qPCR-based phytoplankton abundance and chlorophyll a: A multi-year study in twelve large freshwater rivers across the United States.

Phytoplankton overgrowth, which characterizes the eutrophication or trophic status of surface water bodies, threatens ecosystems and public health. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is promising for assessing the abundance and community composition of phytoplankton. However, applications of qPCR to indicate eutrophication and trophic status, especially in lotic systems, have yet to be comprehensively evaluated.

Using cyanobacteria and other phytoplankton to assess trophic conditions: A qPCR-based, multi-year study in twelve large rivers across the United States.

Phytoplankton is the essential primary producer in fresh surface water ecosystems. However, excessive phytoplankton growth due to eutrophication significantly threatens ecologic, economic, and public health. Therefore, phytoplankton identification and quantification are essential to understanding the productivity and health of freshwater ecosystems as well as the impacts of phytoplankton overgrowth (such as Cyanobacterial blooms) on public health.

Genomic Characterization and Wetland Occurrence of a Novel Isolate from Canada Geese.

Populations of resident, non-migratory Canada geese are rapidly increasing. Canada geese are known to transmit viral and bacterial diseases, posing a possible threat to human health. The most prevalent pathogens vectored by geese are species, yet the current understanding of the identity and virulence of these pathogens is limited.