Determination of Microcystis aeruginosa Concentration Using Two Discrete Wavelengths

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), specifically Microcystis aeruginosa (MA), present a serious global problem to bodies of water. HABs are the rapid growth of toxic algae species in a waterway. These algae species are known to cause irritation, nausea, and vomiting in humans, and even more severe side effects in smaller organisms. Climate change and human development have caused these harmful blooms to become more prevalent in recent years. Current commercial and academic algae detection methods were researched and found to be highly restrictive or expensive. This creates the need for a monitoring device that fills this niche, which the team attempted to do. Regarding the detection of MA, the peak spectral absorbances were determined to be at wavelengths of 430 nm and 680 nm. The handheld harmful algae monitoring device directs these specific wavelengths of light matching the peak absorptions of MA through a sample. The relative intensity of light after passing through the sample is measured and used to determine the presence and concentration of MA. This detection method is low cost, is portable, and will provide efficient and precise results with the hope of enabling a variety of users on a large scale. With proper calibration and more research, the handheld harmful algae monitoring device has the potential of being highly accurate and capable of testing nonpure samples.