This data release provides phytoplankton environmental DNA data and cyanotoxin gene qPCR data from an algal bloom at Ash River Boat Docks on Kabetogama Lake, Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA (USGS site ID 482603092511801) collected in 2021 and analyzed by the commercial laboratory Jonah Ventures. We sampled cyanobacteria over a 24-hour period at Ash River Boat Docks in Kabetogama Lake, along with photosynthetically active radiation, to assess the relation between sunlight and these cyanobacteria. Sixteen environmental samples and three quality assurance replicates were collected from two sites, one at the end of the dock and one at the shoreline, between September 9, 2021 and September 10, 2021.

This data release provides phytoplankton identification and enumeration data during an algal bloom at Ash River boat docks on Kabetogama Lake (USGS site ID 482603092511801) collected between September 12 and September 13, 2023. samples were collected every three hours over a 24-hour period at two sites, one at the end of a dock and one on the adjacent shoreline. Two quality assurance replicates were collected. Additionally, nine algal bloom samples were collected from an isolated chamber located near the shoreline sampling location in an effort to reduce variability caused by potential wave action in the lake. Phytoplankton composition was determined through microscopy.

This data release provides phytoplankton identification, phytoplankton enumeration, chlorophyll concentration, phaeophytin concentration, phycocyanin data, and nutrient quality assurance data from three recurring algal bloom sites in Kabetogama Lake, Voyaguers National Park, Minnesota in 2016 and 2017. The goal of this research is to better understand the drivers of algal bloom toxicity in the large lakes of Voyageurs National Park so that resource managers may better predict, manage, and mitigate the occurrence of harmful algal blooms. A total of 126 environmental samples were collected at three recreational areas where blooms frequently occur. One site, Sullivan Bay, was chosen for more intensive sampling, including the algal enumeration and identification of the samples collected as part of this data release. Samples were also analyzed for field parameters, nutrients, cyanotoxins, and cyanobacteria by molecular methods. Other analyses for the three sampling locations are available in the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System (NWIS) at the links listed under Related External Resources/Cross References: Sullivan Bay (USGS 482542092493701), Ellsworth Rock Garden (USGS 482947092584401) and Ek Lake Trail (USGS 482804092494701). As recommended by the World Health Organization, this research will provide further data on Kabetogama Lake, where blooms have contained the toxin microcystin at levels exceeding the high-risk category for recreational exposure.

Algal toxins are a growing concern worldwide. Rapid assessment test strips are a newer technology and their accuracy in detecting toxins in different lakes with different phytoplankton and toxins present is unknown. This data release is supported by our testing of toxin test strips. This research took place in Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota. The research will indicate whether these test strips are accurate for this system, and hopefully lay the foundation for a cost-effective harmful algal blooms (HABs) monitoring and communication tool for Voyageurs National Park and other parks. The utility of the test strips in this system may lead to broader applications, for instance in other inland systems like the nearby Lake of the Woods and Isle Royale National Park or other northern temperate lakes.

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides phytoplankton data collected from Milford Lake, Kansas, during July 27 and August 31, 2015. This data release was produced in compliance with the federal open-data requirements as a way to make scientific products associated with USGS research efforts and publications available to the public. The dataset includes all samples collected at three long-term U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) sites on Milford Lake. Phytoplankton were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and abundance (density) and biovolume are reported.

This dataset is a collection of hyperspectral imagery profiles of algae, many associated with Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs). Data were collected using a microscope-based hyperspectral imaging system with the cooperation of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Samples were collected from U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) water quality sampling efforts, to include water quality parameters and algal biomass. Data are shown in basic hyperspectral imagery form, normalized to 1.