- Time:Jun 22 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm, 2023
- Event Organizer:Jill Jentes Banicki | Contact Host
- Event Category:Webinars | Show Similar
As harmful algal blooms (HABs) continue to occur in Lake Erie, knowing more about the algae themselves will help us better prepare for HABs and protect our drinking water supplies.
Dr. Tom Bridgeman from The University of Toledo has been exploring through several research projects the detection of when HAB cells break open and release their toxins into the water, as well as research determining the vertical movement of different types of algae – such as green algae, cyanobacteria and diatoms – throughout the water column. The hope is that developing such instruments and data can help water treatment plants better identify the types and condition of the algae entering their intakes in near real-time so they can and rapidly adjust their treatment processes for improved safety and efficiency.
The webinar is free, but registration is required to receive log-in information.
About the Speaker
Tom Bridgeman is the Director of UToledo’s Lake Erie Center.
Thomas Bridgeman has conducted research on the ecology of the Great Lakes for nearly three decades, focusing on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) caused by cyanobacteria in Lake Erie since 2002. Bridgeman co-chairs the Ohio Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative, which consists of more than 30 science teams at universities across the state seeking solutions to address HABs in Lake Erie, which is the source of drinking water for half a million northwest Ohio residents. Bridgeman created a new method to measure the size of the bloom each year and contributed to the development of the annual HAB forecast and metrics for determining the official Impairment of the lake. His laboratory tracks bloom development and provides early warning and advice on bloom movements for water treatment plant operators throughout the HAB season. Bridgeman also connects with legislative policymakers and environmental advocates to raise awareness about current research efforts exploring ways to protect the lake and ensure communities continue to have access to safe drinking water.