Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2015PA215B

Building Capacity to Assess Harmful Algal Blooms in Surface Waters of Pennsylvania

Institute: Pennsylvania
Year Established: 2015 Start Date: 2015-03-01 End Date: 2016-02-29
Total Federal Funds: $17,900 Total Non-Federal Funds: $35,800

Principal Investigators: Bryan Swistock

Project Summary: There are thousands of inland ponds and lakes located throughout Pennsylvania and many common uses of these water bodies include direct human or animal contact with the water. Harmful algae blooms (HAB’s) have become an increasing concern in many parts of the country, but their occurrence in Pennsylvania ponds and lakes is unknown beyond anecdotal information collected by Penn State Extension educators. This project seeks to create a network of trained Penn State Extension educators who can assist pond and lake owners with the proper identification and management of harmful algal blooms. Assistance will be provided through direct microscopic examination of submitted samples along with various outreach efforts (workshops, news releases, webinars and displays).