Date of Award

6-2-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Department

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

First Advisor

Reginald Archer

Abstract

As climate change intensifies, harmful algal blooms (HABs), specifically the species that produce microcystin-producing cyanobacteria, are becoming more frequent in urban environments. In the current state of HAB research, most monitoring and research is focused on agricultural areas. This study challenges traditional monitoring practices by evaluating the presence and abundance of microcystin in urban water bodies within Nashville, TN. Using field sampling, passive toxin tracking, ELISA testing, and GIS- based environmental and demographic analysis, data were collected at sites in densely populated areas. These sites were located at Tennessee State University, Ted Rhodes golf course and Shelby bottoms Park, and were visited between 2022 and 2024. Results show microcystin concentrations exceeded the EPA advisory limit (0.3 ug/L) at multiple sites and seasons, which suggests that nearby communities and populations face potential health risks when interacting with these water systems. Of the environmental variables collected, temperature and dissolved oxygen had the largest influence on microcystin concentrations, while there was no statistical significance between urbanization factors considered and microcystin. The findings highlight an urgent need for a shift in the focus of HAB studies. There is the need for the establishment of urban monitoring as well as greater outreach to improve public awareness, and there is room for the further integration of GIS tools to help to mitigate risk in an equitable way.

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