Open AccessMolecular Characterization of Potential Microcystin-Producing Cyanobacteria in Lake Ontario Embayments and Nearshore Waters
Author(s) -
Amber M. Hotto,
Michael F. Satchwell,
Gregory L. Boyer
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
applied and environmental microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.552
H-Index - 324
eISSN - 1070-6291
pISSN - 0099-2240
DOI - 10.1128/aem.00318-07
Subject(s) - microcystis , microcystin , biology , cyanobacteria , genotype , shore , botany , ecology , fishery , gene , genetics , bacteria
The distribution and genotypic variation of potential microcystin (MC) producers along the southern and eastern shores of Lake Ontario in 2001 and 2003 were examined using a suite of PCR primers. Cyanobacterial,Microcystis sp., andMicrocystis -specific toxin primer sets identified shoreline distribution of cyanobacterial DNA (in 97% of the stations) and MC synthetase genes (in 50% of the stations). Sequence analysis of a partialmcyA amplicon targetingMicrocystis ,Anabaena , andPlanktothrix species indicated that theMicrocystis sp. genotype was the dominant MC genotype present and revealed a novelMicrocystis -like sequence containing a 6-bp insert. Analysis of the same samples with genus-specificmcyE primers confirmed that theMicrocystis sp. genotype was the dominant potential MC producer. Genotype compositions within embayments were relatively homogenous compared to those for shoreline and tributary samples. MC concentrations along the shoreline exhibited both temporal and spatial differences as evidenced by the protein phosphatase inhibition assay, at times exceeding the World Health Organization guideline value for drinking water of 1.0 μg MC-LReq liter−1 . MC genotypes are widespread along the New York State shoreline of Lake Ontario, appear to originate nearshore, and can be carried through the lake via wind and surface water current patterns.