Potentially harmful cyanobacterial blooms are an emerging environmental
concern in freshwater bodies worldwide. Cyanobacterial blooms are generally
caused by high nutrient inputs and warm, still waters and have been appearing
with increasing frequency in water bodies used for drinking water supply and
recreation, a problem which will likely worsen with a warming climate.
Cyanobacterial blooms are composed of genera with known biological pigments and
can be distinguished and analyzed via hyperspectral image collection technology
such as remote sensing by satellites, airplanes, and drones. Here, we utilize
hyperspectral microscopy and imaging spectroscopy to characterize and
differentiate several important bloom-forming cyanobacteria genera obtained in
the field during active research programs conducted by US Geological Survey and
from commercial sources. Many of the cyanobacteria genera showed differences in
their spectra that may be used to identify and predict their occurrence,
including peaks and valleys in spectral reflectance. Because certain cyanobacteria, such as Cylindrospermum or Dolichospermum,
are more prone to produce cyanotoxins than others, the ability to differentiate these species may help target high priority
waterbodies for sampling. These spectra may also be used to prioritize
restoration and research efforts to control
cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) and improve water
quality for aquatic life and humans alike.
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