Data release including concentrations of cyanotoxins and phytoplankton community composition data for water samples collected from the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina during 2015.

This data release contains cyanotoxin concentrations for microcystins, cylindrospermopsins, anatoxins, and saxitoxins assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) on 363 samples collected from 82 surface-water sites located in the Cascade Range in Oregon, and eight sites located outside of the Oregon Cascade Range in Washington and California, during 2016-2020. Three sample types were assessed: 1) benthic colonies and mats of cyanobacteria (n=109), 2) plankton net tows (n=90), and 3) Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking samplers (SPATTs)(n=164).

This data release contains cyanotoxin concentrations for microcystins, cylindrospermopsins, anatoxins, and saxitoxins assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) on 363 samples collected from 82 surface-water sites located in the Cascade Range in Oregon, and eight sites located outside of the Oregon Cascade Range in Washington and California, during 2016-2020. Three sample types were assessed: 1) benthic colonies and mats of cyanobacteria (n=109), 2) plankton net tows (n=90), and 3) Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking samplers (SPATTs)(n=164).

In cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) used various field and laboratory methods to determine the presence and concentration of cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, and taste-and-odor compounds in selected Texas water bodies. This data release documents the results from water-quality samples collected from 12 water bodies in Texas during water year 2020 (WY20) and 2021 (WY21). A water year is defined as the 12-month period from October 1 through September 30 and is designated by the calendar year in which it ends. Both qualitative and quantitative field and laboratory methods were performed. Analyses included phytoplankton taxonomy, measurements of phytoplankton biomass, and concentrations of cyanotoxins, taste-and-odor compounds, and photosynthetic pigments. Water-quality samples were also collected to provide supporting data and document existing conditions. These supporting data included dissolved solids, major ions, nutrients, and organic carbon. Water-quality samples were analyzed for total cyanotoxin concentrations (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, domoic acid, microcystin [total and 10 congeners], nodularin, okadaic acid, and saxitoxin), taste-and-odor compound concentration (2-Methylisoborneo [MIB] and geosmin), chlorophyll a, pheophytin a, major ions (calcium, chloride, fluoride, magnesium, potassium, silica, sodium, and sulfate), and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and multiple species of each nutrient). Analyses of cyanobacterial and cyanotoxin gene concentrations are included. An In-Situ Aqua TROLL multiparameter sonde was deployed concurrently with a YSI EXO2 multiparameter sonde to provide two sets of field values that can be compared. Each reservoir had one sampling site. At each site, depth-integrated samples were collected using a peristaltic pump integrating through the photic zone. The photic zone is the depth when measured irradiance is 1 percent of the irradiance measured at the surface of the water column. Water-quality field properties were measured using the multiparameter sondes at 1-foot intervals in the water column through the photic zone (the upper layer of a water body where there is sufficient sunlight penetration to support photosynthesis), then at 5-foot intervals to the bottom of the water column. Three rapid-assessment field kits were used to determine semi-quantitative values of three cyanotoxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, and microcystin) at each sampling site. Chlorophyll-a and pheophytin-a were analyzed by the Trinity River Authority Central Laboratory in Dallas, Texas. Cyanobacterial and cyanotoxin genes were analyzed by the USGS Ohio Water Microbiology Laboratory in Columbus, Ohio. The USGS Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory in Lawrence, Kansas analyzed for cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds. PhycoTech, Inc. in St. Joseph, Michigan analyzed phytoplankton taxonomy and biomass. Taxonomic names within this data release are from PhycoTech's taxonomic naming convention and may differ from the taxonomic names listed in the Integrated Taxonomic Information System database (ITIS, 2022). Engineering Performance Solutions in Jacksonville, Florida analyzed for MIB and geosmin. Samples were analyzed for suspended solids, nutrients, and major ions by the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) in Denver, Colorado. Water-quality field properties (water temperature, dissolved-oxygen concentration, pH, specific conductance, turbidity, chlorophyll florescence (RFU & density), phycocyanin florescence (RFU & density), irradiance, and Secchi depth) were also measured at each sampling site. NWQL terms "parameter codes" and "parameter descriptions" were retained in the water-quality dataset when referring to water-quality field properties and constituents.

In cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) used various field and laboratory methods to determine the presence and concentration of cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, and taste-and-odor compounds in selected Texas water bodies. This data release documents the results from water-quality samples collected from 12 water bodies in Texas during water year 2020 (WY20) and 2021 (WY21). A water year is defined as the 12-month period from October 1 through September 30 and is designated by the calendar year in which it ends. Both qualitative and quantitative field and laboratory methods were performed. Analyses included phytoplankton taxonomy, measurements of phytoplankton biomass, and concentrations of cyanotoxins, taste-and-odor compounds, and photosynthetic pigments. Water-quality samples were also collected to provide supporting data and document existing conditions. These supporting data included dissolved solids, major ions, nutrients, and organic carbon. Water-quality samples were analyzed for total cyanotoxin concentrations (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, domoic acid, microcystin [total and 10 congeners], nodularin, okadaic acid, and saxitoxin), taste-and-odor compound concentration (2-Methylisoborneo [MIB] and geosmin), chlorophyll a, pheophytin a, major ions (calcium, chloride, fluoride, magnesium, potassium, silica, sodium, and sulfate), and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and multiple species of each nutrient). Analyses of cyanobacterial and cyanotoxin gene concentrations are included. An In-Situ Aqua TROLL multiparameter sonde was deployed concurrently with a YSI EXO2 multiparameter sonde to provide two sets of field values that can be compared. Each reservoir had one sampling site. At each site, depth-integrated samples were collected using a peristaltic pump integrating through the photic zone. The photic zone is the depth when measured irradiance is 1 percent of the irradiance measured at the surface of the water column. Water-quality field properties were measured using the multiparameter sondes at 1-foot intervals in the water column through the photic zone (the upper layer of a water body where there is sufficient sunlight penetration to support photosynthesis), then at 5-foot intervals to the bottom of the water column. Three rapid-assessment field kits were used to determine semi-quantitative values of three cyanotoxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, and microcystin) at each sampling site. Chlorophyll-a and pheophytin-a were analyzed by the Trinity River Authority Central Laboratory in Dallas, Texas. Cyanobacterial and cyanotoxin genes were analyzed by the USGS Ohio Water Microbiology Laboratory in Columbus, Ohio. The USGS Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory in Lawrence, Kansas analyzed for cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds. PhycoTech, Inc. in St. Joseph, Michigan analyzed phytoplankton taxonomy and biomass. Taxonomic names within this data release are from PhycoTech's taxonomic naming convention and may differ from the taxonomic names listed in the Integrated Taxonomic Information System database (ITIS, 2022). Engineering Performance Solutions in Jacksonville, Florida analyzed for MIB and geosmin. Samples were analyzed for suspended solids, nutrients, and major ions by the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) in Denver, Colorado. Water-quality field properties (water temperature, dissolved-oxygen concentration, pH, specific conductance, turbidity, chlorophyll florescence (RFU & density), phycocyanin florescence (RFU & density), irradiance, and Secchi depth) were also measured at each sampling site. NWQL terms "parameter codes" and "parameter descriptions" were retained in the water-quality dataset when referring to water-quality field properties and constituents.

Within New Jersey’s Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex, multiple lakes and reservoirs with persistent and recurrent cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) discharge water which ultimately travels downstream in surface water to drinking-water intakes. Cyanobacteria and other water-quality data were collected as part of a collaborative study among multiple agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) New Jersey Water Science Center (NJWSC), New Jersey Water Supply Authority, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Montclair State University to evaluate the spatial and temporal variability of cyanotoxin occurrence and potential production, persistence, and transport from lacustrine sources to downstream fluvial systems used as a drinking-water source in the Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex, New Jersey. An advanced monitoring strategy using a combination of solid phase adsorption toxin tracking (SPATT) passive samplers, discrete water-quality samples, and continuous monitoring instrumentation, were used to help gain insight on rapidly changing water-quality conditions that affect cyanotoxin production and transport. Eight discrete sampling locations were chosen based upon existing USGS streamflow-gaging stations as well as one site located on Spruce Run Reservoir. Twenty discrete sampling events were conducted across the 8 river sampling locations and 24 sampling events from the reservoir sampling location from August 2020 through August 2021; events occurred twice per month except from December 2020 to April 2021, when samples were collected once per month. Each sampling event was spread over two days, with upstream sites sampled on the first day and downstream sites sampled on the second day. This sampling method mimicked the natural order of streamflow. To meet study objectives, certain types of data were collected, including streamflow, discrete water quality and turbidity samples, water-quality field measurements (water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and specific conductance), nutrients (ammonia, orthophosphate, nitrate plus nitrite, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen), chlorophyll-a, cyanobacterial genes (cyanobacteria 16S cyanobacterial ribosomal RNA, and cyanotoxin synthetase genes for microcystin, saxitoxin, anatoxin-a, and cylindrospermopsin), cyanotoxins (microcystin, anatoxin-a, and cylindrospermopsin), and phytoplankton.

In cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) utilized various field and laboratory methods to determine the presence and concentration of cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, and taste-and-odor compounds in Texas water bodies. This data release documents the results from water-quality samples collected from 41 water bodies in Texas during 2016–19. Both qualitative and quantitative field and laboratory methods were performed. Analyses included phytoplankton taxonomy, measurements of phytoplankton biomass, and concentrations of cyanotoxins, taste-and-odor compounds, and photosynthetic pigments. Water-quality samples were also collected to provide supporting data and document existing conditions. These supporting data included dissolved solids, major ions, nutrients, and organic carbon. The study began in water year 2016 (WY16). A water year is defined as the 12-month period from October 1 through September 30 and is designated by the calendar year in which it ends. During water year 2016 and 2017, water-quality samples were analyzed for total and dissolved cyanotoxin concentrations (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, domoic acid, microcystin [total and 10 congeners], nodularin, okadaic acid, and saxitoxin), taste-and-odor compounds (methylisoborneol [MIB] and geosmin), chlorophyll a, pheophytin a, major ions (calcium, chloride, fluoride, magnesium, potassium, silica, sodium, and sulfate), and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and multiple species of each nutrient). In water year 2018 (WY18), analyses of cyanobacterial- and cyanotoxin gene concentrations were added to the study. In water year 2019 (WY19), the study design further expanded to include In-Situ Aqua TROLL sensors to compare the field values with the EXO2 multiparameter sonde. Each reservoir had one sampling site with the exception of three reservoirs at the beginning of WY2016. At those three reservoirs, only selected water-quality field properties were measured on site at 1-2 sampling sites —there were no water-quality samples collected at these sites. At all other sampling sites, water-quality field properties were measured every foot of the water column until the irradiance was 1 percent of the irradiance measured at the surface of the water column. Subsequently, water-quality field properties were measured every five feet to the bottom of the water column. Three rapid-assessment field kits were used to determine semi-quantitative values of three cyanotoxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, and microcystin) at each sampling site. Chlorophyll-a and pheophytin-a were analyzed by the Trinity River Authority Central Laboratory in Dallas, Texas. Cyanobacterial and cyanotoxin genes were analyzed by the USGS Ohio Water Microbiology Laboratory in Columbus, Ohio. The USGS Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory in Lawrence, Kansas analyzed for cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds. PhycoTech, Inc. determined phytoplankton taxonomy and biomass. Engineering Performance Solutions in Jacksonville, Florida analyzed for MIB and geosmin. Samples were analyzed for nutrients and major ions by the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory in Denver, Colorado. Water-quality field properties (water temperature, dissolved-oxygen concentration, pH, specific conductance, turbidity, chlorophyll density, chlorophyll fluorescence, phycocyanin density, phycocyanin fluorescence, irradiance, and Secchi depth) were also measured at each sampling site. Water-quality field properties and water-quality constituents are commonly referred to as “parameters” by analytical laboratories, and laboratory terminology for the datasets described in this data release were retained.

In cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) used various field and laboratory methods to determine the presence and concentration of cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, and taste-and-odor compounds in selected Texas water bodies. This data release documents the results from water-quality samples collected from 12 water bodies in Texas during water year 2020 (WY20) and 2021 (WY21). A water year is defined as the 12-month period from October 1 through September 30 and is designated by the calendar year in which it ends. Both qualitative and quantitative field and laboratory methods were performed. Analyses included phytoplankton taxonomy, measurements of phytoplankton biomass, and concentrations of cyanotoxins, taste-and-odor compounds, and photosynthetic pigments. Water-quality samples were also collected to provide supporting data and document existing conditions. These supporting data included dissolved solids, major ions, nutrients, and organic carbon. Water-quality samples were analyzed for total cyanotoxin concentrations (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, domoic acid, microcystin [total and 10 congeners], nodularin, okadaic acid, and saxitoxin), taste-and-odor compound concentration (2-Methylisoborneo [MIB] and geosmin), chlorophyll a, pheophytin a, major ions (calcium, chloride, fluoride, magnesium, potassium, silica, sodium, and sulfate), and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and multiple species of each nutrient). Analyses of cyanobacterial and cyanotoxin gene concentrations are included. An In-Situ Aqua TROLL multiparameter sonde was deployed concurrently with a YSI EXO2 multiparameter sonde to provide two sets of field values that can be compared. Each reservoir had one sampling site. At each site, depth-integrated samples were collected using a peristaltic pump integrating through the photic zone. The photic zone is the depth when measured irradiance is 1 percent of the irradiance measured at the surface of the water column. Water-quality field properties were measured using the multiparameter sondes at 1-foot intervals in the water column through the photic zone (the upper layer of a water body where there is sufficient sunlight penetration to support photosynthesis), then at 5-foot intervals to the bottom of the water column. Three rapid-assessment field kits were used to determine semi-quantitative values of three cyanotoxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, and microcystin) at each sampling site. Chlorophyll-a and pheophytin-a were analyzed by the Trinity River Authority Central Laboratory in Dallas, Texas. Cyanobacterial and cyanotoxin genes were analyzed by the USGS Ohio Water Microbiology Laboratory in Columbus, Ohio. The USGS Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory in Lawrence, Kansas analyzed for cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds. PhycoTech, Inc. in St. Joseph, Michigan analyzed phytoplankton taxonomy and biomass. Taxonomic names within this data release are from PhycoTech's taxonomic naming convention and may differ from the taxonomic names listed in the Integrated Taxonomic Information System database (ITIS, 2022). Engineering Performance Solutions in Jacksonville, Florida analyzed for MIB and geosmin. Samples were analyzed for suspended solids, nutrients, and major ions by the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) in Denver, Colorado. Water-quality field properties (water temperature, dissolved-oxygen concentration, pH, specific conductance, turbidity, chlorophyll florescence (RFU & density), phycocyanin florescence (RFU & density), irradiance, and Secchi depth) were also measured at each sampling site. NWQL terms "parameter codes" and "parameter descriptions" were retained in the water-quality dataset when referring to water-quality field properties and constituents.

In cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) utilized various field and laboratory methods to determine the presence and concentration of cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, and taste-and-odor compounds in Texas water bodies. This data release documents the results from water-quality samples collected from 41 water bodies in Texas during 2016–19. Both qualitative and quantitative field and laboratory methods were performed. Analyses included phytoplankton taxonomy, measurements of phytoplankton biomass, and concentrations of cyanotoxins, taste-and-odor compounds, and photosynthetic pigments. Water-quality samples were also collected to provide supporting data and document existing conditions. These supporting data included dissolved solids, major ions, nutrients, and organic carbon. The study began in water year 2016 (WY16). A water year is defined as the 12-month period from October 1 through September 30 and is designated by the calendar year in which it ends. During water year 2016 and 2017, water-quality samples were analyzed for total and dissolved cyanotoxin concentrations (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, domoic acid, microcystin [total and 10 congeners], nodularin, okadaic acid, and saxitoxin), taste-and-odor compounds (methylisoborneol [MIB] and geosmin), chlorophyll a, pheophytin a, major ions (calcium, chloride, fluoride, magnesium, potassium, silica, sodium, and sulfate), and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and multiple species of each nutrient). In water year 2018 (WY18), analyses of cyanobacterial- and cyanotoxin gene concentrations were added to the study. In water year 2019 (WY19), the study design further expanded to include In-Situ Aqua TROLL sensors to compare the field values with the EXO2 multiparameter sonde. Each reservoir had one sampling site with the exception of three reservoirs at the beginning of WY2016. At those three reservoirs, only selected water-quality field properties were measured on site at 1-2 sampling sites —there were no water-quality samples collected at these sites. At all other sampling sites, water-quality field properties were measured every foot of the water column until the irradiance was 1 percent of the irradiance measured at the surface of the water column. Subsequently, water-quality field properties were measured every five feet to the bottom of the water column. Three rapid-assessment field kits were used to determine semi-quantitative values of three cyanotoxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, and microcystin) at each sampling site. Chlorophyll-a and pheophytin-a were analyzed by the Trinity River Authority Central Laboratory in Dallas, Texas. Cyanobacterial and cyanotoxin genes were analyzed by the USGS Ohio Water Microbiology Laboratory in Columbus, Ohio. The USGS Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory in Lawrence, Kansas analyzed for cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds. PhycoTech, Inc. determined phytoplankton taxonomy and biomass. Engineering Performance Solutions in Jacksonville, Florida analyzed for MIB and geosmin. Samples were analyzed for nutrients and major ions by the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory in Denver, Colorado. Water-quality field properties (water temperature, dissolved-oxygen concentration, pH, specific conductance, turbidity, chlorophyll density, chlorophyll fluorescence, phycocyanin density, phycocyanin fluorescence, irradiance, and Secchi depth) were also measured at each sampling site. Water-quality field properties and water-quality constituents are commonly referred to as “parameters” by analytical laboratories, and laboratory terminology for the datasets described in this data release were retained.

This data release presents cyanotoxin and multiparameter water-quality sonde data collected from July-October 2020, at eleven sites in the Salem River, New Jersey. Data-collection sites included seven flowing and four impounded reaches of the main stem Salem River. Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers were deployed at 11 sampling locations during the study period and retrieved after 1-15 days. Discrete grab samples also were collected at each sampling location during SPATT deployment and retrieval. Physicochemical measurements were collected in-situ with a multiparameter water-quality sonde when the SPATT samplers were deployed and retrieved and include measurements of water temperature, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen concentration, and turbidity. Because of analytical expenses, discrete cyanotoxin samples were analyzed at only 10 of the 11 discrete sampling locations, and toxin results from these analyses informed selection of only 4 of the 11 SPATT sampling locations for additional analyses. SPATT sampler extracts and discrete-grab samples were analyzed for four cyanotoxins (anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, saxitoxin) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).