In 2023, an unprecedented harmful algal bloom occurred in one of Ireland's largest lakes risking public safety. To gain understanding of the microbial shift and rate of growth of the causative agents within the lake, researchers investigated using satellite imaging and concentrated water samples via the Concentrating Pipette™ (CP Select™).
To assess spatial variation, 1 liter surface water samples were collected from 20 locations, approximately 3–4 km offshore. The samples were shaken vigorously to break up clumps and ensure even mixing, then divided into three 50 mL Falcon tubes to create triplicate samples with consistent algal density from each location.
The surface water samples were concentrated using the CP Select™ concentrating pipette with 0.45 µm filter tips. Microbial DNA was extracted and sequenced for the full-length 16S rRNA gene using Nanopore technology.
Analysis revealed a variety of cyanobacteria, including Microcystis aeruginosa, the most common toxic cyanobacterial species in freshwater. These cyanobacteria produce neurotoxins, which can damage or impair the nervous system in humans and animals.
Rapid sample concentration with InnovaPrep's FluidPrep products, like the Concentrating Pipette, provides a faster, easier way to improve assay sensitivity to detect even trace agents early to help avert public health risk.
Read the Publication:
Unprecedented Harmful algal bloom in the UK and Ireland’s largest lake associated with gastrointestinal bacteria, microcystins and anabaenopeptins presenting an environmental and public health risk Reid, et al. Environment International, Aug. 2024
