In many water bodies across the world, high levels of nutrients have led to the formation of dense harmful algal blooms (HABs). Microcystis aeruginosa, a freshwater cyanobacterium, is the persistent HAB causing species in the Great Lakes, specifically Lake Erie. Present-day control methods against HAB emphasize limiting excess runoff and wastewater discharge that contains nitrogen and phosphorus. Here, alternative control approaches were explored by testing biological control agents, specifically cyanophages against Microcystis. Nostoc sp., another cyanobacteria, was selected as the host species to propagate N-1. Measurements of optical densities and chlorophyll-a fluorescence were used to determine lytic activity and photosynthetic activity respectively. Quantitative plaque assays and electron microscopy were also utilized to further enhance the evidence of viral infectivity of N-1 against Microcystis aeruginosa. Preliminary results of this study suggest cyanophage N-1 may act as a potential control agent for the HAB-bloom forming species Microcystis aeruginosa.

Feasibility of testing cyanophages as biological control mechanisms against harmful algal bloom forming Microcystis aeruginosa

248th National Meeting (2014)

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