Examining the Potential for Aerosolization from Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) from a lake in central Utah

Investigations were conducted into the potential aerosolization of microcystins (MC) and other toxins associated with excessive production of cyanobacteria during so-called Harmful Agal Bloom events (HABs). Two field campaigns were conducted in July and August of 2024 near public recreation areas on Utah Lake in central Utah. Individual water grab samples were collected were collected into appropriately prepared sample bottles from several shored-based locations around the perimeter of the recreation area, additionally integrated-grab samples were collected from moderately offshore locations using a custom-designed uncrewed, autonomous surface vehicle. Filter-based, ambient air particulate samples were collected and integrated across days using an Andersen mid-vol particulate sampler and a network of low-volume AirMetrics MiniVol samplers. All of the particulate samplers were configured to operate as TSP (total suspended particulate) without regard to any size fractionation. After collection the water and air samples were appropriately preserved and transported back to the Environmental Quality Lab at Utah State University's Utah Water Research Laboratory for total particle mass concentration determination and ultimate quantification of MCs and other toxins associated with HABs (i.e. nodularin, anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin) using extraction, dilution/concentration, and liquid chromatography-triple quad mass spectroscopy. Preliminary analysis has shown an abundance of MCs in the aqueous samples, while only a few of the aerosol samples have been found to have barely detectable levels of MCs. The finalized data will be presented and discussed.