Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Cyanobacterial bloom expansion caused by typhoon disturbance in Lake Taihu China

  • Cyanobacterial blooms and water ecological restoration
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

It remains unclear why the area of a cyanobacterial bloom increases in a shallow lake after a typhoon passes. In this study, the mechanisms of cyanobacterial bloom expansion were investigated by studying meteorological factors, water quality, algal biomass, and bloom area in Lake Taihu before and after typhoons (2007–2016). Our results showed that typhoon-induced sediment resuspension caused a short-term increase in nutrients, but nutrients returned to pre-typhoon levels after the typhoon passages. The short-term nutrient release during a typhoon did not result in an obvious increase in Microcystis cell density in two bays of Lake Taihu (Gonghu and Meiliang). Under strong winds, Microcystis aggregates were uniformly distributed in the water column downwind and then dispersed into different directions by wind-driven currents. In particular, Microcystis in the surface water were transported to the center of Lake Taihu. After a typhoon, dispersed Microcystis refloated and formed blooms. Thus, the bloom area was enlarged compared with before a typhoon. Several days after a typhoon, the bloom area gradually reduced as a result of a steady breeze on the horizontal accumulation of Microcystis.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aparicio Medrano E, Uittenbogaard RE, Dionisio Pires LM, van de Wiel BJH, Clercx HJH (2013) Coupling hydrodynamics and buoyancy regulation in Microcystis aeruginosa for its vertical distribution in lakes. Ecol Model 248:41–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2012.08.029

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barton AD, Ward BA, Williams RG, Follows MJ (2014) The impact of fine-scale turbulence on phytoplankton community structure. Limnol Oceanogr Fluids Environ 4:34–49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cao H-S, Kong F-X, Luo L-C, Shi X-L, Yang Z, Zhang X-F, Tao Y (2006) Effects of wind and wind-induced waves on vertical phytoplankton distribution and surface blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa in Lake Taihu. J Freshw Ecol 21:231–238

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chacko N (2017) Chlorophyll bloom in response to tropical cyclone Hudhud in the bay of Bengal: Bio-Argo subsurface observations. Deep Sea Res Part I Oceanogr Res Pap 124:66–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2017.04.010

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chacko N, Zimik L (2018) Effect of Cyclone Thane in the bay of Bengal explored using Moored Buoy Observations and Multi-platform Satellite Data. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 46:821–828. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12524-017-0748-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Y, Qin B, Teubner K, Dokulil MT (2003) Long-term dynamics of phytoplankton assemblages: Microcystis-domination in Lake Taihu, a large shallow lake in China. J Plankton Res 25:445–453

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deng J, Chen F, Liu X, Peng J, Hu W (2016) Horizontal migration of algal patches associated with cyanobacterial blooms in an eutrophic shallow lake. Ecol Eng 87:185–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2015.12.017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ding Y, Qin B, Zhu G, Wu T, Wang Y, Luo L (2012) Effects of typhoon Morakot on a large shallow lake ecosystem, Lake Taihu. China Ecohydrol 5:798–807

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ebina J, Tsutsui T, Shirai T (1983) Simultaneous determination of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in water using peroxodisulfate oxidation. Water Res 17:1721–1726

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Emanuel K (2005) Increasing destructiveness of tropical cyclones over the past 30 years. Nature 436:686–688

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gao G, Zhu G, Qin B, Chen J, Wang K (2006) Alkaline phosphatase activity and the phosphorus mineralization rate of Lake Taihu Science In China. Series D Earth Sci 49:176–185. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-006-8117-5

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • George D, Edwards R (1976) The effect of wind on the distribution of chlorophyll a and crustacean plankton in a shallow eutrophic reservoir. J Appl Ecol:667–690. https://doi.org/10.2307/2402246

  • Hamilton D, Mitchell S (1997) Wave-induced shear stresses, plant nutrients and chlorophyll in seven shallow lakes. Freshw Biol 38:159–168. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2427.1997.00202.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu C, Lee Z, Ma R, Yu K, Li D, Shang S (2010) Moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations of cyanobacteria blooms in Taihu Lake. China J Geophys Res Oceans 115. https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JC005511

  • Huisman J, Sharples J, Stroom JM, Visser PM, Kardinaal WEA, Verspagen JM, Sommeijer B (2004) Changes in turbulent mixing shift competition for light between phytoplankton species. Ecology 85:2960–2970

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jeppesen E, Kronvang B, Meerhoff M, Søndergaard M, Hansen KM, Andersen HE, Lauridsen TL, Liboriussen L, Beklioglu M, Özen A, Olesen JE (2009) Climate change effects on runoff, catchment phosphorus loading and lake ecological state, and potential adaptations. J Environ Qual 38:1930–1941. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2008.0113

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Joung S, Kim C, Ahn C, Jang K, Boo SM, Oh H (2006) Simple method for a cell count of the colonial cyanobacterium, Microcystis sp. J Microbiol Seoul 44:562

    Google Scholar 

  • Li M, Xiao M (2014) In situ growth rate of Microcystis in a hypertrophic lake: RNA/DNA ratio as an indicator. Fresenius Environ Bull 23:1100–1106

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li M, Xiao M, Zhang P, Hamilton DP (2018) Morphospecies-dependent disaggregation of colonies of the cyanobacterium Microcystis under high turbulent mixing. Water Res 141:340–348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2018.05.017

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin I, Liu WT, Wu CC, Wong GTF, Hu C, Chen Z, Liang WD, Yang Y, Liu KK (2003) New evidence for enhanced ocean primary production triggered by tropical cyclone. Geophys Res Lett:30. https://doi.org/10.1029/2003gl017141

  • McGillicuddy DJ et al (2007) Eddy/wind interactions stimulate extraordinary mid-ocean plankton blooms. Science 316:1021–1026

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Michalak AM et al (2013) Record-setting algal bloom in Lake Erie caused by agricultural and meteorological trends consistent with expected future conditions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 110:6448–6452. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1216006110

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moreno-Ostos E, Cruz-Pizarro L, Basanta A, George DG (2008) The influence of wind-induced mixing on the vertical distribution of buoyant and sinking phytoplankton species. Aquat Ecol 43:271–284. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10452-008-9167-x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nakamura T (1993) Flotation and sedimentation of a single Microcystis floc collected from surface bloom. Wat Res 27:979–983

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Otten TG, Paerl HW (2011) Phylogenetic inference of colony isolates comprising seasonal Microcystis blooms in Lake Taihu. China Microbial Ecol 62:907–918. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-011-9884-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paerl HW, Otten TG (2013) Harmful cyanobacterial blooms: causes, consequences, and controls. Microb Ecol 65:995–1010

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paerl HW, Bales JD, Ausley LW, Buzzelli CP, Crowder LB, Eby LA, Fear JM, Go M, Peierls BL, Richardson TL, Ramus JS (2001) Ecosystem impacts of three sequential hurricanes (Dennis, Floyd, and Irene) on the United States’ largest lagoonal estuary, Pamlico Sound. NC Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 98:5655–5660. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.101097398

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paerl HW, Xu H, McCarthy MJ, Zhu G, Qin B, Li Y, Gardner WS (2011) Controlling harmful cyanobacterial blooms in a hyper-eutrophic lake (Lake Taihu, China): the need for a dual nutrient (N & P) management strategy. Water Res 45:1973–1983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2010.09.018

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Prairie JC, Sutherland KR, Nickols KJ, Kaltenberg AM (2012) Biophysical interactions in the plankton: a cross-scale review. Limnol Oceanogr Fluids Environ 2:121–145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qin B et al (2000) Studies on the hydrodynamic processes and related factors in Meiliang Bay, northern Taihu Lake. China J Sci 12:327–334

    Google Scholar 

  • Qin B, Yang G, Ma J, Wu T, Li W, Liu L, Deng J, Zhou J (2018) Spatiotemporal changes of Cyanobacterial bloom in large shallow eutrophic Lake Taihu. China Front Microbiol 9:451. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.00451

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reddy PRC, Salvekar PS, Nayak S (2008) Super cyclone induces a mesoscale phytoplankton bloom in the bay of Bengal. IEEE Geosci Remote Sens Lett 5:588–592. https://doi.org/10.1109/lgrs.2008.2000650

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds CS, Walsby AE (1975) Water-blooms. Biol Rev 50:437–481

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schelske CL, Carrick HJ, Aldridge FJ (1995) Can wind-induced resuspension of meroplankton affect phytoplankton dynamics? J N Am Benthol Soc 14:616–630. https://doi.org/10.2307/1467545

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shi K et al (2015) Long-term satellite observations of microcystin concentrations in Lake Taihu during Cyanobacterial bloom periods. Environ Sci Technol 49:6448–6456. https://doi.org/10.1021/es505901a

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Søndergaard M, Kristensen P, Jeppesen E (1992) Phosphorus release from resuspended sediment in the shallow and wind-exposed Lake Arresø. Denmark Hydrobiologia 228:91–99

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verhagen JH (1994) Modeling phytoplankton patchiness under the influence of wind-driven currents inlakes. Limnol Oceanogr 39:1551–1565

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang YK, Chun YE, Zhang DL, Chun-Hua LI (2015) Effect of spatial distribution on inflow ability of non-point source pollutants into the lake. J Environ Eng Technol 5:478–484

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang T, Liu GP, Gao L, Zhu LX, Li DJ (2017) Biological responses to nine powerful typhoons in the East China Sea. Reg Envir Chang 17:465–476. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-016-1025-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Webster IT, Hutchinson PA (1994) Effect of wind on the distribution of phytoplankton cells in lakes revisited. Limnol Oceanogr 39:365–373

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Webster PJ, Holland GJ, Curry JA, Chang HR (2005) Changes in tropical cyclone number, duration, and intensity in a warming environment. Science 309:1844–1846. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1116448

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wu X, Kong F (2009) Effects of light and wind speed on the vertical distribution of Microcystis aeruginosa colonies of different sizes during a summer bloom. Int Rev Hydrobiol 94:258–266

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu X et al (2010) Horizontal distribution and transport processes of bloom-forming Microcystis in a large shallow lake (Taihu, China). Limnol Ecol Manag Inland Waters 40:8–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.limno.2009.02.001

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wu T, Qin B, Zhu G, Luo L, Ding Y, Bian G (2013) Dynamics of cyanobacterial bloom formation during short-term hydrodynamic fluctuation in a large shallow, eutrophic, and wind-exposed Lake Taihu. China Environ Sci Pollut Res 20:8546–8556

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wu TF, Qin B, Ding W, Zhu G, Zhang Y, Gao G, Xu H, Li W, Dong B, Luo L (2018) Field observation of different wind-induced basin-scale current field dynamics in a large, Polymictic, Eutrophic Lake. J Geophys Res Oceans 123:6945–6961. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018jc014040

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao M, Li M, Reynolds CS (2018) Colony formation in the cyanobacterium Microcystis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 93:1399–1420. https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12401

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu H, Paerl HW, Qin B, Zhu G, Gaoa G (2010) Nitrogen and phosphorus inputs control phytoplankton growth in eutrophic Lake Taihu. China Limnol Oceanogr 55:420–432

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang Z, Zhang M, Shi X, Kong F, Ma R, Yu Y (2016) Nutrient reduction magnifies the impact of extreme weather on cyanobacterial bloom formation in large shallow Lake Taihu (China). Water Res 103:302–310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2016.07.047

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Q, Li L (2009) Development and application of an integrated surface runoff and groundwater flow model for a catchment of Lake Taihu watershed. China Quat Int 208:102–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2008.10.015

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang YC, Ma RH, Duan HT, Loiselle SA, Xu JD, Ma MX (2014) A Novel algorithm to estimate algal bloom coverage to subpixel resolution in Lake Taihu. IEEE J Sel Top Appl Earth Observ Remote Sens 7:3060–3068. https://doi.org/10.1109/jstars.2014.2327076

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao H, Tang D, Wang D (2009) Phytoplankton blooms near the Pearl River estuary induced by Typhoon Nuri. J Geophys Res Oceans 114. https://doi.org/10.1029/2009jc005384

  • Zheng GM, Tang D (2007) Offshore and nearshore chlorophyll increases induced by typhoon winds and subsequent terrestrial rainwater runoff. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 333:61–74. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps333061

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou J et al (2015) Effects of wind wave turbulence on the phytoplankton community composition in large, shallow Lake Taihu. Environ Sci Pollut Res 22:12737–12746. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-015-4535-2

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu M, Paerl HW, Zhu G, Wu T, Li W, Shi K, Zhao L, Zhang Y, Qin B, Caruso AM (2014a) The role of tropical cyclones in stimulating cyanobacterial (Microcystis spp.) blooms in hypertrophic Lake Taihu. China Harmful Algae 39:310–321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2014.09.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu W et al (2014b) Vertical distribution of Microcystis colony size in Lake Taihu: its role in algal blooms. J Great Lakes Res 40:949–955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2014.09.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu QD, Sun JH, Hua GF, Wang JH, Wang H (2015) Runoff characteristics and non-point source pollution analysis in the Taihu Lake Basin: a case study of the town of Xueyan. China Environ Sci Pollut Res 22:15029–15036. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-015-4709-y

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu W, Zhou X, Chen H, Gao L, Xiao M, Li M (2016) High nutrient concentration and temperature alleviated formation of large colonies of Microcystis: evidence from field investigations and laboratory experiments. Water Res 101:167–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2016.05.080

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu W, Tan Y, Wang R, Feng G, Chen H, Liu Y, Li M (2018) The trend of water quality variation and analysis in typical area of Lake Taihu, 2010-2017. J Lake Sci 30:296–305

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the data support from Jiangsu Environmental Monitoring Center, Wuxi Blue Algae Treatment Office and Lake-Watershed Science Data Center, National Earth System Science Data Sharing Infrastructure, and National Science & Technology Infrastructure of China (http://lake.geodata.cn).

Funding

This work was financially supported by Science and Technology Project of Jiangsu Province [BE2018737] and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [2015B36214].

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Environment, Hohai University, No. 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, People’s Republic of China

    Huaimin Chen, Ruochen Wang & Wei Zhu

  2. School of Civil Engineering, Advanced Engineering Building, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia

    Yuyang Zhu

  3. Jiangsu Environmental Monitoring Center, No. 100 Zhonghe Road, Nanjing, 210019, People’s Republic of China

    Yong Zhang

  4. Wuxi Blue Algae Treatment Office, No. 288 Yunhe East Road, Wuxi, 214071, People’s Republic of China

    Xuqing Chen

Authors
  1. Huaimin Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Yuyang Zhu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Yong Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xuqing Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Ruochen Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Wei Zhu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wei Zhu.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Vitor Manuel Oliveira Vasconcelos

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Chen, H., Zhu, Y., Zhang, Y. et al. Cyanobacterial bloom expansion caused by typhoon disturbance in Lake Taihu China. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27, 42294–42303 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-09292-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-09292-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation