Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Harmful Algal Blooms are a collection of algae in a body of water that can cause serious environmental issues and health problems in both people and aquatic organisms. Dinoflagellates are microscopic, unicellular, and eukaryotic organisms that are well known for forming harmful algal blooms because of eutrophication. Coastal Virginia suffers from HABs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. A common species of dinoflagellate, known as Margalefidinium polykrikoides exists in the Chesapeake Bay. The purpose of this study is to determine if sediment resuspension produced by wind generated surface gravity waves cause cysts (dinoflagellate resting stages) to be suspended into the water column, which could contribute to bloom initiation if they germinate and then inoculate the water column with motile cells. Using light microscopy and qPCR, we will determine the percentage of resuspended dinoflagellate cysts being identified as Margalefidinium polykrikoides.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Margaret Mulholland
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Ocean and Earth Sciences
College Affiliation
College of Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Biology | Environmental Health and Protection | Genetics | Marine Biology | Oceanography
Session Title
Poster Session
Location
Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library
Start Date
3-25-2023 8:30 AM
End Date
3-25-2023 10:00 AM
Upload File
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Included in
Biology Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Genetics Commons, Marine Biology Commons, Oceanography Commons
Margalefidinium polykrikoides Cyst Resuspension in the Lafayette River, a Sub-tributary of the Chesapeake Bay
Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library
Harmful Algal Blooms are a collection of algae in a body of water that can cause serious environmental issues and health problems in both people and aquatic organisms. Dinoflagellates are microscopic, unicellular, and eukaryotic organisms that are well known for forming harmful algal blooms because of eutrophication. Coastal Virginia suffers from HABs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. A common species of dinoflagellate, known as Margalefidinium polykrikoides exists in the Chesapeake Bay. The purpose of this study is to determine if sediment resuspension produced by wind generated surface gravity waves cause cysts (dinoflagellate resting stages) to be suspended into the water column, which could contribute to bloom initiation if they germinate and then inoculate the water column with motile cells. Using light microscopy and qPCR, we will determine the percentage of resuspended dinoflagellate cysts being identified as Margalefidinium polykrikoides.