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, W. Li , P.K. Weber, J.D. Chaffin, K. Stanislawczyka, J.A. Westrick, E Furr, L.A. Reitz, and T.W. David. “Degradation of Extracellular Microcystin-LR by Native Lake Bacterial Communities.” ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting, June 2021. LLNL-PRES-823740.

Li W, D. Baliu-Rodriguez, S.R. Rivera, S.H. Premathilaka, J.J. Kahrbush, J.A. Kimbrel, T.J.Samo, D. Isalilovic, and G.J. Dick. “A Single-Cell View of Organic Nitrogen Cycling in the Cyanobacterial Phycosphere.” ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting. June 2021. LLNL-POST-823686.

Baliu-Rodriguez D, N.J. Peraino, S.H. Premathilaka, J.A. Birbeck, T. Baliu-Rodriguez, J.A. Westrick, D. Isailovic. 2022. “Identification of Novel Microcystins Using High-Resolution MS and MSn with Python Code,” Environmental Science and Technology. LLNL-JRNL-834627.

Chaffin J, J. Westrick, Furr E, J. Birbeck, L. Reitz, K. Stanislawczyk, W. Li, P. Weber, T. Bridgeman, T. Davis, and X. Mayali. 2022. "Quantification of Microcystin Production and Biodegradation Rates in the Western Basin of Lake Erie." Limnology and Oceanography, https://doiorg/101002/lno12096 LLNL-JRNL-827378.

Smith D J, J.J. Kharbush,T.W. Davis, R.D. Kersten, and G.J. Dick. 2022. “Uptake of Phytoplankton-Derived Carbon and Cobalamins by Novel Acidobacteria Genera in Microcystis Blooms Inferred from Metagenomic and Metatranscriptomic Evidence” Applied and Environmental Microbiology. LLNL-JRNL-826315.

Li W, S. Rivera, D. Baliu-Rodriguez, S. Premathilaka, S. Thenuwara, J. Kimbrel, J. Kharbush, T. Samo, D. Isailovic, G. Dick, and X. Mayali. "New Insights on Organic Nitrogen Assimilation in Microcystis Phycosphere and Impacts on Microcystin Production." International Conference on Toxic Cyanobacteria, Toledo OH. May 2022. LLNL-ABS-830966.

Mayali X, J.A. Kimbrel, W. Li, TJ Samo, D. Isailovic, S. Premathilaka, J. Westrick, A. Kung, N. Peraino, and P. Weber. “Do Microcystis Laboratory Cultures hold Clues to Bacterial Microcystin Degradation?” International Conference on Toxic Cyanobacteria." Toledo OH. May 2022 LLNL-ABS-831028.