Significant Findings Through cyanoCasting™
In 2017 the cyanoCasting™ Program was introduced to selected municipalities and local non-profit organizations on Cape Cod, MA. Initially used to assess cyanobacterial populations at 5 sites, the program quickly expanded during the next 5 years to provide monitoring at more than 150 sites. Below are the summaries of significant findings from these first 5 years which may represent characteristics unique to the freshwater bodies on Cape Cod or may represent regional commonalities.
Mixed Assemblages
“Mixed assemblages” (40%) are most commonly observed, however systems dominated by either Dolichospermum spp, (33%) or Microcystis spp, (25%) are often observed. Within the mixed assemblages, composition commonly shifts (20%) between Dolichospermum spp. and Microcystis spp. As a result, Dolichospermum spp. (36%) and Microcystis spp. (29%) are the most common cyanobacteria found in Cape Cod lakes and ponds.
Cyanobacterial Population
Cyanotoxin Of Greatest Concern
Cyanobacterial genus can be indicative of which cyanotoxin (e.g. endotoxin, microcystin, anatoxin-a) may be of greatest concern.
Cyanobacterial Biomass
Benefits Of A Proactive Monitoring Program
A proactive monitoring program can anticipate adverse conditions through the use of early warning signals that describe the growth of cyanobacterial populations. These important signals include the onset of early log phase growth and the timing of this growth in the different populations.