Harmful Algal Bloom (HABs) Testing

What are Harmful Algal Blooms?

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are overgrowths of algae in water that can produce dangerous toxins affecting the health of people, animals, and the environment. These blooms can occur in both fresh and marine waters, often appearing as scum on the surface or discoloration of the water. Understanding and addressing the factors that contribute to harmful algal blooms is crucial for maintaining water quality and protecting public health and ecosystems.

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are photosynthetic organisms naturally found in water bodies that play a significant role in the occurrence of harmful algal blooms. Blue-green algae can proliferate and ‘bloom’ very quickly in response to warm temperatures, sunlight, and high levels of nutrients. Algal blooms can deplete oxygen and block sunlight from reaching other organisms, and some can produce powerful toxins that cause illness and even death in wildlife, livestock, pets, and humans.

In addition to producing toxins, these harmful algal blooms can produce taste and odor issues in public water supplies. Recommended maximum levels of the most common of these algal toxins in drinking water and recreational waters are extremely low, making many of these compounds among the deadliest toxins known to humans. These problems can be caused by several genera of algae, including Microcystis, Planktothrix, Dolichospermum (formerly Anabaena), and Cylindrospermopsis. EnviroScience is experienced in analyzing algae and cyanobacteria populations and quantifying common algal toxins.

Click here for more information on the effects of cyanobacteria on animals and available testing options for ponds, lakes, and other recreational areas frequented by pets.

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Services:

Algae Toxin Testing via QPCR: NO GENE = NO TOXIN

A variety of environmental factors may determine whether a harmful algal bloom (HAB) is producing toxin(s) at a given time and place, and a bloom that is not producing toxins one day may produce them the next. Genomic cyanobacteria screening via DNA-based Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction, or qPCR, helps determine the potential for cyanotoxin production. It is possible to have a gene present without cyanotoxin production; however, if cyanotoxins are being produced, the gene must be present. The presence or absence of toxin-producing genes in an algae bloom can help determine whether further testing for algal toxins via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests or another method is warranted.

qPCR tests for the following toxin genes are available from EnviroScience:

Microcystin/Nodularin
Cylindrospermopsin
Saxitoxin

A test for Anatoxin is under development and is expected to be available soon.

Additionally, qPCR can estimate the number of cyanobacteria present in a bloom using the 16S rRNA gene. Concurrently with the toxin DNA tests, this test reports the percentage of the cyanobacterial bloom that is capable of producing toxins.

Contact one of our HAB specialists at 800-940-4025 for more information on these tests.

Algae Toxin Testing via ELISA Method

ELISA tests are screening assays that detect specific groups of cyanotoxins. ELISAs have the ability to detect these toxins at extremely low levels in both surface water and drinking water. EnviroScience biologists provide rapid turnaround, with most samples being completed within 2 business days.

(including many toxins on the USEPA Candidate Contaminant List 3 (CCL 3))

Microcystin-LR
Anatoxin-a
Saxitoxins
Cylindrospermopsin

Algae Identification and Enumeration

Qualitative or Quantitative Identification with Biovolumes
Cyanobacteria Specific Identification and Enumeration
Photomicroscopy
Periphyton & Phytoplankton Identification and Analysis

Algae and Algal Toxin Sampling

Turn-key Sampling
Sampling Kits (Use the contact form below to request a kit)
Sampling Services, Training, Assistance, or Materials as Needed

Simple Harmful Algal Bloom Sampling Kits

Simple DIY Monitoring Kit

Sampling kits with intuitive instructions and prepaid shipping
Experts who create a customized monitoring plan based on test results and the client’s need
24-hour turnaround analysis available for cyanotoxin analysis
Long-term solutions developed by an experienced team of limnologists and aquatic biologists

Comprehensive Lake/Reservoir Management

Need Harmful Algal Bloom testing and support for your project?

Our experts are here to discuss your needs and how we can help you move your project forward. Fill out the form below for more information on our services or to request a quote, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. If you need a response within an hour or less, please call us at 800-940-4025.

Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to aquatic surveys (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring); emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; sustainability services; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.