Hello everyone! Today we will be exploring an exciting research project we have going on called Toxic Algae. Here to explain a bit about this fascinating and important research is sophomore biology major, Lucky Le, and his mentors Ani, Sahar, and Kevin. Together, they spend long days out in the field, traveling across Austin to collect water and algae samples from various creeks. Their goal is to detect cyanobacteria, a type of blue-green algae that has the potential to produce toxins dangerous to local animals. While the City of Austin monitors the larger lakes for toxins, many of the smaller creeks are left unchecked.
Before heading back to the lab, Lucky breaks out a YSI system, a valuable tool that tests the water’s pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. These chemical readings offer hints about potential cyanobacteria presence and are often used by other research projects. Back in the lab, the team dives into three main analyses. First up is the V2000 test, which looks for phosphate and nitrate levels. Elevated readings signal that algae might be lurking. Then comes microscopy, where they examine algae samples under the microscope. Cyanobacteria often show up as blue-green rectangles with dots inside, although their visual patterns can vary quite a bit.
If they spot cyanobacteria, they use a process called Solid Phase Extraction, or SPE, to isolate any toxins the algae might be producing. Cyanobacteria don’t always create toxins, they usually wait for the right conditions, which is why sampling is focused during warmer months, from April to September. SPE involves filtering the water through specially packed cloth, then running methanol through to collect the toxins. Once that’s done, the methanol is evaporated in a chemical hood, leaving behind a purified toxin sample. This sample is then suspended in 5% methanol and sent to the HPLC-MS machine along with a caffeine control for analysis.
The HPLC-MS identifies compounds within any liquid and returns visual graphs and unique codes, which the team then compares to known compounds to determine if any toxins are present. If they do detect a toxin, Lucky and his team compile a report and send it to the City of Austin, who then decide how to respond and clean things up. It’s an amazing blend of fieldwork, chemistry, and environmental protection, and Lucky and the Toxic Algae crew are a vital part of keeping Austin’s waters safe and swim-worthy.