Cyano-bacteria diversity in Springfield Missouri (Cyano-specific primers)

Cyanobacteria-dominated harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) are increasing in occurrence worldwide. These blooms are of concern due to the production of cyanotoxins when appropriate for growing conditions. These toxins have a range of effects that can be harmful to human and wildlife health. Despite the potential to cause disease, there are no formal federal regulations in place to address cyanotoxins in water systems that are used. Due to this, in Missouri, there have been few studies that investigate the cyanobacterial diversity and potential for cyanotoxin production in waters that are used for drinking and recreational purposes. This study investigates cyanobacterial diversity and the potential for cyanotoxin production in major water systems used in Springfield, MO. Samples were collected in the summer of 2020. Bacterial DNA was extracted, and samples were prepared for Next-gen Illumina-paired end sequencing using Cyanobacterial-specific and universal 16S rRNA gene primers. The presence of cyanotoxins was investigated using qPCR. Our results detected elevated levels of Planktothrix at site LS_171. Additionally, the gene encoding anatoxin-a was detected across all sampling locations, with an elevated amount detected at LS_171. Thus, it can be suggested an increase in this toxin gene is influence by the increase in Planktothrix numbers. These results can be useful for predicting and prevention of disease outbreaks in Springfield that are related to cyanotoxin poisoning.