FlowCam’s role in early detection of harmful algal blooms
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose an increasing threat to source water quality, public health, and utility operations. With blooms becoming more frequent and unpredictable, water professionals need tools that offer rapid, reliable detection and actionable insights. In this interview, we speak with Polly Barrowman, Water Markets Manager at Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, an expert in water quality monitoring, to explore how FlowCam’s flow imaging microscopy is enhancing early detection and improving response strategies for HABs. This conversation builds on the recent FlowCam-hosted webinar, now available on demand, which highlights how FlowCam, AquaRealTime’s remote sondes, and Phytoxigene’s qPCR analysis can be combined into an integrated, proactive monitoring approach.
Can you explain how FlowCam’s flow imaging microscopy technology enhances early detection and monitoring of harmful algal blooms (HABs)?
Flow Imaging Microscopy rapidly counts and images particles in-flow, providing users with particle concentrations and morphology within about 5 minutes
Flow Imaging Microscopy rapidly counts and images particles in-flow, providing users with particle concentrations and morphology within about 5 minutes. The speed with which a bloom or potential bloom can be identified and monitored is important because the organisms that cause them can change or multiply quickly. If a bloom isn’t identified in the early stages, it can release toxins or taste and odor compounds into the lake creating the potential for a public health disaster (as we saw in Brazil in 1996 and Toledo, OH in 2014), and may damage public perception of the drinking water plant. Even small taste and odor events can generate a lot of customer complaints. The ability to identify problem organisms quickly using flow imaging microscopy means that mitigation and treatment steps can be taken to prevent a HAB from becoming a larger issue while protecting public health and consumer confidence.
What are the key advantages of using flow imaging microscopy over traditional microscopy techniques for identifying and tracking cyanobacteria and algae in water sources?
Traditional microscopy has been the go-to method for phytoplankton analysis. However, that is starting to change as professionals acknowledge that the benefits of this traditional method for lake management decisions are outweighed by the time it takes to perform analysis, the expertise required and the lack of reproducibility between analysts. Flow imaging microscopy is ideal for organizations that require rapid analysis for HAB detection and mitigation. Concentrations and morphology data are generated in about 5 minutes and taxonomic classifications can be semi-automated over time. The data is highly reproducible between runs and analysts and is stored in the database where it can be reviewed as needed.
How does FlowCam complement other monitoring tools, such as AquaRealTime’s remote sondes and Phytoxigene’s qPCR analysis, to create a more comprehensive HAB detection strategy?
Integrated monitoring plans provide a level of detail that no single instrument is currently capable of providing. Using remote sondes, managers can quickly identify changes in pigment concentrations, such as phycocyanin and chlorophyll, that might indicate a nascent bloom. Increasing pigment concentrations should trigger a trip to the field to collect samples for phytoplankton analysis using FlowCam. Managers can use FlowCam results to determine the next steps in their monitoring and treatment plans. Organism identity can determine whether the bloom has the potential to be harmful i.e do the organisms produce taste and odor compounds, and/or do they potentially produce toxins. The presence of potential toxin producers (PTOX) points the way to Phytoxigene analysis to determine if the genes for toxin production are present. It’s important to note that while we may be tempted to skip these steps and jump straight to toxin analysis, in doing so, we risk the fact that we may be testing for the incorrect toxin. Similarly, by only testing for Geosmin or MIB, we potentially risk missing other taste and odor compounds that some organisms can produce. The identity of the phytoplankton present is key to determining the next steps in the monitoring plan and what treatment and mitigation steps may be successfully implemented.
What challenges do water managers typically face when identifying and tracking harmful algae, and how does FlowCam help overcome these obstacles?
Water managers need to know whether an algae bloom has the potential to cause a problem at the plant. Identification of the organism population trends before they reach bloom concentrations allows managers to make the necessary decisions to avoid these problems. HABs can present a number of issues such as potential toxin production, taste and odor production, filter clogging, water softening, treatment interference etc. Responses should be adapted to ensure that the desired response is achieved.
Given the increasing frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms, FlowCam recently hosted a webinar that is now available on demand. Why is this webinar particularly timely and valuable for professionals in the water sector?
Utilities not yet monitoring source water lakes for HABs are at risk of a toxin or taste and odor event. The webinar provides a comprehensive overview of three technologies that can be used together as part of an integrated monitoring plan, as well as an in-depth analysis of how they work on an individual basis. Most lake and reservoir managers agree that it is not a case of IF, but WHEN a HAB will strike their lake. Proactive monitoring means that these professionals can be ready for any changes in source water quality that may impact their customers. This webinar is recommended as a guide for utilities that are looking to implement source water monitoring for HABs.