OCCURRENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF CYANOTOXINS IN SIGNIFICANT, UNDER-INVESTIGATED WATER BODIES IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Cyanotoxins (CT) are an algal toxin produced by Harmful algal blooms (HABs) that is of growing concern for public and environmental health. The mechanisms for distribution and growth of CT are not well researched, but their affect on major water sources can be deadly. It is known that nutrient rich waters and warm temperatures encourage blooms and Tennessee is known for its long, warm summers and abundant agriculture. Middle Tennessee is water rich and composed of primarily limestone bedrock, causing an unconfined karstic subsurface. This indicates surface water and groundwater resources may be interacting despite bodies appearing isolated at the surface.

Tennessee State University, in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey, are investigating potential threats to drinking water and recreational reservoirs due to CT by collecting raw water and placing passive samplers (SPATTs) at water utility intakes in middle Tennessee and their hydrologic connections. The CT concentrations are compared to interacting reservoirs to identify whether the toxin is moving throughout unconfined hydrologic units in the subsurface and to determine whether they may be a threat to public supply and recreation in vital water bodies.