Science Linkage Project - Cyanobacteria Investigation In Cochrane to
Paddy's Pond Watershed

This project will investigate the cause and effects of the blue green algae bloom on a watershed in the Northeast Avalon. Prior to 2007, there were no recorded occurrences of blue-green algae blooms in the Province. In the summer of 2007, blooms were detected in several ponds on the Northeast Avalon: Paddy's Pond, Three Arm Pond and Three Island Pond. In response to public concern, staff from the Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Conservation conducted site visits, water quality sampling, and consulted with other relevant government agencies. Once the presence of cyanobacteria and the accompanying toxin, microcystin-LR, was confirmed, the Department of Environment and Conservation issued a public advisory on September 27th, 2007. The Department studied Cochrane Pond as well, and while no significant bloom was detected there, the presence of microsystin-LR was identified in sample analysis. Topsail Pond may also be at risk.

If elevated levels of certain cyanobacterial toxins are found in water, ingestion of this water can cause headaches, fever, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Boiling water does not inactivate cyanobacterial toxins. Contact with the water through recreational activities (such as swimming) can result in itchy and irritated eyes and skin or other reactions that are very similar to hay-fever allergic reactions. The presence of a surface algae bloom does not necessarily indicate that cyanobacterial toxins are present. However, it is recommended that waters experiencing blue green algae blooms not be used for recreational activities as water clarity is often impaired and cyanobacterial toxins may be present in unknown quantities.

NAACAP will partner with staff from the Water Resources Division, DFO, and Environment Canada to carry out this research project. Samples will be collected from the five ponds in the watershed, including Cochrane Pond upstream, as well as Topsail Pond downstream and the inlets to the two adjoining watersheds. Our sampling sites will correspond with the sites used in 2007 by the Water Resources Division of the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Environment and Conservation (DOEC) to prepare their Field Survey Report, including the seven culverts that flow into Paddy's Pond, a new site at the mouth of Topsail Pond, as well as new sites in the middle of the five ponds. The weather conditions at the time of sampling (e.g. wind speed/direction, temperature, and sunlight) will be recorded and meteorological records from DOEC's weather station in Pippy Park will also be copied. The samples will be analysed for water chemistry, nutrients (especially Total Phosphorus and Phosphates), metals and major ions. Physical data (temperature, pH, specific conductance, Total Dissolved Solids, turbidity, chlorophyll-a and Dissolved Oxygen) will also be collected using a water quality probe. Dissolved Oxygen measurements will be taken through the water column to establish a stratified DO profile. Additionally, microcystin field tests and lab analysis will be conducted, as well as blue green algae identification at an accredited lab, should there be a reemergence of the cyanobacteria in 2008. A secchi disc will also be used to measure turbidity.

The collected samples will be submitted to accredited laboratories for physical, chemical, and
bacteriological analysis, including cyanobacterial and microcystin-LR identification.

Department of Environment and Conservation - monthly sampling and analysis:
The water chemistry parameters to be analysed will include inorganics, elements, and major ions. The inorganics will include:

Total Alkalinity, Bromide, Chloride, Colour, Fluoride, Hardness, Nitrate, Nitrite, Nitrogen (ammonia), Dissolved Organic Carbon, pH, Reactive Silica, Sulphate, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, Turbidity, Conductivity, Calculated Total Dissolved Solids. The elements will include Mercury, Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Boron, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Nickel, Selenium, Uranium, Zinc and the major ions will include Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, and Sodium.

Phosphate samples may be sent to the EC Environmental Science Lab in Moncton. The Department of Environment and Conservation will provide a multiparameter field testing kit and a blue-green algae field kit, and DFO will provide a boat and depth sampler.

EC Environmental Science Lab in Moncton - alternate bi-weekly samples:
The major ions and physical characteristics will include:

Alkalinity, Chloride, Colour, Hardness, pH, Sulphate,
Turbidity, Conductivity, Nutrients, Nitrate, Ammonia,
Total Nitrogen, Dissolved Organic Carbon, and Total and ortho Phosphate.

Metal analysis will include Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Aluminum, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Lead,
Manganese, Nickel and Zinc.

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