Microbiome Controls on Harmful Algal Toxin Production in Lake Erie

Executive Summary

We will investigate the influence of the microbiome on biotoxin production by the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis using controlled laboratory experiments, metagenomics, and isotope tracing. This project will help researchers better understand, predict, and eventually mitigate toxin production during harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes and other freshwater ecosystems and supports national efforts in climate resilience.

Publications, Presentations, and Patents

Mayali X. et al.“Degradation of extracellular microcystin-LR by native lake bacterial communities,” ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting, June 2021 (virtual). LLNL-PRES-823740.

Li W. et al. “A single-cell view of organic nitrogen cycling in the cyanobacterial phycosphere,” ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting, June 2021 (virtual). LLNL-POST-823686.

Smith D. et al. “Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic evidence for uptake of phytoplankton-derived carbon by novel Acidobacteria genera in Microcystis blooms.” In review at Applied and Environmental Microbiology. LLNL-JRNL-826315.