Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and public health worldwide. Among the various types of HABs, cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) are particularly concerning due to their ability to produce toxins that can affect humans, animals, and the environment. Effective monitoring and early detection of CyanoHABs are crucial for managing their impacts. One of the innovative tools developed for this purpose is Turner Designs’ Cyanofluor, a portable fluorometer designed specifically for monitoring cyanobacteria early detection of CyanoHABs.

What are CyanoHABs you may ask. Well Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are photosynthetic microorganisms found in freshwater and marine environments. While they are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems, certain conditions, such as nutrient pollution, warm temperatures, and stagnant water, can trigger their rapid growth, leading to blooms. These blooms can produce cyanotoxins, such as microcystins, anatoxins, and cylindrospermopsin, which pose health risks to humans and animals through contaminated water or fish consumption, and direct contact during recreational activities.

The occurrence of CyanoHABs has been increasing globally, linked to factors such as agricultural runoff, urbanization, climate change, and changes in land use. Effective management of CyanoHABs requires timely and accurate detection and monitoring to implement mitigation strategies and protect public health and the environment.

Turner Designs, a leader in fluorescence-based instrumentation, developed the CyanoFluor portable fluorometer to address the need for a reliable, user-friendly tool for detecting cyanobacteria in water bodies. CyanoFluor is designed to provide rapid on-site measurements of cyanobacterial abundance, making it an invaluable tool for water resource managers, environmental scientists, and public health officials.

CyanoFluor fluorometer is compact, lightweight, and easy to use, making it ideal for field applications. It utilizes fluorescence technology to accurately detect cyanobacteria. The method of detection uses the phycocyanin molecule’s absorption characteristics and ability to shuttle light energy to chlorophyll, which is then emitted as chlorophyll fluorescence. This fluorescence is detected and quantified, and ratioed against total fluorescence to estimate cyanobacterial abundance within mixed algal populations with a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy.

1. **Specificity to Cyanobacteria**: The instrument is designed to target phycocyanin, ensuring that the measurements are specific to cyanobacteria and not influenced by other types of algae or aquatic organisms.

2. **Rapid Results**: CyanoFluor provides immediate results, allowing for rapid assessment and decision-making in the field.

3. **User-Friendly Interface**: The device features a simple interface with easy-to-read displays and straightforward operation, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.

4. **Portability**: Its compact and lightweight design allows for easy transport and use in diverse field conditions, from remote lakes to urban water bodies.

5. **Data Logging and Connectivity**: CyanoFluor can store data internally and is equipped with connectivity options for data transfer to computers, facilitating data analysis and reporting.

The CyanoFluor fluorometer has a wide range of applications in monitoring and managing CyanoHABs:

1. **Early Detection**: By providing real-time data, the Cyanofluor allows for the early detection of cyanobacterial blooms, enabling proactive measures to prevent or mitigate their impacts.

2. **Routine Monitoring**: Water resource managers can use the Cyanofluor for routine monitoring of water bodies, tracking changes in cyanobacterial concentrations over time and identifying potential bloom events.

3. **Research**: Environmental scientists can utilize the Cyanofluor in research studies to better understand the dynamics of CyanoHABs, including factors that trigger blooms and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.

4. **Public Health Protection**: Public health officials can use the Cyanofluor to monitor recreational waters and drinking water sources for cyanobacterial contamination, ensuring that safety measures can be implemented promptly.

5. **Regulatory Compliance**: The Cyanofluor can assist water utilities and regulatory agencies in meeting water quality standards and regulations related to cyanobacterial toxins.

Several case studies highlight the effectiveness of the Cyanofluor in detecting and managing CyanoHABs:

Case Study 1: Monitoring Lake Erie

Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes in North America, has experienced significant CyanoHAB events, particularly in its western basin. Researchers and water managers have used the Cyanofluor to monitor cyanobacterial concentrations, enabling them to issue timely advisories and implement nutrient reduction strategies. The real-time data provided by the Cyanofluor has been crucial in understanding bloom dynamics and informing management decisions.

Case Study 2: Drinking Water Safety in Florida

In Florida, the St. Johns River Water Management District has used the CyanoFluor to monitor drinking water sources for cyanobacterial contamination. The ability to rapidly detect cyanobacteria has allowed for timely interventions, such as adjusting water treatment processes and issuing public health warnings, ensuring the safety of drinking water supplies.

Case Study 3: Research in Australia

In Australia, researchers have employed the CyanoFluor in studies of CyanoHABs in freshwater reservoirs. The instrument's portability and ease of use have facilitated extensive field sampling, contributing to a better understanding of bloom triggers and the development of predictive models for CyanoHAB events.

Case Study 4: Lake and Reservoir Management

The study aims to evaluate the use of the CyanoFluor for monitoring HABs in freshwater systems with wide diversity.
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Ve Van Le & Alan E. Wilson (06 May 2025): A handheld fluorometer

evaluates freshwater cyanobacterial blooms across a broad productivity gradient, Lake and

Reservoir Management, DOI: 10.1080/10402381.2025.2484690

To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/10402381.2025.2484690