Lakes and oceans are threatened by harmful algal blooms (HABs), caused mostly by toxic cyanobacteria. When people or animals drink the toxic water, it can be damaging to their health, potentially leading to hospitalization or even death. In some cases, these toxins are not just limited to the water, but can become airborne through wave breaking, bubble bursting, and spume droplet formation. New information is needed regarding the transport and fate of HAB-associated aerosols. The overall goal of this research was to monitor particle concentrations and measure meteorological conditions near HAB sites to determine the conditions that may lead to increased exposure to HAB cells and toxins in the atmosphere. By creating predictions of which conditions and locations will be experiencing higher aerosol levels at any given time, models could be used to inform the public and policy makers to ensure that appropriate responses and safety measures can be taken. The research also includes experiments to study plumes of colored smoke, as a proxy for the transport of biological particles such as HAB cells, pollen, and pathogens.
The first objective of this research was to explore associations between measured weather conditions and particle concentrations measured above active HABs and HAB sites using drone-based sensor packages.
The second objective was to monitor wind and particle concentrations near freshwater and marine HABs using ground-based sensor packages.
The third objective was to model HAB aerosol behavior at a beach level to predict respiratory irritation.
The fourth objective was to use aerial and ground-based sensors and images of colored smoke to predict particle concentrations at different distances and intensity levels downwind from the source(s). / Doctor of Philosophy / Certain environmental conditions in lakes and oceans can favor unhealthy amounts of algal growth. Overgrowth can lead to harmful algal blooms (HABs). This occurs when algae produce toxins that make the water unsafe for humans and animals to drink. Sometimes these toxins don't stay in the water and can become toxic airborne particles. We need more information to understand what happens to create and transport these airborne toxins produced by HABs. This research aims to monitor particle concentrations and weather to find what conditions lead to more aerosolized toxins. Accurate predictions of high levels of HAB toxins in the air could be used to alert the public. This work utilized colored smoke released outdoors as a visual indicator of particle movement in the air. The specific objectives of this research were to (1) find associations between weather and particle concentrations at lake HAB sites using drone-mounted samplers at a height above 30 feet from the ground, (2) find associations between weather and particle concentrations at lake and ocean HAB sites using samplers at a height of 5 feet from the ground, (3) predict human throat irritation levels from airborne toxins at the beach level, and (4) use a drone sensor, a ground sensor, and simultaneous video footage of a controlled smoke release to visually track airborne particles.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/120940 |
| Date | 15 August 2024 |
| Creators | Bilyeu, Landon T. |
| Contributors | Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science, Schmale, David Garner Burton, Ross, Shane David, Foroutan, Hosein, Hession, William Cully |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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