Winter Bloom Dynamics and Molecular Analysis of Benthic Sediments for the Toxic Dinoflagellate, Dinophysis acuminata, at Torquay Canal, Rehoboth Bay, Delaware, USA

Abstract

The increased presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) is a concern for many aquatic environments, especially with the increasing effects of climate change. Members of the dinoflagellate genus Dinophysis have been shown to produce toxins that can cause Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) in humans who consume infected shellfish. The advancing oyster aquaculture industry in Delaware will require the development of management practices and monitoring HAB species to protect environmental and human health. Temperature, nutrients, and prey abundance can be drivers of Dinophysis blooms. D. acuminata has been historically identified at high concentrations (>200,000 cells L⁻¹) in water samples from Rehoboth Bay, DE, USA. However, the reach of spring blooms and how far they extend to aquaculture sites have not been determined. This study monitored an emergent HABs threat of a toxin-producing dinoflagellate, Dinophysis acuminata, by assessing a transect during the first recorded winter bloom in Torquay Canal and analyzing concentrations of chemical nutrients of combined nitrate and nitrite, and orthophosphate. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis between cell density (cells L⁻¹) and environmental variables across all sites was conducted to determine significant relationships between water temperature, Chl-a concentration, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), combined nitrate and nitrite concentrations (NO_x), and orthophosphate concentrations (PO₄³⁻). Genetic techniques and PCR were utilized to determine the presence of Dinophysis using genus-specific primers to monitor cell density or abundance within the sediments during winter months. There were no significant correlations between environmental variables, and nutrient concentrations did not exceed EPA regulations. Molecular analyses of benthic sediments detected Dinophysis spp., offering insight into potential bloom origins. Overall, there is limited ecological data on Dinophysis acuminata in Rehoboth Bay, DE, USA. The results of this study will help strengthen resources for monitoring HAB species and understanding potential risks to oyster aquaculture in Delaware.