“Spatio-temporal dynamics of Microcystis spp. (Cyanophyceae) blooms at Cassino Beach: origin and impact on water quality”

Marybeth Costilla
Ph.D. candidate in the Biological Oceanography Graduate Program

Advisor: João Sarkis Yunes

Co-advisor: Felipe de Lucia Lobo

Introduction

Cyanobacteria

Microcystis

Microcystins

Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms (CyanoHAB’s)

Patos
Lagoon

Satellite Images

Objectives

General

• Evaluate the spatial-temporal dynamics of Microcystis spp. blooms on Cassino beach.

Specifics

• Study the bio-optical properties of the pigments chlorophyll-a and phycocyanins present in cyanobacterial blooms.

• Determine Cassino beach bating suitability by using satellite images to monitor the origin and movements of Microcystis blooms.

• Quantify cyanobacterial pigments in continental and oceanic waters and correlate them with cell numbers.

Thank you so much