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Spatial and Temporal Variability of Harmful Algal Blooms in California's Lakes
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Taylor, Ryan W.
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Spring 2025
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2025
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Cyanobacteria are a diverse group of photosynthetic microorganisms important to aquatic food webs (EPA 2025a). Over the past few decades, cyanobacteria have become well known for their blue-green blooms in water bodies (Sukenik & Kaplan 2021). While not all blooms are harmful, high levels of cyanobacteria in lakes can become toxic to humans, pets, marine organisms, and other animals (Flanzenbaum et al., 2022). Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms, or HABs present an increasing threat to our freshwater ecosystems, public health, and recreational water use, particularly in areas vulnerable to climate change and nutrient pollution (NOAA, 2025 & Calleri et al., 2014). This study looks at the spatial and temporal patterns of harmful algal blooms in California's lakes greater than or equal to one square mile for the year 2024 using satellite imagery from Sentinel-3B. The results revealed significant temporal patterns with mean cyanobacteria concentrations peaking during late spring, likely due to warming temperatures, increased sunlight, and nutrient runoff. Spatial analyses showed lakes at lower elevations displayed higher average cyanobacteria levels, most likely due to warmer temperatures and more nutrient runoff from surrounding areas. Additionally, the results suggest that large lakes may exhibit slightly higher average cyanobacteria concentrations, likely due to nutrient runoff and surface area exposure. These findings highlight the need for increased research and monitoring of harmful algal blooms to mitigate the harmful physical, ecological, and economic impacts of HABs.
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