Mapping of cyanobacteria using phycocyanin fluorescence and geostatistical analysis

Bloom of cyanobacteria in continental waters is a worldwide problem that should be monitored by the potential risk posed to human health. This study aimed to map the occurrence of cyanobacteria through integration of fluorimetric in vivo phycocyanin pigment method and geostatistical analysis. Fluorimetric data were collected from 59 georeferenced sampling points in New Avanhandava reservoir, São Paulo, in December 2011. In order to characterize aquatic environment, limnological parameters were analysed. Besides, phytoplankton groups identification were performed, noting the presence of toxic cyanobacterial genera. Values of phycocyanin concentration ranged between 1 to 10 mg L^-1, indicating the potential of the method for cyanobacteria detection, even in early stages of bloom. Geostatistical analysis allowed detecting phycocyanin concentration anisotropy, which adjusted better in spherical model to perform ordinary kriging. Model validation resulted in Root Mean Square equal to 0.98, besides allows modeling the inference uncertainty.

in vivo fluorescence; phytoplankton groups; ordinary kriging