Biology at SCC
Freshwater Ecology & Watershed Research

Bibliography

Research Paper Library

Peer-reviewed articles and government reports chosen for students working on cyanobacteria and freshwater ecology in Kentucky. Bibliographic details for every DOI were retrieved from Crossref, not typed from memory. Summaries are original and state how they were written.

How to use these summaries Summaries were drafted from each paper's published abstract and have not yet been reviewed by faculty; a few, marked in "Summary status," rest on less than the full abstract. Read the paper before citing a specific number or finding. Kentucky-specific literature is limited — the Kentucky filter below shows Kentucky studies and the closest regional analogs.
Topic
Geography

Monitoring & assessment Karst & groundwater Cyanobacterial blooms in Kentucky

Tracking Toxins: A Pilot Investigation of Cyanotoxins in North-Central Tennessee’s Surface Waters and Wells

Hill, K. L., Jaegge, A. C., Moore, D. M., & Byl, T. D. (2026). Toxins, 18(6), 239.

The closest published analog to the Somerset area: cyanotoxin monitoring in a karst landscape on the Cumberland River system downstream in Tennessee.

Study details
Geographic scope
North-central Tennessee, Cumberland basin (regional analog)
Organisms
Cyanobacteria
Methodology
USGS and Tennessee Dept. of Environment & Conservation sampled 18 sites, including two wells under surface-water influence, every two weeks (Sept 2022–Nov 2024).
Key findings
At least one cyanotoxin was detected at every site; the highest levels were in deep reservoirs, and dissolved microcystin was inversely related to Cumberland River water levels.
Limitations
Tennessee sites — an analog for, not evidence about, Lake Cumberland or Pulaski County waters.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.3390/toxins18060239 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Nutrients & agricultural watersheds Microcystis ecology Species composition & occurrence

Nutrient concentration, stoichiometry, and timing of delivery can regulate cyanobacterial dominance and microcystin production in rivers

Li, J., & Murdock, J. (2025). Journal of Environmental Management, 377, 124714.

Experimental evidence from the Cumberland River that the amount, ratio and timing of N and P shape which cyanobacteria win.

Study details
Geographic scope
Cumberland River, Tennessee (regional analog)
Organisms
Microcystis; Dolichospermum
Methodology
36-day incubations of Cumberland River water across four nitrogen–phosphorus gradient scenarios.
Key findings
Phytoplankton were co-limited by N and P; N-fixing Dolichospermum dominated at very low N:P, while Microcystis dominated when both nutrients were added.
Limitations
Laboratory incubations of one river's water.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Summary based on a research assistant's reading of the abstract; the portal editor has not read the abstract directly — verify before relying on details.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124714 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Cyanobacterial blooms in Kentucky Monitoring & assessment

Development of a Risk Characterization Tool for Harmful Cyanobacteria Blooms on the Ohio River

Nietch, C. T., Gains-Germain, L., Lazorchak, J., Keely, S. P., Youngstrom, G., Urichich, E. M., Astifan, B., et al. (2022). Water, 14(4), 644.

Explains why low, slow summer flows set the stage for the Ohio River blooms that triggered Kentucky advisories in 2015 and 2019.

Study details
Geographic scope
Ohio River (Kentucky border)
Organisms
Cyanobacteria
Methodology
Bayesian regression models built on 25 years of discharge data for 20 sites along the Ohio River.
Key findings
Bloom occurrence and persistence were predicted from antecedent flow conditions, calibrated on the 2015 and 2019 Ohio River blooms.
Limitations
Flow-only predictors; does not model toxin production.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.3390/w14040644 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Cyanobacterial blooms in Kentucky Nutrients & agricultural watersheds

Cyanobacteria Growth in Nitrogen- & Phosphorus-Spiked Water from a Hypereutrophic Reservoir in Kentucky, USA

Hughes, S. E., & Marion, J. W. (2021). Journal of Environmental Protection, 12(02), 75-89.

A Kentucky reservoir experiment illustrating that the limiting nutrient for cyanobacteria can be nitrogen rather than phosphorus at a given time and place.

Study details
Geographic scope
Kentucky (Guist Creek Lake)
Organisms
Cyanobacteria (phycocyanin)
Methodology
Laboratory microcosms of reservoir water spiked with nitrogen and/or phosphorus; cyanobacteria tracked as phycocyanin.
Key findings
Phosphate alone did not increase cyanobacteria, while added nitrogen did, suggesting phosphorus was not limiting when the water was collected.
Limitations
Short microcosm experiment from one reservoir and date; the authors call for more robust designs. Published by SCIRP — weigh the venue.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Summary based on a research assistant's reading of the abstract; the portal editor has not read the abstract directly — verify before relying on details.

DOI: 10.4236/jep.2021.122006 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Monitoring & assessment Species composition & occurrence Cyanobacterial blooms in Kentucky

Cyanobacteria, cyanotoxin synthetase gene, and cyanotoxin occurrence among selected large river sites of the conterminous United States, 2017–18

Zuellig, R. E., Graham, J. L., Stelzer, E. A., Loftin, K. A., & Rosen, B. H. (2021). U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2021-5121.

USGS evidence that cyanobacteria and their toxins are a river issue, not only a lake issue — including on Kentucky's northern border.

Study details
Geographic scope
11 large U.S. rivers incl. the Ohio River at Cannelton
Organisms
Cyanobacteria
Methodology
USGS pilot sampling (2017–18) of cyanobacteria, toxin-synthetase genes and cyanotoxins at large-river sites.
Key findings
Toxin-producing cyanobacteria, toxin genes and cyanotoxins occur in large rivers under ambient (non-bloom) conditions; the report notes the 2015 and 2019 Ohio River events that led to advisories in Kentucky and neighboring states.
Limitations
Two years, few sites; not designed to characterize any single river fully.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.3133/sir20215121 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Benthic cyanobacteria Monitoring & assessment

Toxic benthic freshwater cyanobacterial proliferations: Challenges and solutions for enhancing knowledge and improving monitoring and mitigation

Wood, S. A., Kelly, L. T., Bouma‐Gregson, K., Humbert, J., Laughinghouse, H. D., Lazorchak, J., McAllister, T. G., et al. (2020). Freshwater Biology, 65(10), 1824-1842.

The most complete guide to monitoring attached cyanobacterial mats in rivers and streams.

Study details
Geographic scope
Global review
Organisms
Microcoleus; Dolichospermum (benthic)
Methodology
Review of ecology, toxin production, monitoring and mitigation of benthic cyanobacterial proliferations.
Key findings
Toxic benthic proliferations occur in streams, rivers, lakes and ponds in at least 19 countries; flow and other physical drivers rank high among controlling factors.
Limitations
Few species and habitats are well studied.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1111/fwb.13532 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Bloom control & biological control

Mitigating eutrophication nuisance: in-lake measures are becoming inevitable in eutrophic waters in the Netherlands

Lürling, M., & Mucci, M. (2020). Hydrobiologia, 847(21), 4447-4467.

A frank appraisal of which bloom-control products and methods actually work.

Study details
Geographic scope
The Netherlands
Organisms
Cyanobacteria
Methodology
Survey of peer-reviewed and grey literature on in-lake interventions against cyanobacterial blooms.
Key findings
Many measures (air-bubble or oil screens, surface mixers, low-energy ultrasound, 'effective micro-organisms', fish introduction) had little or no effect; others were more effective but variable.
Limitations
Dutch shallow lakes; mixed evidence quality.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1007/s10750-020-04297-9 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Monitoring & assessment Species composition & occurrence

Cyanotoxin occurrence in large rivers of the United States

Graham, J. L., Dubrovsky, N. M., Foster, G. M., King, L. R., Loftin, K. A., Rosen, B. H., & Stelzer, E. A. (2020). Inland Waters, 10(1), 109-117.

Cyanobacteria are routine members of river phytoplankton even when no bloom is visible.

Study details
Geographic scope
11 large U.S. rivers
Organisms
Pseudanabaena; Planktothrix
Methodology
Sampling June–September 2017 for cyanobacteria, toxin-synthetase genes and cyanotoxins.
Key findings
Cyanobacteria were present in all rivers (82% of samples) but rarely dominated; Pseudanabaena and Planktothrix were most frequent.
Limitations
One season.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1080/20442041.2019.1700749 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Benthic cyanobacteria

Rise and fall of toxic benthic freshwater cyanobacteria (Anabaena spp.) in the Eel river: Buoyancy and dispersal

Bouma-Gregson, K., Power, M. E., & Bormans, M. (2017). Harmful Algae, 66, 79-87.

Shows how attached stream mats detach and float, which matters for where samples should be collected.

Study details
Geographic scope
South Fork Eel River, California
Organisms
Anabaena (benthic)
Methodology
Field experiments on mat buoyancy under light manipulation.
Key findings
Benthic Anabaena-dominated mats floated and sank within minutes, driven by oxygen bubbles from photosynthesis — a mechanism for downstream dispersal.
Limitations
One river system.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2017.05.007 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Cyanotoxin tolerance

Host-genotype dependent gut microbiota drives zooplankton tolerance to toxic cyanobacteria

Macke, E., Callens, M., De Meester, L., & Decaestecker, E. (2017). Nature Communications, 8(1), 1608.

Evidence that a grazer's gut microbiome can confer tolerance to toxic cyanobacteria.

Study details
Geographic scope
Laboratory (Daphnia magna)
Organisms
Daphnia magna; Microcystis
Methodology
Gut-microbiota transplants between Daphnia clones and metagenetic analysis.
Key findings
Both host genotype and gut microbiota mediated tolerance to toxic cyanobacteria; tolerance followed the microbiota donor.
Limitations
Laboratory clones.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01714-x Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Cyanobacterial blooms in Kentucky Microcystis ecology Monitoring & assessment

Harmful Algae Bloom Occurrence in Urban Ponds: Relationship of Toxin Levels with Cell Density and Species Composition

de la Cruz, A., Logsdon, R., Lye, D., Guglielmi, S., Rice, A., & Kannan, M. S. (2017). Journal of Earth and Environmental Science, 25, 704-726.

Kentucky evidence that small constructed ponds can host Microcystis blooms year-round and that cell counts are a poor stand-in for toxin concentration.

Study details
Geographic scope
Northern Kentucky (urban ponds)
Organisms
Microcystis
Methodology
Year-long monitoring (Oct 2012–Sep 2013) of algal communities, basic water quality and microcystin in several urban retention ponds.
Key findings
Blooms were mostly Microcystis and occurred throughout the year; basic water-quality variables (including nitrate and soluble reactive phosphate) did not correlate with cyanobacteria or microcystin, and toxin levels did not always track Microcystis cell counts.
Limitations
Small number of ponds in one urban area; the DOI listed on the PubMed record does not resolve, so cite by PMID/PMCID.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

Open source record Metadata verified with PubMed on 2026-11-05

Cyanobacterial blooms in Kentucky Toxins & health

Comparison of Protein Phosphatase Inhibition Assay with LC-MS/MS for Diagnosis of Microcystin Toxicosis in Veterinary Cases

Moore, C., Juan, J., Lin, Y., Gaskill, C., & Puschner, B. (2016). Marine Drugs, 14(3), 54.

Shows how microcystin poisoning in livestock is confirmed analytically, using a 2013 Kentucky cattle die-off as a case study.

Study details
Geographic scope
Kentucky case (with another U.S. case)
Organisms
Microcystis (toxin source not identified to genus in the Kentucky case)
Methodology
Comparison of a protein phosphatase inhibition assay with LC-MS/MS on samples from veterinary poisoning investigations.
Key findings
Describes the deaths of 15 cattle around two Kentucky ponds in August 2013; microcystin-LR was detected in one pond and in rumen samples, but not in the second pond.
Limitations
A methods paper; the Kentucky event is one illustrative case rather than a survey.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.3390/md14030054 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Nutrients & agricultural watersheds Bloom control & biological control

It Takes Two to Tango: When and Where Dual Nutrient (N & P) Reductions Are Needed to Protect Lakes and Downstream Ecosystems

Paerl, H. W., Scott, J. T., McCarthy, M. J., Newell, S. E., Gardner, W. S., Havens, K. E., Hoffman, D. K., et al. (2016). Environmental Science & Technology, 50(20), 10805-10813.

The case for managing both nitrogen and phosphorus to control harmful blooms, and the counterpart to Schindler et al. (2008).

Study details
Geographic scope
Global synthesis
Organisms
Cyanobacteria
Methodology
Synthesis of whole-lake experiments, mesocosm studies and nutrient-loading data.
Key findings
Reducing P alone has worked in some lakes but not others; HABs are often stimulated more by combined N and P enrichment, so dual nutrient reductions are needed in many systems.
Limitations
Synthesis; the balance of evidence differs among lake types.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02575 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Microcystis ecology Toxins & health

A review of the global ecology, genomics, and biogeography of the toxic cyanobacterium, Microcystis spp.

Harke, M. J., Steffen, M. M., Gobler, C. J., Otten, T. G., Wilhelm, S. W., Wood, S. A., & Paerl, H. W. (2016). Harmful Algae, 54, 4-20.

The standard modern overview of Microcystis, the most common bloom-former in eutrophic lakes and ponds.

Study details
Geographic scope
Global review
Organisms
Microcystis
Methodology
Review of Microcystis distribution, toxins, genomics, phylogeny and ecology.
Key findings
Blooms documented in at least 108 countries (79 reporting microcystin); genomes are highly dynamic, and toxic and non-toxic strains co-occur.
Limitations
Review.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2015.12.007 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Monitoring & assessment Species composition & occurrence Toxins & health

Cyanotoxins in inland lakes of the United States: Occurrence and potential recreational health risks in the EPA National Lakes Assessment 2007

Loftin, K. A., Graham, J. L., Hilborn, E. D., Lehmann, S. C., Meyer, M. T., Dietze, J. E., & Griffith, C. B. (2016). Harmful Algae, 56, 77-90.

The national picture: cyanobacteria are nearly everywhere, and microcystins are detected in about a third of U.S. lakes.

Study details
Geographic scope
United States (1,161 lakes)
Organisms
Cyanobacteria
Methodology
Nationwide survey (EPA National Lakes Assessment 2007) of cyanotoxins (ELISA) and cyanobacteria.
Key findings
Microcystins were detected in 32% of samples, cylindrospermopsins in 4.0% and saxitoxins in 7.7%; cyanobacteria were present in 98% and dominant in 76% of samples.
Limitations
One summer of sampling; ELISA measures toxin classes rather than individual congeners.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2016.04.001 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Species composition & occurrence Taxonomy

An overview of diversity, occurrence, genetics and toxin production of bloom-forming Dolichospermum (Anabaena) species

Li, X., Dreher, T. W., & Li, R. (2016). Harmful Algae, 54, 54-68.

Explains the Anabaena → Dolichospermum name change and what is known about this nitrogen-fixing bloom-former.

Study details
Geographic scope
Global review
Organisms
Dolichospermum
Methodology
Review of Dolichospermum taxonomy, genetics, bloom occurrence and secondary metabolites.
Key findings
Dolichospermum is the genus name for most planktonic former Anabaena; it is among the most widespread bloom-formers and commonly produces toxins and taste-and-odor compounds.
Limitations
Review.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2015.10.015 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Species composition & occurrence Taxonomy

A review of the phylogeny, ecology and toxin production of bloom-forming Aphanizomenon spp. and related species within the Nostocales (cyanobacteria)

Cirés, S., & Ballot, A. (2016). Harmful Algae, 54, 21-43.

A clear example of why morphology-based genus names in cyanobacteria keep changing.

Study details
Geographic scope
Global review
Organisms
Aphanizomenon; Cuspidothrix; Sphaerospermopsis; Chrysosporum
Methodology
Review of phylogeny, ecology, biogeography and toxin genes of 'Aphanizomenon' species.
Key findings
The traditional genus is heterogeneous — at least five phylogenetically distant groups — and its members can produce microcystins, anatoxins, saxitoxins and cylindrospermopsin.
Limitations
Review; taxonomy still under revision.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2015.09.007 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Benthic cyanobacteria Monitoring & assessment

Spatial and temporal variation in microcystin occurrence in wadeable streams in the southeastern United States

Loftin, K. A., Clark, J. M., Journey, C. A., Kolpin, D. W., Van Metre, P. C., Carlisle, D., & Bradley, P. M. (2016). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 35(9), 2281-2287.

The nearest U.S. survey of cyanotoxins in small streams — a model for a first Allen Branch study design.

Study details
Geographic scope
Southeastern U.S. Piedmont (75 streams)
Organisms
Cyanobacteria
Methodology
June 2014 reconnaissance of microcystin (ELISA, limit 0.10 µg/L) in 75 wadeable streams.
Key findings
Microcystins were detected in 39% of streams (maximum 3.2 µg/L).
Limitations
One sampling window; low concentrations; Piedmont, not karst.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1002/etc.3391 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Daphnia & zooplankton grazing Cyanotoxin tolerance

The interaction between cyanobacteria and zooplankton in a more eutrophic world

Ger, K. A., Urrutia-Cordero, P., Frost, P. C., Hansson, L.-A., Sarnelle, O., Wilson, A. E., & Lürling, M. (2016). Harmful Algae, 54, 128-144.

Moves beyond 'Daphnia vs. cyanobacteria' to the whole zooplankton community.

Study details
Geographic scope
Global review
Organisms
Daphnia; Copepods; Rotifers
Methodology
Review of laboratory and field studies of cyanobacteria–zooplankton interactions.
Key findings
Despite poor food quality and defenses, blooms often coexist with abundant small-bodied zooplankton; grazer responses are diverse and flexible.
Limitations
Review.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2015.12.005 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Bloom control & biological control

Artificial mixing to control cyanobacterial blooms: a review

Visser, P. M., Ibelings, B. W., Bormans, M., & Huisman, J. (2016). Aquatic Ecology, 50(3), 423-441.

When aeration and mixing can work against cyanobacteria — and why it often doesn't.

Study details
Geographic scope
Review
Organisms
Cyanobacteria
Methodology
Review of artificial mixing studies in lakes and reservoirs.
Key findings
Mixing raises oxygen and can shift dominance from cyanobacteria to green algae and diatoms when the mixed depth is large enough; it often fails in shallow systems.
Limitations
Review; outcomes depend strongly on system depth and design.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1007/s10452-015-9537-0 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Monitoring & assessment

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms and U.S. Geological Survey science capabilities

Graham, J. L., Dubrovsky, N. M., & Eberts, S. M. (2016). U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2016-1174, 1-12.

A short guide to how USGS studies cyanobacteria — useful for planning methods.

Study details
Geographic scope
United States
Organisms
Cyanobacteria
Methodology
Overview of USGS cyanoHAB science capabilities.
Key findings
Major unanswered questions remain about occurrence, environmental triggers for toxicity, and predicting timing, duration and toxicity of blooms.
Limitations
Overview, not a study.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.3133/ofr20161174 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Benthic cyanobacteria Monitoring & assessment

Wadeable streams as widespread sources of benthic cyanotoxins in California, USA

Fetscher, A. E., Howard, M. D. A., Stancheva, R., Kudela, R. M., Stein, E. D., Sutula, M. A., Busse, L. B., et al. (2015). Harmful Algae, 49, 105-116.

Evidence that small streams, not only lakes, can carry cyanotoxins from attached algae.

Study details
Geographic scope
California wadeable streams
Organisms
Benthic cyanobacteria
Methodology
Statewide stream bioassessment survey including benthic algae and cyanotoxins.
Key findings
Wadeable streams were widespread sources of benthic cyanotoxins.
Limitations
Abstract not retrieved — summary from title and general knowledge; verify against the article.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Summary based on the article title only; abstract not retrieved — verify.

DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2015.09.002 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Monitoring & assessment Taxonomy

Field and laboratory guide to freshwater cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms for Native American and Alaska Native communities

Rosen, B. H., & St. Amand, A. (2015). U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2015-1164.

A free, illustrated USGS guide to recognizing cyanobacterial blooms and look-alikes in the field and under the microscope.

Study details
Geographic scope
United States
Organisms
Bloom-forming cyanobacteria
Methodology
Illustrated field and laboratory identification guide.
Key findings
Provides field images of cyanobacterial blooms and look-alikes (non-toxic algae, floating plants) and guidance on microscopic identification.
Limitations
Identification guide; toxin production cannot be determined by identification alone.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.3133/ofr20151164 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Benthic cyanobacteria Toxins & health

A review of current knowledge on toxic benthic freshwater cyanobacteria – Ecology, toxin production and risk management

Quiblier, C., Wood, S., Echenique-Subiabre, I., Heath, M., Villeneuve, A., & Humbert, J.-F. (2013). Water Research, 47(15), 5464-5479.

Essential background for stream work: in shallow flowing water, the cyanobacteria to look for are often attached mats, not floating scums.

Study details
Geographic scope
Global review
Organisms
Microcoleus (Phormidium); Oscillatoria-like taxa
Methodology
Review of toxic benthic freshwater cyanobacteria.
Key findings
Benthic cyanobacteria produce most known cyanotoxins and have been increasingly linked to animal poisonings; long-term studies of why mats proliferate are few.
Limitations
Review.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.06.042 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Bloom control & biological control

Biomanipulation as a Restoration Tool to Combat Eutrophication

Jeppesen, E., Søndergaard, M., Lauridsen, T. L., Davidson, T. A., Liu, Z., Mazzeo, N., Trochine, C., et al. (2012). Advances in Ecological Research, 411-488.

The standard review of biomanipulation as a lake-restoration tool.

Study details
Geographic scope
Review (mostly temperate lakes)
Organisms
Fish; Zooplankton; Macrophytes
Methodology
Review of biomanipulation and related biological restoration methods.
Key findings
Biomanipulation can improve water clarity in the short term; long-term stability usually requires nutrient-load reduction and may benefit from combined methods.
Limitations
Summary from a database-generated synopsis — verify against the chapter.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft written from a database-generated synopsis; full abstract not retrieved.

DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-398315-2.00006-5 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Bloom control & biological control

Selective suppression of harmful cyanobacteria in an entire lake with hydrogen peroxide

Matthijs, H. C. P., Visser, P. M., Reeze, B., Meeuse, J., Slot, P. C., Wijn, G., Talens, R., et al. (2012). Water Research, 46(5), 1460-1472.

A carefully staged whole-lake test of a selective chemical treatment — and a model of how to test a control method.

Study details
Geographic scope
Lake Koetshuis, the Netherlands
Organisms
Planktothrix agardhii
Methodology
Laboratory exposures, in-lake enclosures, then a whole-lake hydrogen peroxide treatment (2 mg/L).
Key findings
Dilute H2O2 selectively suppressed cyanobacteria with little effect on eukaryotic phytoplankton, zooplankton or macrofauna in enclosure tests.
Limitations
Treats the symptom, not nutrient causes; effects are temporary.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2011.11.016 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Nutrients & agricultural watersheds Karst & groundwater

Nutrients, Select Pesticides, and Suspended Sediment in the Karst Terrane of the Sinking Creek Basin, Kentucky, 2004-06

Crain, A. S. (2010). U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010-5167.

A detailed USGS study of agricultural nutrients in a Kentucky karst basin — and a reminder to check which of Kentucky's several Sinking Creeks a source describes.

Study details
Geographic scope
Sinking Creek Basin, western-central Kentucky (Breckinridge/Meade area) — NOT the Sinking Creek in Somerset
Methodology
Streamflow, nutrient, pesticide and suspended-sediment sampling at seven stations, 2004–06.
Key findings
Median nitrite-plus-nitrate was 1.6 mg/L; total phosphorus exceeded 0.1 mg/L in 45% of samples; nutrient concentrations were generally higher in spring and summer, matching fertilizer application periods.
Limitations
Different watershed from the Sinking Creek that receives Allen Branch in NHD; use it as a karst-agriculture analog only.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.3133/sir20105167 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Species composition & occurrence Toxins & health

Cyanotoxin Mixtures and Taste-and-Odor Compounds in Cyanobacterial Blooms from the Midwestern United States

Graham, J. L., Loftin, K. A., Meyer, M. T., & Ziegler, A. C. (2010). Environmental Science & Technology, 44(19), 7361-7368.

Shows that which cyanobacteria dominate a bloom does not reliably predict which toxins are present.

Study details
Geographic scope
23 Midwestern U.S. lakes
Organisms
Aphanizomenon; Raphidiopsis (Cylindrospermopsis); Microcystis
Methodology
Bloom sampling with community composition, 13 cyanotoxins (LC/MS/MS and immunoassay) and two taste-and-odor compounds.
Key findings
Microcystins occurred in all blooms; community composition was not strongly correlated with toxin occurrence, and toxin mixtures were common.
Limitations
Blooms only (not non-bloom conditions).
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1021/es1008938 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Digestive inhibitors Cyanotoxin tolerance

Gene expression and activity of digestive proteases in Daphnia: effects of cyanobacterial protease inhibitors

Schwarzenberger, A., Zitt, A., Kroth, P., Mueller, S., & Von Elert, E. (2010). BMC Physiology, 10(1), 6.

Shows that cyanobacterial compounds act on Daphnia's digestive enzymes, and that Daphnia responds physiologically.

Study details
Geographic scope
Laboratory (Daphnia magna)
Organisms
Daphnia magna; Microcystis
Methodology
Activity-stained gels and gene-expression analysis of Daphnia digestive proteases after exposure to cyanobacterial protease inhibitors.
Key findings
Nine digestive proteases were detected in D. magna; exposure to cyanobacterial protease inhibitors changed protease expression and activity, a physiological response to dietary inhibitors.
Limitations
Laboratory clone and diets.
Full text
Open access
Related chapters
Ch. 6: Food webs
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1186/1472-6793-10-6 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Nutrients & agricultural watersheds Karst & groundwater

Concentrations, and estimated loads and yields of total nitrogen and total phosphorus at selected water-quality monitoring network stations in Kentucky, 1979-2004

Crain, A. S., & Martin, G. R. (2009). U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009-5240.

The statewide baseline for nitrogen and phosphorus in Kentucky streams, with explicit comparison of karst and non-karst basins.

Study details
Geographic scope
Kentucky statewide (55 streams)
Methodology
USGS analysis of total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations, loads and yields at Kentucky monitoring stations, 1979–2004.
Key findings
Agricultural basins had higher TN and TP than forested basins, and intensely karst basins had higher median TN and TP than basins with little or no karst.
Limitations
Historical record; station network does not include small streams such as Allen Branch.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.3133/sir20095240 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Microcystis ecology Toxins & health

The effects of temperature and nutrients on the growth and dynamics of toxic and non-toxic strains of Microcystis during cyanobacteria blooms

Davis, T. W., Berry, D. L., Boyer, G. L., & Gobler, C. J. (2009). Harmful Algae, 8(5), 715-725.

Why toxin-gene measurements outperform cell counts for predicting microcystin.

Study details
Geographic scope
Lakes in the northeastern U.S.
Organisms
Microcystis
Methodology
Field surveys and experiments comparing toxic (mcyD-carrying) and non-toxic Microcystis under temperature and nutrient manipulations.
Key findings
The abundance of toxic (mcyD) Microcystis predicted microcystin better than total cyanobacteria, total Microcystis or chlorophyll a.
Limitations
Summary based on a database-generated synopsis, not the full abstract — verify against the article.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft written from a database-generated synopsis; full abstract not retrieved.

DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2009.02.004 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Nutrients & agricultural watersheds Species composition & occurrence

Eutrophication of lakes cannot be controlled by reducing nitrogen input: Results of a 37-year whole-ecosystem experiment

Schindler, D. W., Hecky, R. E., Findlay, D. L., Stainton, M. P., Parker, B. R., Paterson, M. J., Beaty, K. G., et al. (2008). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(32), 11254-11258.

Landmark whole-ecosystem evidence for phosphorus control in lakes — and the source of a long debate about nitrogen.

Study details
Geographic scope
Lake 227, Experimental Lakes Area, Ontario
Organisms
Nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria
Methodology
37-year whole-lake fertilization experiment with constant P and decreasing (then zero) N additions.
Key findings
Cutting nitrogen inputs favored nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria; N fixation kept biomass proportional to phosphorus, and the lake stayed highly eutrophic.
Limitations
A small, deep, low-nutrient Precambrian Shield lake; transferability to shallow, turbid or flowing waters is debated (see Paerl et al. 2016).
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0805108105 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Daphnia & zooplankton grazing

Meta-analysis of cyanobacterial effects on zooplankton population growth rate: species-specific responses

Tillmanns, A. R., Wilson, A. E., Pick, F. R., & Sarnelle, O. (2008). Fundamental and Applied Limnology, 171(4), 285-295.

Different grazer species respond very differently to the same cyanobacteria.

Study details
Geographic scope
Meta-analysis
Organisms
Zooplankton
Methodology
Meta-analysis of cyanobacterial effects on zooplankton population growth rate by species.
Key findings
Responses were strongly species-specific; general support for toxicity or mechanical interference as the main mechanism was not found.
Limitations
Summary from a database-generated synopsis — verify against the article.
Full text
Not determined
Related chapters
Ch. 6: Food webs
Summary status
Draft written from a database-generated synopsis; full abstract not retrieved.

DOI: 10.1127/1863-9135/2008/0171-0285 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Nutrients & agricultural watersheds

Global analysis of nitrogen and phosphorus limitation of primary producers in freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems

Elser, J. J., Bracken, M. E. S., Cleland, E. E., Gruner, D. S., Harpole, W. S., Hillebrand, H., Ngai, J. T., et al. (2007). Ecology Letters, 10(12), 1135-1142.

Shows that co-limitation by nitrogen and phosphorus is common — the reason this portal avoids 'phosphorus alone' or 'nitrogen alone' explanations.

Study details
Geographic scope
Global meta-analysis
Methodology
Meta-analysis of N and P enrichment experiments in freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Key findings
N and P limitation were equivalent in freshwater, and simultaneous N+P enrichment produced strongly synergistic responses in all three environments.
Limitations
Experiments differ widely in scale and duration.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2007.01113.x Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Daphnia & zooplankton grazing

Effects of cyanobacterial toxicity and morphology on the population growth of freshwater zooplankton: Meta‐analyses of laboratory experiments

Wilson, A. E., Sarnelle, O., & Tillmanns, A. R. (2006). Limnology and Oceanography, 51(4), 1915-1924.

The quantitative baseline for 'cyanobacteria are bad food' — and its surprises.

Study details
Geographic scope
Meta-analysis (66 lab studies)
Organisms
Daphnia; Zooplankton
Methodology
Meta-analyses of 597 laboratory comparisons of zooplankton fed cyanobacteria versus nutritious algae.
Key findings
Cyanobacteria were poor food relative to small green algae and flagellates; filamentous forms were better food than single-celled (often toxic) forms in these experiments.
Limitations
Laboratory studies; many used one Daphnia species unexposed to cyanobacteria.
Full text
Not determined
Related chapters
Ch. 6: Food webs
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.4319/lo.2006.51.4.1915 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Cyanotoxin tolerance Daphnia & zooplankton grazing

Local adaptation of Daphnia pulicaria to toxic cyanobacteria

Sarnelle, O., & Wilson, A. E. (2005). Limnology and Oceanography, 50(5), 1565-1570.

Field-population evidence that naturally tolerant Daphnia exist where toxic cyanobacteria are common.

Study details
Geographic scope
Michigan lakes
Organisms
Daphnia pulicaria; Microcystis
Methodology
Comparison of Daphnia populations from lakes with different histories of toxic cyanobacteria.
Key findings
Daphnia from lakes with high Microcystis exposure tolerated toxic Microcystis better than populations from low-exposure lakes (local adaptation).
Limitations
Abstract not retrieved; summary from the title and general knowledge — verify against the article.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Summary based on the article title and editor's knowledge; abstract not retrieved — verify.

DOI: 10.4319/lo.2005.50.5.1565 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Bloom control & biological control

Genetically engineered organisms and the environment: current status and recommendations

Snow, A. A., Andow, D. A., Gepts, P., Hallerman, E. M., Power, A., Tiedje, J. M., & Wolfenbarger, L. L. (2005). Ecological Applications, 15(2), 377-404.

The ecological framework for thinking about any proposal to release modified organisms — including grazers or microbes aimed at blooms.

Study details
Geographic scope
Position paper (U.S.)
Organisms
Genetically engineered organisms
Methodology
Ecological Society of America assessment of field-released genetically engineered organisms.
Key findings
GEOs could help environmental management, but deliberate or inadvertent releases could have negative ecological effects; recommends case-by-case, science-based risk assessment.
Limitations
Predates gene-drive technology.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1890/04-0539 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Digestive inhibitors

Protease activity in gut of Daphnia magna: evidence for trypsin and chymotrypsin enzymes

von Elert, E., Agrawal, M. K., Gebauer, C., Jaensch, H., Bauer, U., & Zitt, A. (2004). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 137(3), 287-296.

Identifies the digestive enzymes that cyanobacterial inhibitors interfere with.

Study details
Geographic scope
Laboratory (Daphnia magna)
Organisms
Daphnia magna
Methodology
Biochemical characterization of gut protease activities.
Key findings
Trypsin and chymotrypsin activities accounted for most proteolytic activity in Daphnia gut contents — the enzymes targeted by cyanobacterial protease inhibitors.
Limitations
Enzyme characterization only.
Full text
Not determined
Related chapters
Ch. 6: Food webs
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2003.11.008 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Microcystis ecology Toxins & health

The Abundance of Microcystin-Producing Genotypes Correlates Positively with Colony Size in Microcystis sp. and Determines Its Microcystin Net Production in Lake Wannsee

Kurmayer, R., Christiansen, G., & Chorus, I. (2003). Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 69(2), 787-795.

Field evidence that toxic and non-toxic Microcystis genotypes coexist, so the same-looking bloom can carry very different toxin loads.

Study details
Geographic scope
Lake Wannsee, Berlin, Germany
Organisms
Microcystis
Methodology
Size-fractionation of field colonies with counts, genotyping of microcystin-synthetase genes, and toxin analysis.
Key findings
The proportion of microcystin-producing genotypes increased with colony size and largely determined microcystin net production.
Limitations
One lake, one summer.
Full text
Open access
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.1128/aem.69.2.787-795.2003 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Nutrients & agricultural watersheds Karst & groundwater Bloom control & biological control

Changes in groundwater quality in a conduit-flow-dominated karst aquifer, following BMP implementation

Currens, J. (2002). Environmental Geology, 42(5), 525-531.

Kentucky karst evidence that nutrient management can take a long time to show up in spring water.

Study details
Geographic scope
Pleasant Grove Spring basin, Logan County, Kentucky
Methodology
Before-and-after monitoring of groundwater quality at a karst spring following agricultural best-management-practice (BMP) implementation.
Key findings
Nitrate-N at the spring was essentially unchanged after BMP implementation despite wide enrollment of the watershed.
Limitations
One spring basin; abstract not read directly by the portal editor — verify against the full text before relying on specific numbers.
Full text
Subscription (check SCC library access)
Summary status
Summary based on a research assistant's reading of the abstract; the portal editor has not read the abstract directly — verify before relying on details.

DOI: 10.1007/s00254-001-0515-6 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Cyanotoxin tolerance Daphnia & zooplankton grazing

Rapid evolution revealed by dormant eggs

Hairston, N. G., Lampert, W., Cáceres, C. E., Holtmeier, C. L., Weider, L. J., Gaedke, U., Fischer, J. M., et al. (1999). Nature, 401(6752), 446-446.

'Resurrection ecology' evidence that grazers can evolve tolerance to cyanobacteria within decades.

Study details
Geographic scope
Lake Constance (Bodensee), Central Europe
Organisms
Daphnia galeata
Methodology
Hatching Daphnia from dated dormant eggs in sediment and testing resistance to dietary cyanobacteria.
Key findings
Mean resistance of Daphnia genotypes to dietary cyanobacteria increased during the lake's eutrophication.
Limitations
Summary from a database-generated synopsis — verify against the article.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Draft written from a database-generated synopsis; full abstract not retrieved.

DOI: 10.1038/46731 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Nutrients & agricultural watersheds

Nonpoint pollution of surface waters with phosphorus and nitrogen

Carpenter, S. R., Caraco, N. F., Correll, D. L., Howarth, R. W., Sharpley, A. N., & Smith, V. H. (1998). Ecological Applications, 8(3), 559-568.

Classic review explaining how fertilizer, manure and urban runoff move nitrogen and phosphorus from land into water.

Study details
Geographic scope
Global review
Methodology
Review of nonpoint (diffuse) sources of nitrogen and phosphorus to surface waters.
Key findings
Agriculture and urban runoff are major diffuse sources of N and P; excess inputs cause eutrophication, and managing diffuse sources requires landscape-scale action.
Limitations
Review from 1998; later work refined the roles of N versus P.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Summary written by the portal editor from general knowledge of this widely cited review; abstract not retrieved — verify against the article.

DOI: 10.1890/1051-0761(1998)008[0559:nposww]2.0.co;2 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Cyanobacterial blooms in Kentucky Toxins & health

Blue-green algae (Anabaena spiroides) toxicosis in pigs

Chengappa, M. M., Pace, L. W., & McLaughlin, B. G. (1989). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 194(12), 1724-1725.

One of very few published records of cyanobacterial poisoning of livestock in Kentucky, linking deaths of farm pigs to a pond bloom.

Study details
Geographic scope
Kentucky (farm pond)
Organisms
Anabaena spiroides (now Dolichospermum)
Methodology
Veterinary case report: clinical signs, necropsy, and microscopy of pond water, vomitus and stomach contents.
Key findings
Seven of 26 finishing hogs on a Kentucky farm were affected after drinking pond water dominated by a bloom identified as Anabaena spiroides.
Limitations
Single case; toxin identity was not measured with modern analytical chemistry.
Full text
Subscription (check SCC library access)
Summary status
Draft summary written from the published abstract; not yet faculty-reviewed.

DOI: 10.2460/javma.1989.194.12.1724 Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05

Bloom control & biological control

Lake restoration by biomanipulation: Round Lake, Minnesota, the first two years

Shapiro, J., & Wright, D. I. (1984). Freshwater Biology, 14(4), 371-383.

An early whole-lake test of biomanipulation, the idea of controlling algae from the top of the food web.

Study details
Geographic scope
Round Lake, Minnesota
Organisms
Daphnia; Fish
Methodology
Whole-lake fish manipulation (biomanipulation) with before-and-after monitoring.
Key findings
Early results of removing planktivorous fish to increase large grazers and improve water clarity.
Limitations
Summary from title/synopsis; abstract not retrieved — verify against the article.
Full text
Not determined
Summary status
Summary based on the article title and editor's knowledge; abstract not retrieved — verify.

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2427.1984.tb00161.x Metadata verified with Crossref on 2026-11-05