New DNA tool could help detect harmful algal blooms before they spread
A new study by researchers at the University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University has demonstrated that a DNA sequencing tool can rapidly identify harmful algae in coastal waters, offering a new approach for monitoring species that could lead to improved methods for detecting potentially dangerous species before blooms become widespread.
A new study from researchers at the University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University has shown that a DNA sequencing tool can rapidly detect harmful algae in coastal waters, potentially allowing for early identification of potentially dangerous species before blooms become widespread. Using the Oxford Nanopore MinION, the research team identified 11 harmful algal bloom species in 20 sites across Florida's Indian River Lagoon, including those responsible for brown and red tides.
The researchers found that harmful algal blooms do not exist in isolation, as their impact is a cooperative effort, suggesting shared ecological drivers or interactions that promote the growth of each other. The study, published in PLOS Water, highlights the importance of understanding environmental drivers and tracking the development of harmful algal blooms, particularly in the face of climate change and increasing human impacts.
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