Examination of Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) Microcystin- LR Toxin in Callander Bay Presented by: Jamie Lavigne Supervised by: Dr. Reehan Mirza Department of Biology and Chemistry Nipissing University

Outline Callander Bay Blue-green Algae Objectives Future work

Callander Bay Historically ◦ Logging, sawmill operations, agricultural activities, rural and urban development (Hutchinson Environmental Sciences Ltd. 2011). Photos accessed from

Callander Bay Growing concern over the appearance of harmful blue-green algal blooms Municipal drinking water Recreational use Attracts tourists/anglers worldwide

Objectives Compare pre, during and post bloom event 1. Measure water quality parameters  pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, water hardness 2. Identify zooplankton 3. Analyze microcystin-LR in water and fish tissue.

BGA Species identified in 2011 Anatoxins 1.Anabaena spp. 2.Ahanizomenon flos- aquae Microcystins 1.Anabaena spp. 2.Gloeotrichia echinulata 3.Microcystis sp. 4.Woronichinia sp. 5.Limnothrix sp.

Sampling Sites Photo courtesy of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority

Water Quality – Dissolved Oxygen

Water Quality – Water Hardness

Water Quality - Conductivity

Water Quality - pH

Water Quality - Temperature

YSI – BGA Sensor

BGA Cell Count

Zooplankton Population Size

Microcystin-LR Analysis

Future Work MESc. ◦ Project will continue for 2 years ◦ Continue to collect water, fish tissue and zooplankton ◦ Expand sampling area, longer timeframe ◦ Use of BGA sensor (cells/mL) ◦ Develop a method to detect microcystin

Acknowledgements Thank you to the following: ◦ Nipissing University ◦ Township of Callander ◦ Callander Sustainable Committee ◦ North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority ◦ North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit ◦ Ministry of Environment