Physical, chemical, and biological controls on algal dynamics in the Greenup Pool of the Ohio River
- 1Department of Natural Resources and Earth Science, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, United States of America
- 2Environmental Health and Safety, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, United States of America
Abstract
Large river ecosystems are complex and difficult to study. Spatial and temporal variability in managed river ecosystems is further complicated by structural alterations such as channelization, dams, and hydroelectric power stations. The increasing frequency and intensity of harmful algal blooms in lotic systems challenges the convention that productivity in these systems is low. A substantial algal bloom in the Ohio River in the fall of 2015 with a lesser bloom in the fall of 2019 demonstrated the need for research in this area. To characterize algal dynamics in managed rivers, and specifically the Ohio River, high frequency sensors were deployed on lock structures of the Robert C. Byrd and Greenup Dams bracketing the 100-km Greenup pool and providing continuous monitoring of pool conditions. Depth profiles at transect sampling locations were conducted through the pool’s entirety to profile spatial variability. Parameters measured included light, turbidity, chlorophyll-a, phycocyanin, specific conductance, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen. These data are combined with USGS discharge data and nutrient data from multiple sources to examine temporal and spatial conditions in the pool as they pertain to algal growth and productivity. High turbidity and subsequent light limitation constrain algal growth throughout most of the year. Lower flow conditions in the late summer months demonstrated higher light penetration and limited thermal stratification and were associated with higher algal biomass as conditions approach those of a lentic system. Chlorophyll-a, indicating green algae or diatoms, dominated the late summer and fall algal communities during this investigation. Cyanobacteria, indicated by phycocyanin measurements, showed peaks in winter months with cooler temperatures and reduced pool retention, possibly indicating tributary sources. These data will support the development of models to advance harmful algal bloom (HAB) predictions and evaluation of management options. Results may be relavent to other managed river systems.
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BibTeX
@article{yeagerarmstead2026physical,
title = {{Physical, chemical, and biological controls on algal dynamics in the Greenup Pool of the Ohio River}},
author = {Mindy Yeager-Armstead and Geneve Brady and Austin Hoffman},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0360624},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0360624},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Physical, chemical, and biological controls on algal dynamics in the Greenup Pool of the Ohio River
AU - Mindy Yeager-Armstead
AU - Geneve Brady
AU - Austin Hoffman
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/26
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0360624
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0360624
AB - Large river ecosystems are complex and difficult to study. Spatial and temporal variability in managed river ecosystems is further complicated by structural alterations such as channelization, dams, and hydroelectric power stations. The increasing frequency and intensity of harmful algal blooms in lotic systems challenges the convention that productivity in these systems is low. A substantial algal bloom in the Ohio River in the fall of 2015 with a lesser bloom in the fall of 2019 demonstrated the need for research in this area. To characterize algal dynamics in managed rivers, and specifically the Ohio River, high frequency sensors were deployed on lock structures of the Robert C. Byrd and Greenup Dams bracketing the 100-km Greenup pool and providing continuous monitoring of pool conditions. Depth profiles at transect sampling locations were conducted through the pool’s entirety to profile spatial variability. Parameters measured included light, turbidity, chlorophyll-a, phycocyanin, specific conductance, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen. These data are combined with USGS discharge data and nutrient data from multiple sources to examine temporal and spatial conditions in the pool as they pertain to algal growth and productivity. High turbidity and subsequent light limitation constrain algal growth throughout most of the year. Lower flow conditions in the late summer months demonstrated higher light penetration and limited thermal stratification and were associated with higher algal biomass as conditions approach those of a lentic system. Chlorophyll-a, indicating green algae or diatoms, dominated the late summer and fall algal communities during this investigation. Cyanobacteria, indicated by phycocyanin measurements, showed peaks in winter months with cooler temperatures and reduced pool retention, possibly indicating tributary sources. These data will support the development of models to advance harmful algal bloom (HAB) predictions and evaluation of management options. Results may be relavent to other managed river systems.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -