Print PageHarmful algal blooms, that have been reported in many parts of the world, are affecting water quality, climate change, and human and animal health. Timely intervention against the algal blooms depends on the early detection of bloom-forming algae and cyanobacteria. The objective of this study was to develop a PCR based assay for rapid detection of potential freshwater algal blooms. In this study, water samples were collected from 15 lakes in northern New Jersey and were processed through both coarse (3.0µm) and fine (0.45µm) filters. Both filters were dried and then frozen at -200C. Small segments of the filters were randomly selected; organisms on the selected filter segments were re-suspended in water for microscopic identification. No conclusive results could be determined regarding the distinction and identification of the algae and cyanobacteria based on their morphology.
Results/Conclusions
Two genes of interest, cyanobacterial phycocyanin and16S rDNA genes, were selected for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis using three different primers. The primer pairs used in this study included: CPC1F/CPC1R, specifically for cyanobacterial phycocyanin gene; 27FB/785R, for 16S rDNA in bacteria and photosynthetic plankton; and 27FB/PSr, for 16S rDNA photosynthetic plankton. A rapid DNA extraction protocol (using 5% chelex-100) was performed for the various laboratory cultures and freshwater samples, all of which was followed by a PCR based assay. Cyanobacteria and algae were detected through microscope observations and PCR based assay. Results suggested that the three primers can be used to quickly detect the presence of cyanobacteria and/or algae in water samples.
