Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Probing The Relationship Of Cyanobacterial Toxins And Reactive Oxygen Species Within The Natural World, Meagan Lachelle Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their impacts on human health and the economy are only expected to worsen in the coming years, mainly due to climate change related factors. In Lake Wateree, SC, a HAB of the species Lyngbya wollei, has been persistent for more than 10 years and is estimated to occupy 60 - 90 km of shoreline. This natural laboratory provided and continues to provide a unique window into the chemistry and microbial ecology of HABs. Work in this dissertation was directed at answering a critical question: are biomass-to-toxin ratios constant in HABs? Initial …