PI: Coty Jen
University: Carnegie Mellon University
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are becoming more widespread and persistent in PA. HABs produce toxins in the water that negatively impact human health, freshwater ecosystems, and PA’s economy. Though HABs are identified by the blue-green slime, the water can be toxic even without visible signs of HABs. Despite their prevalence, only 11 waterways in southwestern PA were investigated for HABs in 2023 due to limited availability of personnel to monitor the natural waters. Most PA waterways also cannot be observed by satellites and require in-person sampling. In addition, toxins within the water can also be aerosolized and inhaled by nearby people. No information exists on how HABs influence PA air quality, as state scientists lack the needed expertise and instrumentation. The purpose of this project, a collaboration between the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and the Jen group at CMU, is to develop an observational dataset on air and water toxicity measured from water bodies in southwestern PA. CMU will collect and analyze water samples for water toxins, cyanobacteria, and air toxins in collaboration with PADEP. The results will establish a method to identify airborne toxins and provide information needed to predict and mitigate HABs in the region.