A Look at Cyanobactera

Cyanobacteria

Basic Awareness-

Cyanobacteria is a microscopic bacteria that gets its name from its bluish pigment phycocyanin. It uses phycocyanin along with chlorophyll A to capture light for photosynthesis (T.N. & E.L. Taylor. 1993). Although cyanobacteria is often called blue-green algae it has no relationship to algae. All cyanobacterias are unicellular and many species form large macroscopic colonies that may appear like blue-green paint or scum and have a foul smell. Cyanobacteria can be found in fresh, brackish and marine waters on nearly all continents of the world.

Are you just learning about cyanobacteria? It is actually the oldest known fossil organism, dating back 3.5 billion years. To put that into perspective, the oldest known fossil rocks are 3.8 billion years old! (Olson JM 2006). Over time, cyanobacteria has played a crucial role in developing the earth’s atmosphere into the oxygen rich environment it is today through many events of photosynthesis.  It is actually one of the few organisms able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants for growth (T.N. & E.L. Taylor. 1993).

Cyanobacteria are arguably the most successful group of microorganisms on earth. They are the most genetically diverse; they occupy a broad range of habitats across all latitudes, widespread in freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and they are found in the most extreme niches such as hot springs, salt works, and hypersaline bays. Photoautotrophic, oxygen-producing cyanobacteria created the conditions in the planet's early atmosphere that directed the evolution of aerobic metabolism and eukarotic photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria fulfill vital ecological functions in the world's oceans, being important contributors to global carbon and nitrogen budgets.

– Stewart and Falconer (Stewart I and Falconer IR 2008) 

Cyanobacteria blooms can occur at anytime but tend to develop in warm, nutrient rich bodies of water with slight to moderate alkalinity (http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/7673.pdf). The high nutrient load can be due to several factors, including: age of the body of water, fertilizer run-off, presence and number of waterfowl as well as diversity and biomass of fish and plants. These blooms can be harmful to your pond for a variety of reasons:

1)       Formation of dense colonies of cyanobacteria can prevent light penetration from reaching submersed plants in the littoral zone and reduce the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water body. This may result in death of plants as well as a fish kill.

2)       Some strands of cyanobacteria can release cyanotoxins that are dangerous for animals and humans (Soong F S ET AL. 1992). It is important to note that not all cyanobacteria is toxic.

If you suspect your pond has an infestation of cyanobacteria it is important to contact a specialist. Specialists can perform on site analysis of the water for some toxins however more extensive tests may take several weeks for results (http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/Facts%20from%20cdc%20Blue%20Green.pdf). It is advised that you avoid drinking, swimming or partaking in recreational activities and irrigating with the infected water.

To manage cyanobacteria, your aquatic specialist can help you reduce the nutrient load of you pond as well as apply an effective chemical treatment.

By:  Lucas Pearson, Aquatic Specialist
AQUA DOC Lake & Pond Management

 

For further information regarding cyanobacteria:

http://www.cdc.gov/habs

http://www.cdc.gov/hab/cyanobacteria/

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/cclfs.html

Works Cited-

Olson JM (2006). "Photosynthesis in the Archean era".Photosyn. Res. 88 (2): 109–17. doi:10.1007/s11120-006-9040-5. PMID 16453059.

Pisciotta JM, Zou Y, Baskakov IV (2010). Yang, Ching-Hong. ed. "Light-Dependent Electrogenic Activity of Cyanobacteria". PLoS ONE 5 (5): e10821.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0010821. PMC 2876029.PMID 20520829.

Soong F S, Maynard E, Kirke K, Luke C. Illness associated with blue-green algae. Med J Aust. 1992;156:67.

Stewart I and Falconer IR (2008) "Cyanobacteria and cyanobacterial toxins" Pages 271–296 in Oceans and human health: risks and remedies from the seas, Eds: Walsh PJ, Smith SL and Fleming LE. Academic Press, ISBN 0-12-372584-4.

T.N. & E.L. Taylor. 1993. The Biology and Evolution of Fossil Plants. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.

http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/7673.pdf

http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/Facts%20from%20cdc%20Blue%20Green.pdf

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/bacteria/cyanolh.html

http://www.science20.com/news_articles/cyanobacteria_and_great_oxidation_event-101247

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanobacteria#cite_note-31

Invasive Aquatic Plants

Spring is right around the corner and those of us in the pond industry are gearing up for anothermanagement season.  This discussion is intended to inform the reader on the importance of keeping non-native aquatic plant species under control .

Depending on the intended usage of your particular body of water, may help influence the level of control desired. In a perfect balanced pond or aquatic ecosystem, there are many different types of organisms that coexist together to form a natural food chain. A brief example would be phytoplankton, tiny free floating photosynthetic aquatic organisms, are one the smallest links at the base of the chain. They feed and transfer nutrients to amphipods, arthropods, and other small aquatic residents that in turn feed small amphibians and juvenile fish. 

When a non-native plant species enters our aquatic ecosystem it normally has a negative effect on the natural food chain. One major effect is that being new or introduced to a system there is little or no natural predation. So the benefit of it being a food source is nonexistent. Since there is no predation, they tend to out compete native species for light and nutrients. Another negative effect is the decline in organisms as food sources. As the non native species takes over the body of water it becomes less suitable for larger populations of native plants and organisms to survive, therefore limiting the amount of food present for larger fish and amphibians.

One responsibility as a pond specialist and steward to the environment is to keep non native plant species in check with the natural environment. We believe a balanced body of water is the best management practice and enjoy bringing this service to the public. As water becomes increasingly important in the future and the issues of climate change unfold, we look forward to the work that lies ahead in the industry.


By:  Drew Drake, Aquatic Specialist
AQUA DOC Lake & Pond Management

Barley Straw to Control Algae?? By: Kevin Brown

     In my travels, I am often asked about Barley Straw in relation to pond management.  Many factors must be considered when formulating a plan for effective algae control, but throwing a bale of straw into your pond should not be one of them.

     There are a number of Barley products and Barley extracts on the market today, but the conditions in which they may control nuisance algae are widely unknown.

     Some algae species may be controlled whereas others remain entirely unaffected.  Factors such as water temperature, nutrient load, and the PH levels of the pond, all play a major role in the efficiency of Barley Straw.

     AQUA DOC continues to use the safest and most effective products to control algae in lakes and ponds.  Perhaps with more time and knowledge, Barley Straw may one day fill a niche in aquatics.  The verdict is still out, however, much more testing needs to be done before Barley becomes a staple in this applicators toolbox.

     In conclusion, knowledge, study, and caution are all highly recommended when considering Barley Straw as a means for consistent algae control.  The research is inconclusive and the results are inconsistent.

By:  Kevin Brown, Aquatic Specialist
AQUA DOC Lake & Pond Management

Duckweed & Watermeal By: Heath Spence, Aquatic Biologist

Duckweed and Watermeal

     Does your pond resemble a putting green?  Your pond may be infected by Watermeal and Duckweed.  These are tiny free-floating plants that can reach nuisance levels very quickly.  Their rapid reproduction ability can quickly cause a pond to be completely covered in only a few weeks. Why may this be disastrous for your pond?  Not only aesthetically unappeasing, but complete coverage may cause summer fish kills.  Once a pond is covered the photosynthesis process is unable to be completed, resulting in lethally low oxygen levels.

             In two weeks, under ideal conditions, a single plant can produce up to 17,500 new plants.

• Both duckweed and watermeal require nutrient rich pond conditions for them to thrive.
•  Well-shaded ponds, protected from heavy winds may also prove to be ideal habitats for infestation.
•  Older ponds with considerable build up of organic matter that has not been broken down efficiently provide the necessary nutrient load for rapid reproduction of these plants.

 So now that these plants have control of your pond, how do you regain control?  The use of several different management techniques is suggested, some being more effective than others.  Prevention and control methods are key strategies in keeping your pond well managed.

•  Reduction of internal and external nutrient loads that are influencing your pond for example; lawn and agricultural fertilizers, waterfowl, leaves and faulty septic systems. 
•  Also the addition of aeration can play a key role in the reduction of nutrient levels
•  Manual removal may reduce some of the growth but will prove to be very labor intensive.

       The pond will most likely be recovered within weeks due to their explosive reproduction.

•  White amurs, Koi and Tilapia and some ducks may eat these plants, however they usually are unable to keep up with the rapid reproduction and will also add to the nutrient load of your pond by defecation.
•  The most reliable and long term control for these plants would be with either Fluridone (tradename of Sonar) or Flumioxazin (tradename of Clipper) applications.

     Duckweed and watermeal have been found to be a serious problem to Ohio ponds.  They are easily transported by waterfowl from one pond to another and since they are free floating they easily can move to your pond from upstream.  Once these plants are introduced and your pond fits the ideal habitat, say goodbye to your pond as you know and love it.  But there is hope! Contact AQUA DOC and allow one of their aquatic biologists to put together a management program for your pond.      

Dr. Al G - Frog Blog By: Heath Spence

Why you ask is AQUA DOC’s mascot a frog?  The frog symbolizes a healthy aquatic environment.  It is an amphibian with the ability to leave a body of water as it desires. If your pond has unhealthy water conditions, frogs will simply leave the pond and find a more desirable home. While fish, turtles and insects are also key symbols of healthy aquatic environments, these animals are sometimes not as noticeable and vocal.

There are 15 species of frogs and toads native to Ohio.  They are cold blooded and many species hibernate over winter in the bottom of ponds, buried in the muck.  They start mating calls in early spring and most species will mate through summer.  Between 700 - 3000 black eggs are covered in a gelatinous glob usually attached to shoreline vegetation.  The eggs hatch in 3-5 days and tadpoles emerge.  Tadpoles have gills and breathe similarly to fish. Tadpoles are vegetarians feeding mostly on plankton.  Tadpole transformation usually takes place within one year for most species with an exception being the Bull Frog which can last up to 3 years.  The adult frog must come to surface for air and feeds on mostly insects and worms.  Frogs absorb water through their skin and therefore do not need to drink.  In Japan frogs are considered to be the symbol of Good Luck.

Northern Spring Peepers, Pseudacris crucifer, are often welcomed as a sign of spring to come.  They range in size from 0.75 in. up to 1.25 in. and can be identified by an “X” on their back.  They are considered tree frogs but generally utilize swamps and moist woodlands, staying on the ground in thickets and under the cover of dead leaves.  The sound can be overwhelming during mating season.

American Bullfrogs, Rana catasbieana , are the largest species of Ohio frogs.  They are very common in ponds.  They are most noted for their long range jumping abilities, their deep, guttural mating call and some people enjoy the taste of their legs.

So Why are Frogs so Important to an ecosystem? Tadpoles eat some planktonic algae species. Tadpoles and adult frogs serve as a steady diet to fish as well as many other animals including snakes and birds.  Adult frogs eat both larval and adult mosquitoes as well as flies.  Even more importantly what adult does not get a kick out of watching a child chase a frog around the backyard?

While many factors can be utilized in defining a healthy pond, the frog stands out.  Frogs depend on a healthy aquatic ecosystem throughout the different stages of their lifecycles.  Winter hibernation and their primary food source both stem from and depend on the aquatic environment.  When conditions are unsafe or unsuitable they have the unique ability to leave the pond in order to find more suitable conditions.  So the next time you hear that frog, be comforted in knowing that you have a healthy pond close by.

WEATHERHEAD 100

As a leader in the field of aquatics, AQUA DOC was once again recognized as a Weatherhead 100 top growth company by Case Western Reserve University this year.

Go Team AQUA DOC!

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE!

AQUA DOC is proud to announce that 2013 is our 30th year anniversary.  AQUA DOC continues to strive for service excellence and honored to be stewards of water.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!