Temporal and Environmental Factors Driving Vibrio Vulnificus and V. Parahaemolyticus Populations and Their Associations With Harmful Algal Blooms in South Carolina Detention Ponds and Receiving Tidal Creeks

Abstract

Incidences of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and Vibrio infections have increased over recent decades. Numerous studies have tried to identify environmental factors driving HABs and pathogenic Vibrio populations separately. Few have considered the two simultaneously, though emerging evidence suggests that algal blooms enhance Vibrio growth and survival. This study examined various physical, nutrient, and temporal factors associated with incidences of HABs, V. vulnificus, and V. parahaemolyticus in South Carolina coastal stormwater detention ponds, managed systems where HABs often proliferate, and their receiving tidal creek waters. Five blooms occurred during the study (2008–2009): two during relatively warmer months (an August 2008 cyanobacteria bloom and a November 2008 dinoflagellate bloom) followed by increases in both Vibrio species and V. parahaemolyticus, respectively, and three during cooler months (December 2008 through February 2009) caused by dinoflagellates and euglenophytes that were not associated with marked changes in Vibrio abundances. Vibrio concentrations were positively and significantly associated with temperature and dissolved organic matter, dinoflagellate blooms, negatively and significantly associated with suspended solids, but not significantly correlated with chlorophyll or nitrogen. While more research involving longer time series is needed to increase robustness, findings herein suggest that certain HAB species may augment Vibrio occurrences during warmer months.

Key Points

• We examined environmental factors associated with algal blooms, Vibrio vulnificus, and V. parahaemolyticus in coastal stormwater ponds

• Vibrio incidences were positively associated with temperature, followed blooms during warmer months, but not correlated with chlorophyll

• Algal blooms may augment Vibrio in systems considered here under future environmental conditions, posing public health concerns