5 year grant to gather information and document illnesses and deaths of animals and humans into a CDC Database. This project would support their activities and allow our field staff to gather spatial and temporal samples from 1-2 target lakes in their region that have a history of blue green blooms so we can learn more about when toxins exist at level that may impact people and/or animals, before these incidents occur.

Objective

1.Sample six lakes for presence/ absence of blue green algae species, toxins and related parameters. These lakes will be selected by DNR field staff in discussions with the Lake Coordinators (1 to 2) per DNR region. Lakes will be sampled on 6 dates and in multiple locations from July to mid-September to document the spatial and temporal variability of bloom conditions. The sampling will be conducted by DNR Field staff, seasonal LTE staff in partnership with established volunteers. 2. Analyze up to 20 water samples around the state in response to reports of potential toxic algal blooms on undocumented waters for the presence of Blue Green Algae species and subsequent toxin analysis (ELISA) if warranted. The screening lab analysis will be conducted by a seasonal LTE staff member or Field Staff and toxin samples sent to the State Lab. 3. Hold and distribute as needed DHS test kits for Blue Green Algae related to incidents of animal or human suspected exposure. 4. Purchase 6 sets of Field Tests and 6 standards for Microcystin LR toxins one for each region and one for central office for evaluation of usefulness as a rapid assessment tool. 5. Support UW Stout project surveying recreational exposure to blue-green algae on Tainter Lake and potentially other lakes in the region.

Outcome

Implement a program to enhance the DNR’s Staff knowledge of when toxins exist, relative to other measurable water quality parameters, to help predict when toxins may exist in a lake. Documentation of up to 20 new lakes statewide for the presence/absence of Blue Green Algae species with toxins. Assist with Department of Health Services 5 year project to Track and Document - Illnesses and Deaths of animals and humans due to exposure to Algae toxins. Submit statewide end of year monitoring data in SWIMS and reports on Blue green Algae toxin kits evaluation and lake studies to supervisors and Bureau staff.

Related Reports

Run Project Summary Report
View Umbrella-Projects
View Related-Projects

Targeted Monitoring
Watershed Project
harmful_algae
2009
Complete
 
Reports and Documents
CO_BGA_10_BUDGET.XLS
RCHEALTHSURVEYSTUDY.DOC
Project Scope for UW Stout Recreational Exposure Study
DHS GRANT OBJECTIVE.DOC
DHS blue green algae exposure tracking grant project description
 
Activities & Recommendations
Monitor to Evaluate Projects
Up to 6 lakes will be selected from existing list of known waters with BGA blooms - e.g. Lake Winnebago, Petenwell, Tainter, Pewaukee, Lake Wisconsin, Nokomis, Upper St. Croix