thumbnail

Occurrence of Cyanobacteria and Associated Cyanotoxins in the Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex, New Jersey, August 2020 to August 2021

Scientific Investigations Report 2026-5128
Water Availability and Use Science Program
Prepared in cooperation with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
By: , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20265128

Links

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms, particularly cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs), have emerged as a substantial global concern because of their detrimental effects on water quality and aquatic ecosystem health. CyanoHABs can produce cyanotoxins, which pose serious health risks to humans and wildlife, such as liver failure and respiratory distress. This is particularly concerning for water bodies that serve as drinking- water sources. Recent trends indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of cyanoHABs globally. This study focuses on the Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex in New Jersey, where extensive monitoring was conducted from August 2020 to August 2021 to assess the presence of cyanobacteria and associated cyanotoxins. The research utilized a combination of discrete water- quality sampling, continuous monitoring, and solid phase adsorption toxin tracking (SPATT) to capture the dynamics of cyanotoxin occurrence and potential transport. Findings revealed a widespread presence of cyanobacteria and potential for cyanotoxin production, although actual cyanotoxin concentrations remained below drinking water and recreational thresholds. The study, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in collaboration with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), highlighted the limitations of traditional sampling methods and emphasized that continuous monitoring can support better understanding of how cyanoHAB conditions change over time and in different places. Genetic testing included quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses, which demonstrated higher sensitivity, or increased findings of cyanobacteria compared to microscopy, indicating the potential for use in early warning systems. This research underscores that integrating various detection methods and hydrological data can enhance understanding of cyanotoxin dynamics in river systems.

Suggested Citation

Gorney, R.M., Heckathorn, H.A., Clonan, K.R., Reilly, P.A., Cahalane, K., and Bjorklund, B.W., 2026, Occurrence of cyanobacteria and associated cyanotoxins in the Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex, New Jersey, August 2020 to August 2021: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2026–5128, 30 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20265128.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Study Area
  • Methods
  • Quality Assurance and Quality Control
  • Environmental Variable Results
  • Phytoplankton Identification and Enumeration
  • Cyanobacteria Genes
  • Cyanotoxin Analyses
  • Passive Samplers
  • Comparative Analysis
  • Association Between Biological Response and Environmental Variables
  • Conclusions
  • Limitations
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Occurrence of cyanobacteria and associated cyanotoxins in the Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex, New Jersey, August 2020 to August 2021
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2026-5128
DOI 10.3133/sir20265128
Publication Date April 10, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New Jersey Water Science Center
Description Report, ix, 30 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State New Jersey
Other Geospatial Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details