U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5129

Prepared in cooperation with the City of Lawrence, the City of Topeka, Johnson County WaterOne, 

the Kansas Water Office, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Toxins 

and Taste-and-Odor Compounds from Upstream Reservoir 

Releases in the Kansas River, Kansas, September and 

October 2011
Cover. Upper center: Republican River, downstream from Milford Lake, September 2, 2011. 

Lower left: Milford Lake cyanobacterial bloom, September 2, 2011. 

Lower right: Milford Lake outflow, September 2, 2011.

Background: Milford Lake, Kansas.

Photographs by U.S. Geological Survey personnel.
Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and 

Associated Toxins and Taste-and-Odor 

Compounds from Upstream Reservoir 

Releases in the Kansas River, Kansas, 

September and October 2011

By Jennifer L. Graham, Andrew C. Ziegler, Brian L. Loving, and Keith A. Loftin

Prepared in cooperation with the City of Lawrence, the City of Topeka, 

Johnson County WaterOne, the Kansas Water Office, and the 

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5129

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
ISBN 978-1-4113-3435-9

U.S. Department of the Interior

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Marcia K. McNutt, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2012

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reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Graham, J.L., Ziegler, A.C., Loving, B.L., and Loftin, K.A., 2012, Fate and transport of cyanobacteria and associated 

toxins and taste-and-odor compounds from upstream reservoir releases in the Kansas River, Kansas, September and 

October 2011: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5129, 65 p.
iii

Acknowledgments

The authors thank GreenWater Laboratories and Engineering Performance Solutions, LLC for 

providing analytical services during a holiday weekend and the frequent and rapid return of 

analytical results. The authors also thank BSA Environmental Services, Inc. for providing the frequent and rapid return of analytical results. The authors thank Janet Neff, Kansas Department of 

Health and Environment, for providing information on cyanobacterial blooms in Kansas reservoirs during 2011. Additionally the technical review provided by representatives from the City of 

Lawrence, City of Topeka, Johnson County WaterOne, Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department 

of Health and Environment, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers all contributed to improving the 

readability, technical accuracy, and content of the report. 

The authors thank the U.S. Geological Survey Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory for 

providing analytical services during a holiday weekend and the frequent and rapid return of 

analytical results. Joan Kenny, U.S. Geological Survey, provided information on water use in the 

lower Kansas River Basin. And last, but not least, the authors thank the U.S. Geological Survey 

staff that assisted with sample collection, processing, and analysis, including Chelsea Arnold, 

Patrick Finnegan, Guy Foster, Jackline Gatotho, William Holladay, Eric Looper, Mark Lysaught, 

Chelsea Paxson, Benjamin Prewitt, Mandy Stone, Spoorthi Tammareddi, and Andrew Toth.
iv

Contents

Acknowledgments........................................................................................................................................iii

Abstract...........................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................2

Purpose and Scope .......................................................................................................................................3

Description of Study Area ............................................................................................................................3

Previous Investigations.................................................................................................................................3

Methods...........................................................................................................................................................5

Streamflow Data ...................................................................................................................................5

Discrete Water-Quality Samples........................................................................................................6

Data Analysis.........................................................................................................................................8

Quality Assurance and Quality Control ......................................................................................................8

Sample Collection.................................................................................................................................8

Laboratory Analyses...........................................................................................................................10

Upstream Reservoir Releases and Streamflow Conditions..................................................................10

Cyanobacteria ..............................................................................................................................................13

Cyanobacteria in Kansas River Tributaries ....................................................................................13

Cyanobacteria in the Kansas River Main Stem .............................................................................14

Cyanotoxins...................................................................................................................................................14

Milford Lake Cyanobacterial Bloom ................................................................................................16

Microcystin in Kansas River Tributaries .........................................................................................17

Microcystin in the Kansas River Main Stem..................................................................................18

Microcystin in Treated Drinking Water...........................................................................................18

Taste-and-Odor Compounds ......................................................................................................................19

Geosmin and MIB in Kansas River Tributaries ..............................................................................19

Geosmin and MIB in the Kansas River Main Stem .......................................................................19

Co-Occurrence of Cyanotoxins and Taste-and-Odor Compounds ......................................................21

Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Toxins and Taste-and-Odor 

Compounds in the Kansas River..................................................................................................22

Summary........................................................................................................................................................26

References Cited..........................................................................................................................................28

Appendix 1. U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations used to describe 

streamflow conditions in the Kansas River during August through 

October 2011................................................................................................................................33

Appendix 2. Discrete water-quality sampling results from samples collected from 

Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during September and 

October 2011................................................................................................................................34

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from 

Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during September and 

October 2011................................................................................................................................42

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from 

Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during September and 

October 2011................................................................................................................................54
v

Figures

1. Map showing location of reservoirs, U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging 

stations, and discrete water-quality sampling sites in the lower Kansas River Basin.....4

2. Graph showing reservoir releases, instantaneous streamflow, and timing of 

discrete-sample collection at Kansas River tributary and main-stem sampling 

sites during August through October 2011 ...............................................................................7

3. Graphs showing spatial variability in phytoplankton, cyanobacteria, microcystin, 

and taste-and-odor compounds in cross-sectional transects .............................................9

4. Graphs showing gaged and expected streamflow at Kansas River main-stem 

sites on September 8, 2011, September 26, 2011, October 3, 2011, and 

October 31, 2011..........................................................................................................................13

5. Graphs showing cyanobacterial abundance and relative abundance at 

Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during September and 

October 2011................................................................................................................................15

6. Graph showing total microcystin concentrations in Milford Lake upstream 

(north) from the dam and the Milford Lake outflow during September and 

October 2011................................................................................................................................16

7. Graph showing total microcystin concentrations in the Republican River, 

downstream from Milford Lake, and Kansas River main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011 ...................................................................................................17

8. Graph showing total microcystin loads from Milford Lake on sampled days 

during September and October 2011.......................................................................................18

9. Graphs showing geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol at Kansas River tributary 

and main-stem sites during September and October 2011..................................................20

10. Graph showing co-occurrence of microcystin and taste-and-odor compounds 

in Kansas River samples during September and October 2011 ..........................................21

11. Graphs showing measured and expected concentrations of cyanobacteria in 

the Kansas River on September 8, 2011, September 26, 2011, and October 3, 2011, 

with tributaries labeled..............................................................................................................23

12. Graphs showing measured and expected concentrations of total microcystin 

in the Kansas River on September 8, 2011, September 26, 2011, and 

October 3, 2011, with tributaries labeled ................................................................................24

13. Graphs showing measured and expected concentrations of geosmin and 

2-methylisoborneol in the Kansas River on September 8, 2011, September 26, 

2011, and October 3, 2011, with tributaries labeled...............................................................25

Tables

1. Location and description of Kansas River tributary and main-stem sampling 

sites including drainage area and distance from the main-stem Kansas River 

or confluence with the Missouri River......................................................................................5

2. Comparison of discrete-water-quality sampling results from surface-dip, single 

integrated-vertical, and equal-width-increment samples collected at the 

Wamego and Lecompton sites on October 5, 2011...............................................................11

3. Monthly mean streamflows at Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites for 

August, September, and October during the period of record and 2011...........................11

4. Percentage of flow contributed by upstream reservoirs at Kansas River 

main-stem sites on September 8, 2011, September 26, 2011, October 3, 2011, 

and October 31, 2011 ..................................................................................................................12
vi

Conversion Factors

Inch/Pound to SI

Multiply By To obtain

Length

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)

centimeter (cm) 0.3937 inch (in.)

micrometer (μm) 0.0001 centimeter (cm)

Area

square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer (km2) 

Volume

acre-foot (acre-ft) 1,233 cubic meter (m3)

liter (L) 33.82 ounce, fluid (fl. oz)

milliliter (mL) 0.0338 ounce, fluid (fl. oz)

Flow rate

cubic foot per second (ft3/s) 0.02832 cubic meter per second (m3/s)

Mass

kilogram (kg) 2.204 pounds (lb)

microgram (μg) 0.000001 gram (g)

nanogram (ng) 0.000000001 gram (g)

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:

°F=(1.8×°C)+32

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).

Specific conductance is given in microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius (μS/cm at 

25°C).

Concentrations of chemical constituents in water are given either in micrograms per liter (μg/L) 

or nanograms per liter (ng/L).
Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated 

Toxins and Taste-and-Odor Compounds from Upstream 

Reservoir Releases in the Kansas River, Kansas, 

September and October, 2011

By Jennifer L. Graham, Andrew C. Ziegler, Brian L. Loving, and Keith A. Loftin

Abstract

Cyanobacteria cause a multitude of water-quality concerns, including the potential to produce toxins and tasteand-odor compounds. Toxins and taste-and-odor compounds 

may cause substantial economic and public health concerns 

and are of particular interest in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers 

that are used for drinking-water supply, recreation, or aquaculture. The Kansas River is a primary source of drinking 

water for about 800,000 people in northeastern Kansas. Water 

released from Milford Lake to the Kansas River during a toxic 

cyanobacterial bloom in late August 2011 prompted concerns 

about cyanobacteria and associated toxins and taste-and-odor 

compounds in downstream drinking-water supplies. During 

September and October 2011 water-quality samples were 

collected to characterize the transport of cyanobacteria and 

associated compounds from upstream reservoirs to the Kansas 

River. This study is one of the first to quantitatively document 

the transport of cyanobacteria and associated compounds during reservoir releases and improves understanding of the fate 

and transport of cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds 

downstream from reservoirs.

Milford Lake was the only reservoir in the study area 

with an ongoing cyanobacterial bloom during reservoir 

releases. Concentrations of cyanobacteria and associated toxins and taste-and-odor compounds in Milford Lake (upstream 

from the dam) were not necessarily indicative of outflow 

conditions (below the dam). Total microcystin concentrations, 

one of the most commonly occurring cyanobacterial toxins, in 

Milford Lake were 650 to 7,500 times higher than the Kansas 

Department of Health and Environment guidance level for a 

public health warning (20 micrograms per liter) for most of 

September 2011. By comparison, total microcystin concentrations in the Milford Lake outflow generally were less than 

10 percent of the concentrations in surface accumulations, and 

never exceeded 20 micrograms per liter.

The Republican River, downstream from Milford 

Lake, was the only Kansas River tributary with detectable 

microcystin concentrations throughout the study period, 

and concentrations exceeded 1 microgram per liter for most 

of September 2011. Microcystin was detected periodically 

in other tributaries, but concentrations were low (less than 

0.3 micrograms per liter). In contrast, the taste-and-odor 

compounds geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) were 

detected in all tributaries located immediately downstream 

from reservoirs and total concentrations generally exceeded 

the human detection threshold (5 to 10 nanograms per liter) 

from September through mid-October. Microcystin, geosmin, 

and MIB were not detected in the Smoky Hill River upstream 

from the confluence with the Republican River that forms the 

Kansas River.

Within a week after initial reservoir releases, microcystin, 

geosmin, and MIB were detected throughout a 173-mile reach 

of the Kansas River; these compounds remained detectable 

throughout the reach until mid-October. Losses to groundwater when streamflows in the Kansas River were increasing 

indicate the potential for reservoir releases to affect groundwater quality as well as surface-water quality. Total microcystin concentrations in the Kansas River generally were highest 

within about 24 miles of the confluence of the Smoky Hill and 

Republican Rivers, and decreased downstream; concentrations 

exceeded 1 microgram per liter in the Kansas River upstream 

from Topeka during the first 2 weeks of September. Patterns 

in microcystin occurrence and concentration at Kansas River 

tributary and main-stem sites indicate that Milford Lake was 

the source of microcystin in the Kansas River; however, the 

source of taste-and-odor compounds was not as evident, possibly because multiple tributaries contributed taste-and-odor 

compounds to the Kansas River.

Microcystin and taste-and-odor compounds co-occurred 

in 56 percent of samples collected, indicating co-occurrence 

was common. Despite frequent co-occurrence, the spatial and 

temporal patterns in microcystin, geosmin, and MIB were 

unique and did not necessarily match patterns in cyanobacterial abundance. Use of a single compound or cyanobacterial 

abundance alone cannot necessarily be used as an indicator of 

the presence or concentration of these compounds.
2 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Measured concentrations of cyanobacteria and associated compounds were substantially higher than expected 

concentrations based on simple dilution models at some sites 

and substantially lower at others, though spatial and temporal 

patterns were unique for individual compounds. Data were 

not collected in such a way to determine whether differences 

between measured and expected concentrations were statistically significant. Results, however, indicate that simple 

dilution models were not sufficient to describe the downstream 

transport of cyanobacteria and associated compounds in the 

Kansas River. 

Introduction

Cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) cause a 

multitude of water-quality concerns, including the potential 

to produce toxins and taste-and-odor compounds. Toxins and 

taste-and-odor compounds may cause substantial economic 

and public health concerns, and are of particular interest in 

lakes, reservoirs, and rivers that are used for drinking-water 

supply, recreation, or aquaculture (Graham, 2006). Cyanobacterial toxins (cyanotoxins) have been implicated in human 

and animal illness and death in at least 36 States in the United 

States, including Kansas (Graham and others, 2009; van der 

Merwe and others, 2012). Several countries have set national 

standards or guidelines for cyanotoxins in drinking and recreational waters (Hudnell, 2008). Cyanotoxins currently (2012) 

are on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) 

drinking-water contaminant candidate list (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2009) and several States include 

cyanotoxins in their freshwater beach-monitoring programs 

(Graham and others, 2009). Unlike cyanotoxins, taste-andodor compounds have no known effects on human health, and 

there are no regulations for these compounds. Aesthetic issues 

associated with tastes and odors occur at low concentrations 

(human detection threshold of 5 to 10 nanograms per liter, 

ng/L) and remedial actions often are implemented as soon as 

taste or odor is detected in a drinking-water supply (Taylor 

and others, 2005). Cyanobacterial toxins and taste-and-odor 

compounds may co-occur, emphasizing the need for increased 

cyanotoxin surveillance during taste-and-odor occurrences 

so that treatment can be modified accordingly, and to verify 

that cyanotoxins are not present in concentrations at or above 

thresholds of potential health risk (Graham and others, 2010). 

The Kansas River and its associated alluvial aquifer are 

primary sources of drinking water for about 800,000 people 

in northeastern Kansas (J. Kenny, U.S. Geological Survey, 

written commun., March 27, 2011). In addition to serving as 

a drinking-water supply, designated uses of the Kansas River 

include recreation, aquatic life support, food procurement, 

groundwater recharge, irrigation, and livestock watering 

(Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 2011). All of 

these designated uses potentially may be affected by cyanobacteria and associated toxins and taste-and-odor compounds 

(Chorus and Bartram, 1999; Hudnell, 2008). There are no 

reports of noticeable cyanobacterial blooms developing in the 

Kansas River (Carney, 2012); however, reservoirs in the lower 

Kansas River Basin do occasionally develop blooms (J. Neff, 

Kansas Department of Health and Environment, written communs., January 26, March 19, and June 6, 2012). 

Upstream lakes and reservoirs can have substantial 

effects on phytoplankton abundance and community composition in rivers (Reynolds, 1984; Allan, 1995; Wehr and 

Sheath, 2003). Downstream transport of cyanobacteria and 

associated toxins and taste-and-odor compounds from lakes 

and reservoirs during blooms has been previously documented 

but is not well quantified (Lehman and others, 2005; Kann 

and others, 2010; Miller and others, 2010), and transport 

mechanisms are not well understood. Most current (2012) 

cyanobacteria transport studies have focused on estuarine 

areas, where cyanotoxins transported from upstream lakes 

and reservoirs have caused substantial negative effects. For 

example, sea otter deaths in Monterey Bay, California were 

linked to transport of microcystin, one of the most commonly 

occurring cyanotoxins, from upstream freshwater sources and 

subsequent accumulation in the bay food web (Miller and others, 2010).

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment 

(KDHE) used two guidance levels to issue either public health 

advisories or warnings for cyanobacteria-related harmful algal 

blooms (HAB) in Kansas lakes and reservoirs during 2011. 

Cyanobacterial abundances between 20,000 and 100,000 cells 

per milliliter (cells/mL) or microcystin concentrations less 

than 20 μg/L were the guidance levels for advisories; cyanobacterial abundances in excess of 100,000 cells/mL or 

microcystin concentrations in excess of 20 μg/L were the 

guidance levels for warnings (Kansas Department of Health 

and Environment, 2010). These guidance levels reflect the 

World Health Organization (WHO) provisional guidelines for 

moderate and high probability of acute human health effects 

(Chorus and Bartram, 1999). During 2011, cyanobacterial 

blooms caused the KDHE to issue public health advisories or 

warnings for 21 public-use lakes in Kansas, including Perry 

and Milford Lakes, located in the lower Kansas River Basin 

(fig. 1). Perry Lake was under advisory or warning for 14 days 

in July 2011. The cyanobacterial bloom event in Milford 

Lake lasted from July through October 2011 and the reservoir 

was under advisory or warning for a total of 98 days (J. Neff, 

KDHE, written communs., January 26, March 19, and June 6, 

2012). After reviewing the 2011 season, the KDHE HAB policy for Kansas recreational waters was revised; most guidance 

levels for cyanobacterial abundance and microcystin remained 

unchanged, with the exception of microcystin advisory levels. 

The current (2012) range of microcystin concentrations for 

an advisory is between 4 and 20 μg/L (Kansas Department of 

Health and Environment, 2012). 

Because of flooding along the Missouri River, reservoir 

releases in the lower Kansas River Basin were maintained 

at low flows during summer 2011 (U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers, 2011). When water was released from Milford 
Previous Investigations 3

Lake to the Kansas River in late August 2011 to evacuate 

water that had accumulated in the flood-control pool, the 

ongoing HAB warning prompted concerns about cyanobacteria and associated toxins and taste-and-odor compounds 

in downstream drinking-water supplies. In September 2011, 

the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with 

the City of Lawrence, the City of Topeka, Johnson County 

WaterOne, the Kansas Water Office, and KDHE, conducted a 

study to characterize the extent and duration of the transport of 

cyanobacteria and associated compounds from Milford Lake 

and other upstream reservoirs to the Kansas River. This study 

is one of the first to quantitatively document the transport of 

cyanobacteria and associated compounds during a reservoir 

release and improves understanding of the fate and transport 

of cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds downstream 

from reservoirs. 

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this report is to characterize the fate and 

transport of cyanobacteria and associated toxins and tasteand-odor compounds in the Kansas River following upstream 

reservoir releases. The specific objectives are to describe the 

extent and duration of the transport of cyanobacteria and associated toxins and taste-and-odor compounds from upstream 

reservoirs to the Kansas River during September 2 through 

October 31, 2011, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses 

of the sampling plan used during this cyanobacteria-related 

event so that robust plans to monitor future cyanobacteriarelated events can be developed.

Description of Study Area

The Kansas River Basin has an area of 60,097 square 

miles (mi2), encompassing the northern one-half of Kansas 

and parts of Nebraska and Colorado. The Kansas River is 

formed by the confluence of the Smoky Hill and Republican 

Rivers, near Junction City, Kansas and flows about 173 miles 

east into the Missouri River (not shown), near Kansas City, 

Kansas (fig. 1). The area downstream from the Smoky Hill and 

Republican Rivers commonly is called the lower Kansas River 

Basin. Eighteen Federal reservoir projects impound water 

on all the major tributaries of the Kansas River, controlling 

streamflow in 85 percent of the drainage area (Perry, 1994). 

However, the main stem of the Kansas River has only minor 

control structures, including Bowersock Dam (in Lawrence, 

Kansas; not shown), a low-head hydroelectric dam, and 

several diversion weirs for water supply (Kansas Riverkeeper, 

2012).

About 77 percent of land use in the study area (5,448 mi2) 

is agricultural (cropland and grassland), with some urban areas 

(about 9 percent of land use; Fry and others, 2011). Although 

urban development represents a small part of the total land 

use, major urban and industrial areas are located along the 

river at Manhattan, Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City, 

Kansas (fig. 1). All of these cities, in addition to many smaller 

communities, use water from the Kansas River and its associated alluvial aquifer for municipal water supply. 

To characterize the fate and transport of cyanobacteria 

and associated toxins and taste-and-odor compounds from 

upstream reservoirs to the Kansas River, 16 sites were sampled (fig. 1, table 1). Streamflow in the study area is regulated 

by four reservoirs (Milford, Tuttle Creek, Perry, and Clinton; 

fig. 1). All four are bottom-release reservoirs constructed in 

the 1960s and 1970s for flood control, but also are used for 

other purposes including recreation and drinking-water supply 

(either directly or through releases for downstream use; U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers, 2012). Samples were collected 

on tributary streams (Republican, Big Blue, Delaware, and 

Wakarusa, respectively; fig. 1) between 2.3 and 5.7 miles 

downstream from the dams forming the reservoirs. The Smoky 

Hill River, which is joined by the Republican River to form 

the Kansas River, also was sampled. Kansas River main-stem 

sampling sites were located between 14.9 and 170.6 miles 

upstream from the confluence with the Missouri River (fig. 1, 

table 1).

Previous Investigations

The Kansas River has been the subject of numerous studies for a variety of purposes, including water-quality conditions and trends, flooding characteristics, geomorphology, 

effects of dredging, and effects of urbanization and wastewater discharge (Cross and deNoyelles, 1982; Jordan, 1995; 

Perry, 1994; Pope, 1994; Jordan and Stamer, 1995; Helgesen, 

1996; Pope and Putnam, 1997; Rasmussen and Ziegler, 2003; 

Rasmussen and Christensen, 2005; Rasmussen and others, 

2005). Although these studies were not designed specifically 

to evaluate the effects of upstream reservoirs on water quality, 

they have contributed to a general understanding of reservoir 

effects on Kansas River water-quality conditions. The reservoirs in the lower Kansas River Basin trap nutrients, sediment, 

and bacteria, and reservoir outflows typically dilute downstream concentrations of these constituents (Rasmussen and 

Ziegler, 2003; Rasmussen and Christensen, 2005; Rasmussen 

and others, 2005; Juracek, 2011). 

Cyanobacteria commonly occur in Kansas River phytoplankton communities, but typically are not the dominant algal 

group (Carney, 2012). The effect of upstream reservoirs on 

phytoplankton community composition in the Kansas River 

has not been well characterized. Cyanobacterial toxins and 

taste-and-odor compounds have not been routinely analyzed 

in the Kansas River and associated tributaries; the occurrence 

frequency and concentration range of these compounds currently (2012) is unknown. The study described in this report 

is one of the first to describe cyanobacteria and associated 

compounds in the Kansas River and document transport from 

reservoir releases. 
4 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011 Figure 1. Location of reservoirs, U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations, and discrete water-quality sampling sites in the lower Kansas River Basin.

Leavenworth

Kansas City

Lenexa

Olathe

Overland Park

Shawnee

Lawrence

Topeka

Manhattan Manhattan

Big Blue

Wamego

Belvue

Topeka Delaware

Lecompton

Wakarusa

De Soto

I-435

Milford Outlet

Lawrence

Ft. Riley Ft. Riley

Smoky Hill Smoky Hill

De Soto

I-435

Milford Milford

Republican Republican

R

Delaware

W

R

olf R

mi T eb Cr r

Stranger

Lanos Cr

Cr

Neosho R

Wakarusa R

Missouri R

West Fancy Cr

ett al P R

Bull Cr

Rock C

M

r

ill Cr

l C ra sk Cr

r C o ko de Cr

Cr

Roc kCr

al P ett R

Soldier Cr

Wolf Cr

Neosho R

Rock Cr

Little Soldier Cr

Cr

S ol ugh Cr

Elk Cr

IndependenceCr

Little Blue R

Rock Cr

Mill Cr r C

Cr noyL Cr

Kansas R

r Cnell A

ekruT C y r

Deer Cr

Cr

Muddy Cr

Csi onillI r

Scat et r Cr

Bowman Cr

Bluff Cr

Salt Cr a C rr y r C

Riddle Cr

nall o H Cd r

Wolfley Cr

Cr

eT

mn i el Cr

Spring Cr

r C

Elk Cr

Cr

Carry

Cr

t no C Cyrar r

Pony Cr

Straight Cr

gnirpS

Cr

Gypsum Cr

Cr

Mud Cr

Horseshoe Cr

r CeeB

r Cra G

Cedar Cr

Tauy Cr Muddy Cr

Marias Des Cygnes R

boR odi xu

r C

Peel Cr

Coon Cr

Cross Cr

One Hundred And Two R

Salt Cr

Cr

Kill Cr

Cpee D

r

Milford 

Lake 

TuttleCreek  Lake

Perry Lake

Clinton 

Lake

Mud Cr

i L tt el

r Cll u B

Eightmile

Appanoose

kcoR r C

M

Cr

issouri R

M li l

syoR

Miss oi n

uS gar

Grasshopper

Walnut

Gregg C

G

r

rasshopper Cr

Chapman

Smoky Hill R

Mill Cr

Humbolt Cr

Black Vermillion R

eV mr li noil

B gi

Mil el rs

Republican R

Mcdo well Cr

Blue

Wildcat Cr

Cr

Indian Cr

Soldier

CkcuB

r

Ninemile Cr

Junction

City

Kan as s R

mS ko Hye li l R

Republican R

Milford Outlet

Milford

Republican

Smoky Hill

Ft. Riley

KANSAS

COLORADO

NEBRASKA

Kansas River

Basin

Studyarea

Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 1994, 1:2,000,000Albers Equal-area Conic projectionStandard parallels 29°30’ and 45°30’, central meridian 96°

95° 95°30’ 96° 96°30’ 97° 97°30’

40°

39°30’

39°

EXPLANATION

Boundary of lower 

Kansas River Basin in Kansas

U.S. Geological Survey 

streamflow-gaging station

U.S. Geological Survey 

discrete waterquality sample site and identifer

U.S. Geological Survey 

streamflow-gaging station, discrete water-quality sample site and identifier

0 10 20 30 MILES0 10 20 30 KILOMETERS

KANSAS

MISSOURI
Methods 5

Table 1. Location and description of Kansas River tributary and main-stem sampling sites including drainage area and distance from 

the main-stem Kansas River or confluence with the Missouri River.

[nr, near; KS, Kansas; R, River; Pl, Plaza]

Site identifier 

(fig. 1) Site name

U.S. Geological 

Survey identification 

number

Drainage area 

(square miles)

River miles off Kansas River 

main stem or miles upstream 

from confluence with 

Missouri River1

Milford Reservoir sampling sites

Milford Milford Lake nr Junction City, KS 06857050 24,880 7.9

Milford Outlet Milford Lake outlet, KS 390433096534600 24,880 7.9

Kansas River tributary sampling sites

Smoky Hill Smoky Hill R at Grandview Pl, Junction City, KS 06879005 19,906 175.7

Republican Republican R at Junction City, KS2 06857100 24,900 3.0

Big Blue Big Blue R nr Manhattan, KS3 06887000 9,640 8.2

Delaware Delaware R at Perry, KS4 06890900 1,141 1.0

Wakarusa Wakarusa R nr Lawrence, KS5 06891500 425 17.0

Kansas River main-stem sampling sites

Ft. Riley Kansas R at Fort Riley, KS 06879100 44,870 170.6

Manhattan Kansas R at Manhattan, KS 06879820 45,288 149.3

Wamego Kansas R at Wamego, KS 06887500 55,280 128.3

Belvue Kansas R nr Belvue, KS 06888350 55,870 116.4

Topeka Kansas R at Topeka, KS 06889000 56,720 83.8

Lecompton Kansas R at Lecompton, KS 06891000 58,460 64.3

Lawrence Kansas R at Lawrence, KS 06891080 58,500 52.3

De Soto Kansas R at Desoto, KS 06892350 59,756 30.8

I-435 Kansas R nr I-435 Bridge, KS 06892518 59,994 14.9

1

River miles off Kansas River main stem are given for reservoir and tributary sampling sites; miles upstream from confluence with Missouri River are given 

for main-stem sampling sites.

2

Approximately 4.9 miles downstream from the Milford Lake Dam.

3

Approximately 2.3 miles downstream from the Tuttle Creek Lake Dam.

4

Approximately 3.6 miles downstream from the Perry Lake Dam.

5

Approximately 5.7 miles downstream from the Clinton Lake Dam.

Methods

Discrete water-quality samples were collected during 

September and October 2011 to characterize the extent and 

duration of the transport of cyanobacteria and associated 

toxins and taste-and-odor compounds in the Kansas River. 

Milford Lake was the only reservoir in the study area with an 

ongoing cyanobacterial bloom during reservoir releases; therefore, surface accumulations of cyanobacteria several meters 

upstream (north) of the Milford Lake Dam and the Milford 

Lake outlet were sampled to generally describe bloom conditions. Tributary sites were sampled to quantify the amount 

of cyanobacteria and associated compounds contributed by 

upstream reservoirs and Kansas River main-stem sites were 

sampled to quantify downstream transport.

Streamflow Data

Data from 20 USGS streamflow-gaging stations, 6 on the 

Kansas River and 14 on various tributaries (fig. 1, appendix 1), 

were used to describe streamflow conditions in the Kansas 

River during August through October 2011. Streamflow was 

measured using standard USGS methods (Sauer and Turnipseed, 2010; Turnipseed and Sauer, 2010). Streamflow data 

were downloaded from the USGS National Water Information 

System website (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis).
6 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Discrete Water-Quality Samples

Discrete water-quality samples were collected from surface accumulations of cyanobacteria several meters upstream 

from the Milford Lake Dam, the Milford Lake outlet, 5 Kansas 

River tributary sites, and 9 Kansas River main-stem sites from 

September 2 through October 31, 2011 (fig. 2, table 1, appendix 2). Samples were collected weekly, but the number of 

sites sampled and the analyses performed varied depending on 

cyanotoxin and taste-and-odor results from the previous week. 

Individual sites were sampled on one to eleven occasions during this study (appendix 2).

Multiparameter YSI 6600EDS water-quality monitors were used to measure specific conductance, pH, water 

temperature, turbidity (YSI 6136 optical turbidity sensor), 

dissolved oxygen (YSI optical dissolved oxygen sensor), 

and fluorescence (YSI 6025 chlorophyll sensor) at each site 

during sample collection. Monitors were handled, stored, and 

maintained in accordance with standard USGS procedures 

(Wagner and others, 2006). These ancillary data are presented 

in appendix 2.

Most discrete water-quality samples were collected as 

surface dips from the centroid of flow using a weighted bottle 

sampler (Lane and others, 2003) and an autoclaved widemouth 1-liter (L) high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle 

following USGS methods (U.S. Geological Survey, variously 

dated). Two surface-dip samples were collected; one was used 

to fill a 1-L HDPE bottle and the other to fill a 500-milliliter 

(mL) HDPE bottle. Sample bottles were triple rinsed with 

native water before filling. All samples were stored on ice in 

the dark. Immediately upon return to the laboratory, water 

from the 1-L bottle was processed for total and dissolved 

cyanotoxins, total taste-and-odor, and chlorophyll analyses 

as described in Graham and others (2008) and Hambrook 

Berkman and Canova (2007). Water in the 500-mL bottle was 

preserved with a 9:1 Lugol’s iodine:acetic acid solution for 

phytoplankton identification and enumeration. On September 

8 and 20, 2011, finished drinking-water samples were collected at three drinking-water treatment facilities that use the 

Kansas River as a source-water supply and were stored frozen 

until analysis. 

Cyanobacterial toxins and taste-and-odor compounds 

may occur in particulate (intracellular) and dissolved (extracellular) phases (Graham and others, 2008). During this study, 

total concentrations were measured in most samples; total 

concentrations include the particulate and dissolved phases. 

Analysis of total cyanotoxin concentration is typical because 

it is indicative of potential maximum exposure (Loftin and 

others, 2008).

Cyanotoxin samples were analyzed for anatoxin-a and 

microcystin by GreenWater Laboratories, Palatka, Florida and 

cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, and saxitoxin by the USGS 

Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL), Lawrence, Kansas. GreenWater Laboratories analyzed most (about 

90 percent) microcystin samples. All samples for total cyanotoxin analyses, with the exception of anatoxin-a, were lysed by 

three sequential freeze-thaw cycles at the USGS Kansas Water 

Science Center. After freeze-thaw, samples were filtered using 

0.7-micrometer (μm) syringe filters (Loftin and others, 2008). 

Abraxis® enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were 

used to measure microcystin (detection limit 0.1 micrograms 

per liter, μg/L; congener independent), cylindrospermopsin 

(detection limit 0.4 μg/L), and saxitoxin (detection limit 

0.02 μg/L). Many of the cyanotoxins have multiple variants 

(congeners) and ELISA is not specific to individual variants; 

therefore, reported concentrations potentially include multiple 

variants, degradates, and precursors. Cyanotoxin data are 

presented in appendix 2. 

Anatoxin-a samples were lysed at GreenWater Laboratories by sonication for 8 minutes using an ultrasonic 

homogenizer (Rapala and others, 2002; Spoof and others, 

2003). Following lysis, samples were extracted using 

solid phase extraction (SPE). Anatoxin-a was analyzed on 

a ThermoFinnigan LCQ Advantage MS® ion-trap liquid 

chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS) using the 

combined methodology of Friday and Carmichael (2001) 

and Dell’Aversano and others (2004). The [M+H]+ ions for 

anatoxin-a (mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) 166) were fragmented 

and the major product ions (m/z 149, 131, 107, and 91) provided specificity and sensitivity. Standard addition was utilized 

for the quantitation of all samples and also provides additional 

confirmation. 

Taste-and-odor samples were analyzed for geosmin 

and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) by Engineering Performance 

Solutions, LLC, Gainesville, Florida. Geosmin and MIB were 

analyzed by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography/

mass spectrometry (SPME GC/MS; method detection limit 

2 ng/L) following USGS methods (Zimmerman and others, 

2002). Taste-and-odor data are presented in appendix 2. 

Chlorophyll was analyzed at the USGS Kansas Water 

Science Center. Total chlorophyll (uncorrected for degradation products) was extracted in heated ethanol (Sartory and 

Grobbelar, 1986) and analyzed fluorometrically using USEPA 

Method 445.0 (Knowlton, 1984; Arar and Collins, 1997). 

Chlorophyll data are presented in appendix 2.

Phytoplankton samples were analyzed for taxonomic 

identification and enumeration by BSA Environmental 

Services, Inc., Beachwood, Ohio. Phytoplankton were 

enumerated to the lowest possible taxonomic level using 

membrane-filtered slides (McNabb, 1960). A minimum of 

400 natural units (colonies, filaments, and unicells) were 

counted from each sample; in accordance with Lund and 

others (1958), counting 400 natural units provides accuracy 

within 90 percent confidence limits. In addition, an entire strip 

of the filter was counted at high magnification (usually 630 X) 

along with one-half of the filter at a lower magnification (usually 400 X) to ensure complete species reporting. Taxonomic 

data are presented in appendixes 3 and 4.
Methods 7

Figure 2. Reservoir releases, instantaneous streamflow, and timing of discrete-sample collection at (A) Kansas River tributary and 

(B) main-stem sampling sites during August through October 2011. Dashed lines indicate dates when discrete water-quality samples 

were collected. Dashed lines in red indicate dates when flow contributions by reservoir releases and simple dilution models (transport) 

were calculated. Smoky Hill River streamflow data are from the streamflow-gaging station at Enterprise (U.S. Geological Survey 

identification number 06877600) because there is not a streamflow-gaging station at Junction City.

August–October 2011

08/01 08/08 08/15 08/22 08/29 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31

Streamflow, in cubic feet per second

100

1,000

10,000

100,000

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

100,000

Smoky Hill

EXPLANATION

Republican

Discrete sample 

collection

Transport calculated

Big Blue

Delaware

Wakarusa

A

B

Ft. Riley

Wamego

Belvue

Topeka

Lecompton

Desoto

EXPLANATION

Discrete sample 

collection

Transport calculated
8 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Data Analysis

Stable streamflow conditions in the Kansas River were 

rare during the study period, and water gains and losses 

occurred between sites. For example, streamflow frequently 

was higher at the Wamego site than the Topeka site, which 

is about 44.5 miles downstream from Wamego (fig. 2B). 

Dynamic streamflow conditions complicate calculations of 

the percentage of flow contributed by reservoir outflows and 

simple dilution models. The percentage of flow contributed by 

reservoir outflows and simple dilution models were calculated 

for four dates (September 8, 2011; September 26, 2011; October 3, 2011; and October 31, 2011) when streamflow conditions were stable for at least 48 hours before sample collection 

(fig. 2B). Streamflows during these four dates generally were 

representative of the range of streamflow conditions in the 

Kansas River during and after reservoir releases. 

Gains and losses in streamflow at each gaged Kansas 

River main-stem site (figs. 1 and 2B) were quantified for the 

four dates when streamflow conditions were stable by comparing gaged daily mean streamflow to expected daily mean 

streamflow based on inflows between two gaged sites. Inflows 

between two gaged sites were calculated as the sum of the 

daily mean streamflow from gaged and ungaged tributaries in 

the intervening drainage area (IDA) between sites. Ungaged 

streamflow was estimated by multiplying the gaged streamflow in the unregulated IDA by the ratio of ungaged to gaged 

IDA (Hirsch, 1979). Net gains and losses in streamflow were 

assumed to be from groundwater; however, water withdrawals 

and discharges also may be important at some sites.

The percentage of flow contributed by reservoir outflow 

at each gaged Kansas River main-stem site was calculated as:

 (1)

where 

P is the percentage of flow contributed by 

outflow from a given reservoir,

QO is gaged streamflow at the reservoir outflow,

QG is gaged streamflow at the main-stem site, and

X is the cumulative proportion of streamflow 

lost between all upstream main-stem sites.

This approach assumes that Kansas River water from all 

sources is well mixed and lost equally and that losses to 

groundwater are permanent.

Based on the simple dilution model described in Hem 

(1985), cyanobacteria, microcystin, and taste-and-odor 

concentrations in reservoir outflows were multiplied by P to 

calculate expected concentrations at Kansas River main-stem 

sites. Expected concentrations from all upstream reservoir 

outflows were summed for sites affected by multiple reservoirs. This approach assumes a constant load is entering from 

upstream reservoir outflows and that dilution is the only factor 

influencing changes in concentration at downstream sites. 

Three ungaged Kansas River main-stem sites were sampled 

(Manhattan, Lawrence, and I-435; fig. 1); given the stable 

streamflow conditions and low streamflows at gaged tributaries (cumulative streamflows less than or equal to 12 cubic 

feet per second, ft3/s) when P was calculated, the percentage 

of flow contributed by reservoir outflows at these sites was 

assumed to be the same as the closest gaged site upstream 

(Ft. Riley, Lecompton, and De Soto; fig. 1). 

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Quality-assurance and quality-control samples were collected to evaluate variability in sample collection and processing techniques and among laboratory variability in analytical 

techniques. Relative percentage difference (RPD) was used 

to evaluate differences in analyte concentrations detected in 

replicate pairs of samples. The RPD was calculated using the 

following equation:

 (2)

where A and B are concentrations in each replicate pair. 

Sample Collection

Understanding the effect of sample location and method 

is essential to the design of effective monitoring strategies 

and studies to quantify fate and transport of cyanobacteria and 

associated compounds. Collection of surface-dip samples is 

a rapid approach suitable for collecting numerous samples to 

evaluate occurrence; however, surface-dip samples may not be 

representative of overall stream conditions if water is not well 

mixed or suspended materials, such as algae, are not uniformly 

distributed (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated). Discrete 

surface-dip and single integrated-vertical samples from crosschannel transects and equal-width-increment (EWI) samples 

were collected following USGS protocols (U.S. Geological 

Survey, variously dated) at two sites (Wamego and Lecompton; fig. 1, table 1) to describe variability in cyanobacteria, 

cyanotoxins, and taste-and-odor compounds, and sampling 

techniques. Cross-channel transects were divided into 

10 equal-width increments. Single integrated-vertical samples 

were collected at the center of each increment by lowering and 

raising the sampler through the water column. For the EWI 

samples, integrated-vertical samples were collected at the 

center of each increment and combined into one sample. The 

EWI method results in a composite sample that represents the 

discharge-weighted concentration of the cross-channel transect 

being sampled (U.S. Geological Survey, 2006).

Overall, phytoplankton abundance varied by a factor of 

about two along cross-channel transects. In contrast, cyanobacterial abundance varied by as much as a factor of about 

5,000 (fig. 3), suggesting the transport of cyanobacteria differed from other algal groups. Many cyanobacteria have the 
Quality Assurance and Quality Control 9

Figure 3. Spatial variability in phytoplankton, cyanobacteria, microcystin, and taste-and-odor compounds in cross-sectional transects. 

(A) Lecompton, September 20, 2011. Surface-grab samples were collected; microcystin was not analyzed. (B) Wamego, October 5, 2011. 

Single integrated-vertical samples were collected; 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) was not detected. (C) Lecompton, October 5, 2011. Single 

integrated-vertical samples were collected; 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) was not detected.

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

100,000

10,000

1,000

100

10

1

Total geosmin, in nanograms per liter

Algal abundance, in cells per milliliter

Total microcystin, in micrograms per liter

Sample location

Boat ramp Left Center Right

Sample location, in feet from left edge of water

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000

Phytoplankton

EXPLANATION

Cyanobacteria

Geosmin

2-Methylisopoborneol (MIB)

A

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

100,000

10,000

1,000

100

10

1

B

Algal abundance, in cells per milliliter

Taste-and-odor concentration, in nanograms per liter

Sample location, in feet from left edge of water

600 700 800 900 1,000 1,100 1,200 1,300 1,400 1,500 1,600 1,700

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

100,000

10,000

1,000

100

10

1

Total geosmin, in nanograms per liter

Algal abundance, in cells per milliliter

Total microcystin, in micrograms per liter

C

Phytoplankton

EXPLANATION

Cyanobacteria

Geosmin

Microcystin

Phytoplankton

EXPLANATION

Cyanobacteria

Geosmin

Microcystin
10 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

ability to regulate buoyancy and control their position in the 

water column (Reynolds, 1987), which may result in differential transport of these organisms. Microcystin, geosmin, and 

MIB concentrations were less variable than cyanobacterial 

abundance; concentrations of these compounds varied by as 

much as a factor of about two along cross-channel transects. 

Cross-sectional patterns in the concentration of each compound were unique, and did not necessarily match patterns in 

cyanobacterial abundance (fig. 3). Cyanobacterial toxins and 

taste-and-odor compounds may occur in particulate (intracellular) or dissolved (extracellular) phases or both, which may 

lead to spatial uncoupling of cyanobacteria and their associated compounds (Graham and others, 2008). 

Concentrations of cyanobacteria and associated compounds were compared in surface-dip and single integratedvertical samples collected at the centroid of flow, and EWI 

samples. The RPD’s between samples ranged from 0 to 

200 percent and varied depending on sample type, constituent, 

and site (table 2). In general, RPDs were higher for phytoplankton and cyanobacterial abundance (range: 6 to 200 percent, median: 138 percent) than for other constituents (range: 

0 to 49 percent, median: 7 percent). The RPDs between single 

integrated-vertical and EWI samples were generally lower 

(range: 0 to 198 percent, median: 8 percent) than the RPDs 

between single integrated-vertical and surface dip samples 

(range: 0 to 200 percent, median: 24 percent) or surface-dip 

and EWI samples (range: 0 to 200 percent, median: 20 percent). These data indicate that single integrated-vertical 

samples at the centroid of flow may be a useful compromise 

between surface-dip and EWI sampling methods when a rapid 

approach is needed. 

Laboratory Analyses

A comparison of microcystin analysis by GreenWater 

Laboratories and the OGRL was done on 23 laboratory splitreplicate samples. Microcystin was detected in 52 percent of 

samples analyzed by GreenWater Laboratories and 61 percent 

of samples analyzed by the OGRL. Samples with detections 

by the OGRL but not GreenWater Laboratories occurred 

when concentrations were near the method reporting limit 

(0.1 μg/L). The RPDs in samples with detections by both 

laboratories ranged from 2 to 88 percent (median: 24 percent; 

number of pairs=15), and the absolute difference in microcystin concentrations between replicate pairs was 3 μg/L or less.

Upstream Reservoir Releases and 

Streamflow Conditions

Reservoirs in the Kansas River Basin control streamflow 

in 85 percent of the drainage area and flood-control operations reduce flooding along the Kansas and lower Missouri 

Rivers (Perry, 1994). Flood-control reservoirs temporarily 

store flood waters to reduce downstream flood peaks and 

streamflow conditions downstream from a reservoir need to 

be considered before substantial releases are made. Because 

of flooding along the Missouri River, reservoir releases in the 

lower Kansas River Basin were maintained at low flows from 

June through August, 2011 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 

2011). From August 31 through October 5, 2011, releases from 

Milford (Republican River), Tuttle Creek (Big Blue River), 

and Perry (Delaware River) Lakes were increased (fig. 2A) to 

evacuate water that had accumulated in the flood-control pool; 

releases from Clinton Lake (Wakarusa River) were decreased 

from about 25 ft3/s to 2 ft3/s during the same period. Releases 

varied by reservoir, but, in general, maximum releases (about 

6,000; 8,000; and 2,000 ft3/s, respectively) were reached 

around September 20, 2011, and maintained for 1 to 2 weeks 

(fig. 2A). Based on daily mean streamflow downstream from 

the reservoirs (sites on the Republican, Big Blue, and Delaware Rivers, respectively), about 270,000 acre-feet (acre-ft) 

of water was released from Milford Lake, 260,000 acre-ft 

was released from Tuttle Creek Lake, and 56,000 acre-ft was 

released from Perry Lake between August 31 and October 5, 

2011. 

Substantial runoff did not occur during the study period; 

therefore, reservoir releases were the primary cause of 

increased streamflow at Kansas River main-stem sites during September and October 2011. Streamflow at most Kansas 

River main-stem sites increased by about a factor of 10 during 

peak reservoir releases (fig. 2B). Visual inspection of hydrographs indicate that, during this event, when streamflow on the 

Kansas River exceeded about 3,000 ft3/s, water released from 

Milford Lake took about 28 hours to reach Topeka, 36 hours to 

reach Lecompton, and 51 hours to reach De Soto.

In August 2011, before reservoir releases, monthly mean 

streamflow at most sites was between 1.3 and 15 times lower 

than the monthly mean for the period of record, likely because 

reservoir outflows were being maintained at a low level. The 

only tributary site with a higher monthly mean streamflow in 

August 2011 was the Smoky Hill River at Enterprise, which 

is not affected by the lower Kansas River Basin reservoirs 

(table 3). During peak reservoir releases (September 2011), 

monthly mean streamflows at the Republican, Big Blue, and 

Delaware River sites were between 1.3 and 4.7 times higher 

than the monthly mean for the period of record. Monthly mean 

streamflow in October 2011 was between 1.4 and 52 times 

lower than the monthly mean for the period of record at all 

sites, except the Republican River downstream from Milford 

Lake. Republican River monthly mean streamflow in October 2011 was about 1.6 times higher than the monthly mean 

for the period of record, likely because water continued to 

be released from Milford Lake at about 400 ft3/s throughout 

October (fig. 2A). 

The percentage of streamflow contributed by reservoir 

outflows was calculated on four dates when streamflow 

conditions were stable for 48 hours before sample collection (September 8, 2011, September 26, 2011, October 3, 

2011, and October 31, 2011). During peak reservoir releases 
Upstream Reservoir Releases and Streamflow Conditions 11

Table 2. Comparison of discrete-water-quality sampling results from surface-dip, single integrated-vertical, and equal-widthincrement samples collected at the Wamego and Lecompton sites on October 5, 2011.

[EWI, equal width increment; RPD, relative percentage difference; cells/mL, cells per milliliter; μg/L, micrograms per liter; ng/L, nanograms per liter; MIB, 

2-methylisoborneol; --, RPD could not be calculated; <, less than]

Surface-dip 

sample

Single 

integratedvertical sample

EWI 

sample

RPD surface-dip 

and single-vertical 

samples

RPD surface-dip 

and EWI samples

RPD single-vertical 

and EWI samples

Wamego

Phytoplankton abundance 

(cells/mL)

3,100 17,000 15,000 138 131 13

Cyanobacterial abundance 

(cells/mL)

0 3,400 14 200 200 198

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 12 12 13 0 8 8

Microcystin (μg/L) 0.17 0.17 0.17 0 0 0

Geosmin (ng/L) 8.4 8.0 7.4 5 13 8

MIB (ng/L) <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 -- -- --

Lecompton

Phytoplankton abundance 

(cells/mL)

45,000 36,000 34,000 22 28 6

Cyanobacterial abundance 

(cells/mL)

900 0 0 200 200 --

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 32 31 33 3 3 6

Microcystin (μg/L) 0.22 0.17 0.22 26 0 26

Geosmin (ng/L) 14 9.2 8.5 41 49 8

MIB (ng/L) <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 -- -- --

Table 3. Monthly mean streamflows at Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites for August, September, and October during the 

period of record and 2011.

[Smoky Hill River streamflow data are from the streamflow-gaging site at Enterprise (USGS identification number 06877600) because there is not a streamflowgaging station at Junction City; ft3

/s, cubic feet per second]

Site identifier

Monthly mean streamflow (ft3/s) for the period of 

record post upstream impoundment1 Monthly mean streamflow (ft3

/s) for 2011

August September October August September October

Kansas River tributary sampling sites

Smoky Hill at Enterprise 1,550 1,580 1,230 1,900 601 324

Republican 1,050 709 732 70.7 3,660 1,200

Big Blue 2,480 1,780 1,660 223 3,870 718

Delaware 594 487 648 95.9 847 120

Wakarusa 155 128 192 28.3 26.6 3.72

Kansas River main-stem sampling sites

Ft. Riley 2,760 2,160 2,260 2,100 4,400 1,660

Wamego 5,700 4,250 4,180 2,350 7,900 2,920

Belvue 7,310 4,730 4,180 2,390 7,440 3,050

Topeka 6,210 4,770 4,640 2,480 7,000 3,150

Lecompton 7,180 5,550 5,670 2,490 7,760 3,620

De Soto 8,620 5,880 5,950 3,070 7,440 3,820

1

Period of record post most recent upstream impoundment for: Republican, Ft. Riley, Wamego, and Topeka, August 1967–October 2011; Big Blue, May 

1963–October 2011; Delaware, July 1970–October 2011; Wakarusa, May 1980–October 2011; Smoky Hill at Enterprise, October 1934–October 2011; Belvue, 

October 1982–October 2011; Lecompton, July 1970–October 2011; Desoto, May 1980–October 2011.
12 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

(September 26 and October 3, 2011), upstream reservoirs 

contributed between 81 and 93 percent to total streamflow at 

Kansas River main-stem sites (table 4). Following reservoir 

releases (October 31, 2011), upstream reservoirs contributed 

between 44 and 55 percent to total streamflow. The relative contribution of water from Milford Lake was highest at 

Ft. Riley (55 to 87 percent of total streamflow) and lowest 

at De Soto (23 to 47 percent); however, differences among 

sites downstream from Ft. Riley (fig. 1) were small (less than 

10 percent; table 4). Tuttle Creek Lake contributed between 

18 and 53 percent to total streamflow at downstream sites in 

the Kansas River (fig. 1), and differences among sites were 

small (less than 10 percent). Contributions from Perry Lake (3 

to 12 percent of total streamflow) and Clinton Lake (less than 

1 percent) to total streamflow at downstream sites (Lecompton 

and De Soto) were small during September and October 2011 

(table 4).

Bank storage is water that may be held in a river bank 

and contribute to streamflow; however, under high-flow 

conditions water may percolate from the river into the banks 

(Todd, 1964). On September 8, 2011, about 9 days after initial 

reservoir releases (fig. 2), gaged streamflows at Kansas River 

main-stem sites downstream from Ft. Riley were between 

8 and 20 percent less than estimated streamflows based 

on upstream inflows, with the highest losses occurring at 

Lecompton (river mile 64.3; fig. 1, table 1) and De Soto (river 

mile 30.8; fig. 1, table 1) (fig. 4A). The opposite pattern was 

observed on October 31, 2011, about 20 days after streamflow 

in the Kansas River had returned to conditions similar to those 

before reservoir releases; gaged streamflows at Kansas River 

main-stem sites downstream from Ft. Riley (river mile 170.6; 

fig. 1, table 1) were 24 to 37 percent higher than estimated 

streamflows, with the highest gains occurring at Topeka (river 

mile 83.8; fig. 1, table 1) and Lecompton (river mile 64.3; 

Table 4. Percentage of flow contributed by upstream reservoirs at Kansas River main-stem sites on September 8, 2011, September 26, 

2011, October 3, 2011, and October 31, 2011.

Reservoir Percentage of flow contributed by upstream reservoirs

September 8 September 26 October 3 October 31

Ft. Riley

 Milford 68 87 86 55

Wamego

 Milford 47 40 55 29

 Tuttle Creek 32 53 36 22

 Total 79 93 91 51

Belvue

 Milford 47 40 55 28

 Tuttle Creek 31 53 36 21

 Total 78 93 91 49

Topeka

 Milford 46 40 55 25

 Tuttle Creek 31 53 36 19

 Total 77 93 91 44

Lecompton

 Milford 43 33 49 24

 Tuttle Creek 29 45 31 18

Perry 6 12 4 3

 Total 78 90 84 45

De Soto

 Milford 42 33 47 23

 Tuttle Creek 28 45 30 18

Perry 6 12 4 3

 Clinton 1 0.2 0.02 0.4

 Total 77 90 81 44
Cyanobacteria 13

Figure 4. Gaged and expected streamflow at Kansas River main-stem sites on (A) September 8, 2011, (B) September 26, 2011, 

(C) October 3, 2011, and (D) October 31, 2011.

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

C

Distance upstream from confluence with Missouri River, in miles Distance upstream from confluence with Missouri River, in miles 

180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

Streamflow, in cubic feet per second

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

B

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

A

D

EXPLANATION

Gaged

Expected

EXPLANATION

Gaged

Expected

EXPLANATION

Gaged

Expected

EXPLANATION

Gaged

Expected

fig. 1, table 1) (fig. 4D). On September 26 and October 3, 

2011, when reservoir releases and streamflows in the Kansas 

River were at their maximum, the difference between gaged 

and estimated streamflows was less than 10 percent at all 

sites (fig. 4B and C). The observed losses to, and gains from, 

groundwater throughout the course of reservoir releases to the 

Kansas River are characteristic of bank storage (Todd, 1964), 

and demonstrate the connectivity between surface water and 

groundwater during this event. Losses to groundwater when 

streamflows in the Kansas River main stem were increasing 

and bank storage occurred indicate the potential for reservoir 

releases to affect groundwater quality, as well as surface-water 

quality in the lower Kansas River Basin. 

Cyanobacteria

Reservoirs can have a substantial effect on phytoplankton 

community composition in rivers; however, rapid attrition 

of reservoir communities once they enter riverine systems is 

common. The diatoms (Bacillariophyta) and cyanobacteria 

(Cyanophyta) tend to persist farther downstream than other 

algal groups, likely because of differential trapping and settling. In general, diatoms tend to dominate phytoplankton 

communities in rivers, but cyanobacteria also may be present 

(Allan, 1995; Wehr and Sheath, 2003). Cyanobacteria may 

form the dense blooms more characteristic of lakes and reservoirs in rivers, particularly during hot weather conditions with 

little streamflow (Baker and Baker, 1981; Krogmann and others, 1986; Paerl and Bowles, 1987; Bowling and Baker, 1996).

Nine cyanobacterial genera were present at Kansas River 

tributary and main-stem sites during September and October 

2011 and included Anabaena, Anabaenopsis, Aphanizomenon, 

Aphanocapsa, Chroococcus, Cylindrospermopsis, Microcystis, 

Phormidium, and Pseudanabaena (appendix 3). All but one of 

the cyanobacterial genera present (Chroococcus) are known 

producers of cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds 

(Graham and others, 2008). In general, all genera were present 

at tributary and main-stem sites. Most genera were rare, occurring in less than 20 percent of samples (number of samples 

(n)=70). Anabaena and Microcystis, present in 39 and 44 percent of samples, respectively, were the most commonly occurring genera. Anabaena and Microcystis are known microcystin 

producers, and Anabaena also may produce anatoxin and 

geosmin (Graham and others, 2008). 
14 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Cyanobacteria in Kansas River Tributaries

Cyanobacteria occasionally were present at all Kansas 

River tributary sites, but occurred most frequently in the 

Republican River downstream from Milford Lake and in the 

Delaware River downstream from Perry Lake (fig. 5A). The 

Republican River was the only tributary where cyanobacteria 

dominated (greater than 50 percent of total abundance) the 

phytoplankton community (fig. 5B). Cyanobacteria at other 

tributary sites downstream from reservoirs typically contributed less than 25 percent to total phytoplankton abundance 

and cyanobacteria in the Smoky Hill River contributed less 

than 1 percent to total phytoplankton abundance; at these 

sites, diatoms and Cryptophyte algae generally were dominant 

(appendix 4).

The highest cyanobacterial abundances in the Republican, Big Blue, and Delaware Rivers occurred within the first 

2 weeks after reservoir releases were increased (fig. 5A); however, maximum concentrations in the Republican River were 

higher than at other sites by a factor of about 10 and exceeded 

the 20,000 cells/mL guidance level used by KDHE to issue 

public health advisories. Seasonal patterns in cyanobacterial 

abundance were unique to individual sites. In the Republican 

River, cyanobacterial abundance generally declined throughout the course of the study period and cyanobacteria were 

absent from the phytoplankton community after October 11, 

2011. By comparison, in the Delaware River, cyanobacteria 

peaked on September 8, 2011, were absent from the phytoplankton community between September 11 through September 26, 2011, and then persisted through the end of the study 

period (fig. 5A, B). 

Microcystis was the dominant (greater than 50 percent 

of total cyanobacterial abundance) cyanobacterial genera in 

the Republican River for most of the study period (appendix 3). By comparison, though Microcystis was present 

downstream from other reservoirs, multiple genera typically 

were co-dominant. Microcystis was not present in the Smoky 

Hill River during the study period. The relative abundance 

of cyanobacteria and the predominance of Microcystis in the 

Republican River relative to other tributary sites reflected the 

ongoing Microcystis bloom in Milford Lake during the study 

period (appendix 3).

Cyanobacteria in the Kansas River Main Stem

On September 2, 2011, streamflow was peaking at 

Belvue, but water released from Milford and Tuttle Creek 

Lakes had not yet reached Topeka; therefore, water-quality 

conditions at sites located downstream from Belvue (fig. 1) 

may be indicative of Kansas River water-quality conditions 

before reservoir releases. On September 2, 2011, cyanobacteria represented between 15 and 59 percent of total phytoplankton abundance upstream from Belvue and Microcystis

was the dominant (greater than 88 percent of cyanobacterial 

abundance) cyanobacterial genera at all sites. By comparison, 

cyanobacteria were present at all Kansas River main-stem sites 

downstream from Belvue, but represented less than 8 percent 

of total phytoplankton abundance (fig. 5C, D). Chroococcus and Pseudanabaena, genera commonly found in riverine 

ecosystems (Wehr and Sheath, 2003), generally were most 

abundant; however, Microcystis also was present and the 

dominant cyanobacterial genera at some sites (appendixes 3 

and 4). Thus, cyanobacteria likely were present, and may have 

been affected by upstream reservoirs, in the Kansas River 

main stem before increased reservoir releases. On September 

8, 2011, reservoir releases had reached Kansas City (I-435 

site), and Microcystis was the dominant cyanobacterial genera 

(greater than 80 percent of cyanobacterial abundance) at all 

sites (appendixes 3 and 4).

In general, cyanobacterial abundance was highest at 

all sites on September 2 and 8, 2011 immediately following reservoir releases (fig. 5C). Cyanobacterial abundance 

equalled or exceeded the 20,000 cells/mL guidance level used 

by KDHE to issue public health advisories at Ft. Riley and 

Belvue on September 2, 2011. Cyanobacterial abundance 

remained low (less than 1,000 cells/mL) and often were not 

present in phytoplankton samples after September 12, 2011 

(fig. 5C, D). EWI sampling techniques are most representative of the water-quality conditions at a given sample location 

(U.S. Geological Survey, 2006). As indicated by the spatial 

variability in cyanobacterial abundance along cross-sectional 

transects (fig. 3), the absence of cyanobacteria in surface-dip 

phytoplankton samples does not necessarily mean they were 

not present at a given site. 

With the exception of Ft. Riley on September 2, 2011, 

the cyanobacteria never dominated (greater than 50 percent 

of total abundance) the phytoplankton community at Kansas 

River main-stem sites and typically represented less than 

20 percent of the overall community (fig. 5D). Diatoms were 

dominant (greater than 70 percent of total abundance) most of 

the time at Kansas River main-stem sites. Microcystis typically 

was the dominant (greater than 80 percent of total cyanobacterial abundance) cyanobacterial genera at Kansas-River 

main-stem sites following reservoir releases; however, Aphanizomenon and Anabaena also were occasionally dominant 

(appendixes 3 and 4).

Cyanotoxins

Cyanotoxins are chemically and bioactively diverse 

(Sivonen, 1996; Carmichael, 1997) and target fundamental 

cellular processes, thereby affecting a wide range of organisms 

(Falconer, 1993; Christofferson, 1996), including humans. 

Cyanotoxins generally are classified into three main groups 

based on the toxic mechanism in humans: hepatotoxins 

(effect the liver), such as cylindrospermopsin and microcystin; neurotoxins (effect the central nervous system), such as 

anatoxin and saxitoxin, and dermatoxins (effect the skin and 

mucous membranes; Chorus and Bartram, 1999). Although 
Cyanotoxins 15

Figure 5. Cyanobacterial abundance and relative abundance at (A, B) Kansas River tributary and (C, D) main-stem sites during September and October 2011. One count was added to all cyanobacterial abundances with a value of zero to allow plotting on a log scale.

September–October 2011

09/01 09/08 09/15 09/22 09/29 10/06 10/13 10/20 10/27

Cyanobacterial abundance, in cells per milliliter

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

100,000

Ft. RileyManhattanWamegoBelvueTopekaLecomptonLawrenceDesotoI-435

Cyanobacterial abundance, in cells per milliliter 

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

100,000

Smoky Hill

EXPLANATION

EXPLANATION

RepublicanDelawareWakarusa

September–October 2011

09/01 09/08 09/15 09/22 09/29 10/06 10/13 10/20 10/27

Cyanobacterial relative abundance, in percent 

0

80604020

100

Ft. RileyManhattanWamegoBelvueTopekaLecomptonLawrenceDesotoI-435

Cyanobacterial relative abundance, in percent

0

80604020

100

Smoky Hill

EXPLANATION

EXPLANATION

RepublicanBig BlueDelawareWakarusa

Kansas Department of Health and Environmentpublic health advisory guidance level

Kansas Department of Health and Environmentpublic health advisory guidance level

Big Blue

A

B

C

D
16 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

the adverse health effects caused by contact with, or ingestion 

or inhalation of, high concentrations of cyanotoxins (acute 

exposure) are well documented, the effects of exposure to low 

concentrations of cyanotoxins for an extended period of time 

(chronic exposure) are not as well understood, but may include 

neurodegenerative disease, tumor promotion, carcinogenicity, 

and mutagenicity (Chorus and Bartram, 1999; Graham and 

others, 2008). 

Cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, and saxitoxin have 

been detected in Kansas reservoirs, and potential anatoxin producers are common in cyanobacterial communities (Graham 

and others, 2010). Anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, and saxitoxin were analyzed in samples collected on 

September 2, 2011, but microcystin was the only cyanotoxin 

detected; therefore, microcystin was the only cyanotoxin analyzed in all subsequent samples. 

Milford Lake Cyanobacterial Bloom

Milford Lake was the only reservoir in the study area 

with an ongoing cyanobacterial bloom during reservoir 

releases and was, therefore, sampled more intensively than 

other reservoirs. Microcystis, a known microcystin producer, 

was the only algae present in surface accumulations of cyanobacteria several meters upstream from the Milford Lake 

Dam on September 2, 2011. The abundance of Microcystis

was 600 million cells/mL and total microcystin concentration 

was 150,000 μg/L (appendixes 2 and 3). Spatial variability is 

characteristic of cyanobacterial blooms, and abundance and 

concentration of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins may change 

by several orders of magnitude within a few meters (Carmichael and Gorham, 1981; Lanaras and others, 1989; Kotak and 

others, 2000); therefore, results from a single sample location 

are not necessarily representative of the entire water body.

Total microcystin samples were collected several meters 

upstream from the Milford Lake Dam for several weeks 

in September and October 2011 (fig. 6). Total microcystin 

concentrations were 650 to 7,500 times higher than the KDHE 

guidance level for a public health warning until September 20, 2011. Total microcystin concentrations decreased 

from 13,000 μg/L on September 20, 2011 to less than 1 μg/L 

on September 26, 2011 (fig. 6). The orders of magnitude 

change in total microcystin concentration for the 7-day period 

between September 20 and September 26, 2011, demonstrates 

the extreme temporal variability characteristic of cyanotoxin 

concentrations. The sharp decline may have been caused by 

dispersal of the surface accumulation throughout the water 

column, the surface accumulation being blown to another 

location, or an overall decline in the bloom resulting in cyanobacteria settling out of the water column (Chorus and Bartram, 

1999; Graham and others, 2008).

Milford Lake is a bottom release reservoir (U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers, 2011), and outflow waters may not be 

representative of the entire water column (Thornton, 1990). To 

compare surface accumulation and outflow conditions, several 

samples were collected as close to the Milford Lake outlet 

structure as possible. On September 2, 2011, cyanobacterial 

abundance (28,000 cells/mL) and total microcystin concentration (6.2 μg/L) in the Milford Lake outflow were less than 

1 percent of the concentrations observed in surface accumulations. Total microcystin concentrations in the Milford Lake 

outflow generally were less than 10 percent of the concentration in surface accumulations, and never exceeded the KDHE 

guidance level for a public health warning (fig. 6); therefore, 

reservoir concentrations of cyanobacteria and associated 

compounds were not necessarily indicative of outflow concentrations. The low microcystin concentration in Milford Lake 

outflows relative to surface accumulations indicates that a 

large part of the cyanobacterial bloom may have been retained 

in the reservoir. Because cyanobacteria are able to regulate 

buoyancy and maintain a position near the water surface 

(Reynolds and Walsby, 1975; Reynolds, 1987; Humphries and 

Lyne, 1998), cyanobacteria may have been retained on shorelines as reservoir water-surface elevations declined rather than 

being mixed through, or sedimenting out of, the water column; 

observations of accumulations of cyanobacteria on the Milford 

Lake shoreline by field personnel support this hypothesis. The 

fate and transport of cyanobacteria and associated toxins and 

taste-and-odor compounds in lakes and reservoirs, however, 

have not been well described, and studies are needed to 

quantify the fate of cyanobacteria and associated compounds 

during the decline of large blooms. 

Collecting samples directly from reservoir outflows is not 

always practical, and may present challenges when continuous 

water-quality data are desired. For example, hyper-aeration 

of Milford Lake outflow waters interfered with the performance of optical sensors during September and October 2011 

(appendix 2). Therefore, microcystin and chlorophyll data (the 

only two variables with enough data for a meaningful comparison) collected at the Milford Lake outflow and 4.8 miles 

Figure 6. Total microcystin concentrations in Milford Lake 

upstream (north) from the dam and the Milford Lake outflow 

during September and October 2011.

September–October 2011

09/01 09/06 09/11 09/16 09/21 09/26 10/01

Total microcystin, in micrograms per liter

0.01

0.1

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

100,000

1,000,000

Milford Reservoir 

north of dam

EXPLANATION

Milford Reservoir 

outflow

Analytical method detection limit

Kansas Department of Health and 

Environment guideline for public 

health warning

World Health Organization provisional 

guideline for finished drinking water
Cyanotoxins 17

downstream at the long-term USGS streamflow-gaging station 

on the Republican River at Junction City (fig. 1) were compared. In general, microcystin and chlorophyll concentrations 

at the two sites were similar based on a simple linear regression (Helsel and Hirsch, 2002) [coefficient of determination 

(R2) = 0.94 and 0.91, respectively; all n=6], indicating that 

sampling directly at the reservoir outflow did not confer a substantial advantage compared to sampling farther downstream.

Microcystin in Kansas River Tributaries

The Republican River, downstream from Milford Lake, 

was the only tributary with detectable microcystin concentrations throughout the study period. Microcystin was detected 

periodically in the Big Blue and Delaware Rivers, downstream 

from Tuttle Creek and Perry Lakes, respectively (fig. 1), but 

concentrations were low (less than or equal to 0.30 μg/L). 

Microcystin was not detected in the Smoky Hill River, 

upstream from the confluence with the Republican River, 

or in the Wakarusa River, downstream from Clinton Lake 

(appendix 2).

Total microcystin concentrations in the Republican River 

ranged from 0.17 to 7.4 μg/L (median: 0.36 μg/L, n=10), and 

were greater than 1 μg/L from September 2 through September 26, 2011; however, concentrations never exceeded 

the KDHE guidance level for a public health warning. After 

September 26, 2011, low concentrations (less than 0.5 μg/L) 

persisted in weekly samples until the end of the study (fig. 7). 

Temporal patterns in microcystin concentration generally 

matched patterns in cyanobacterial abundance (fig. 5); however, microcystin was detected for several weeks in October 

when cyanobacteria were no longer present. Because microcystin was still detected in the Republican River when weekly 

sampling concluded, samples for total microcystin analysis 

were collected when routine site visits were made from 

November 2011 through January 2012 (n=4). Microcystin was 

still detected (0.20 μg/L) on November 7, but was not detectable (less than 0.1 μg/L) in later samples (data available from 

Figure 7. Total microcystin concentrations in the Republican River, downstream from Milford Lake, and Kansas River main-stem sites 

during September and October 2011.

September–October 2011

09/01 09/08 09/15 09/22 09/29 10/06 10/13 10/20 10/27

Total microcystin, in micrograms per liter

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

EXPLANATION

Ft. Riley

Manhattan

Wamego

Belvue

Topeka

Lecompton

Lawrence

Desoto

I-435

Republican River

World Health Organization 

provisional guideline for 

finished drinking water

Analytical method detection 

limit
18 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

the USGS National Water Information System website, http://

waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis). 

Based on total microcystin concentrations and daily mean 

streamflows at the Republican River site, total microcystin 

loads from Milford Lake on sampled days ranged from about 

0.1 to 30 kilograms per day (kg/d; fig. 8). Few studies have 

quantitatively described the downstream transport of cyanobacteria and associated compounds from reservoirs, and 

minimal data on microcystin loads are available for comparison. Collecting data on microcystin loads will help document 

transport and provide useful information when describing 

downstream effects of transport on water use, water-quality 

conditions, and ecosystem processes such as bioaccumulation 

(Lehman and others, 2005; Kann and others, 2010; Miller and 

others, 2010).

Microcystin in the Kansas River Main Stem

On September 2, 2011, microcystin was not detected at 

any of the Kansas River main-stem sites downstream from 

Belvue (fig. 7), suggesting that microcystin may not have 

been present in the Kansas River main stem before reservoir 

releases, even though Microcystis was present at most sites 

on this date (appendix 3). By September 8, 2011, releases 

from Milford Lake had reached Kansas City (I-435 site), and 

microcystin was detected at all Kansas River main-stem sites 

(fig. 7). Temporal patterns in total microcystin concentrations in the Kansas River generally matched patterns in the 

Republican River, with the highest concentrations occurring 

immediately following the onset of releases from Milford 

Lake (fig. 7). Microcystin concentrations exceeded 1 μg/L at 

Kansas River main-stem sites upstream from Topeka during 

September 2 through September 12, 2011, when concentrations in the Republican River were greater than 3 μg/L; total 

microcystin concentrations at Kansas River main-stem sites 

Figure 8. Total microcystin loads from Milford Lake on sampled 

days during September and October 2011.

09/02 09/08 09/12 09/20 09/26 10/03 10/11 10/17 10/24 10/31

Total microcystin load, in kilograms per day

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

September–October 2011

downstream from Topeka never exceeded 1 μg/L. Microcystin was detected at all Kansas River main-stem sites until 

October 5, 2011. After October 5, microcystin was no longer 

detected in the Kansas River even though it was still detected 

in the Republican River (fig. 7), possibly because reservoir 

releases were substantially lower (fig. 2). Patterns in microcystin occurrence and concentration at Kansas River tributary and 

main-stem sites indicate that Milford Lake was the source of 

microcystin in the Kansas River.

In general, total microcystin concentrations in the Kansas 

River decreased in the downstream direction (fig. 7); however, one notable exception did occur. During September 2 

through September 12, 2011, the highest total microcystin 

concentrations occurred at Manhattan (fig. 7), about 26 miles 

downstream from the confluence of the Smoky Hill and 

Republican Rivers and about 21 miles downstream from 

Ft. Riley (fig. 1). Concentrations at Manhattan were about 4 

to 27 percent higher than in the Republican River, and 33 to 

46 percent higher than at Ft. Riley. This result may indicate 

that cyanobacterial populations were growing in the Kansas 

River between the confluence of the Smoky Hill and Republican Rivers and Manhattan, but should be interpreted with 

caution given the potential spatial variability along crosssectional transects (fig. 3). Reservoirs may have substantial 

effects on phytoplankton community composition in rivers and 

cyanobacteria may persist farther downstream than some other 

algal groups (Reynolds, 1984; Allan, 1995; Wehr and Sheath, 

2003). Although downstream microcystin transport from 

reservoir outflows has not been well studied, data collected in 

the Middle Klamath River Basin, Oregon and California, also 

may indicate an initial increase in microcystin concentrations 

downstream from the outflow of Iron Gate Reservoir, California (Kann and others, 2010). 

Microcystin in Treated Drinking Water

Efficacy of cyanotoxin removal during drinking-water 

treatment processes depends on the cyanotoxin(s) present and 

the type of treatment process and maintenance. In general, 

most modern drinking-water treatment facilities reduce cyanotoxin concentrations, and acute illness from drinking-water 

exposure is uncommon (Chorus and Bartram, 1999; Westrick 

and others, 2010). The WHO has developed a provisional 

guideline of 1 μg/L for microcystin in finished drinking water 

that has been adopted by several countries worldwide (Chorus and Bartram, 1999; Hudnell, 2008). Microcystin was not 

detected in five finished drinking-water samples collected 

on September 8 and September 20, 2011, at drinking-water 

treatment facilities that use the Kansas River as a source-water 

supply (data on file). These samples do not necessarily characterize conditions in finished drinking-water during the study 

period, and do not provide information on individual steps in 

the treatment process. Studies designed specifically to evaluate 

the efficacy of cyanotoxin removal at drinking-water treatment 
Taste-and-Odor Compounds 19

facilities that use the Kansas River as a source supply are 

needed for a more quantitative evaluation. 

The chemical composition of drinking water, including 

free chlorine and metal ions, may interfere with the quantitation of microcystin (Oliveira and others, 2005). Chemical 

quenching of chlorine generally is recommended before 

cyanotoxin analysis using bioassays, but the type of chemical depends on the assay being used (Froscio and others, 

2010). Sodium thiosulfate, sodium sulfate, and ascorbic acid 

have traditionally used as quenching agents; however, these 

chemicals are reducing agents and may reduce the analytes 

or interfere with analytical methods. This issue requires a 

significant research effort to resolve and is an area of needed 

research. Finished drinking-water samples collected as part 

of this study were frozen as soon as possible after collection, 

but no chemicals were added to quench the effects of chlorine 

and the potential effects on ELISA results are unknown. More 

research on the analysis of cyanotoxins in finished drinkingwater samples is required to fully understand the effects of 

chemical composition on analytical results, but available data 

indicate that drinking-water samples should be processed and 

analyzed differently than surface-water samples.

Taste-and-Odor Compounds

Biological activity associated with naturally occurring 

algae in source water is among the most common causes of 

tastes and odors in finished drinking water. The taste-andodor causing compounds geosmin and MIB cause earthy and 

musty tastes and odors and are detectable by humans at low 

concentrations (human detection threshold of 5 to 10 nanograms per liter, ng/L). Most taste-and-odor problems associated with geosmin and MIB are caused by cyanobacteria, but 

bacteria in the actinomycetes group also may produce these 

compounds (Taylor and others, 2005). Unlike cyanobacteria, 

the actinomycetes bacteria are not photosynthetic and are 

not part of phytoplankton communities. The actinomycetes 

bacteria typically are terrestrial organisms associated with 

soils; taste-and-odor compounds from these bacteria typically 

are produced terrestrially and washed into aquatic ecosystems. 

Currently (2012), it is unknown if or for how long terrestrial 

actinomycetes bacteria remain metabolically active in aquatic 

environments (Zaitlin and others, 2003; Zaitlin and Watson, 

2006). Actinomycetes bacteria were not analyzed as part of 

this study because of the focus on cyanobacteria and reservoir 

releases and substantial runoff events did not occur during the 

study period (fig. 2).

Geosmin and MIB in Kansas River Tributaries

Geosmin and MIB were detected in all tributaries 

located immediately downstream from reservoirs, but not in 

the Smoky Hill River (fig. 9A, B). The highest total geosmin 

concentrations occurred in the Republican River downstream 

from Milford Lake (range: less than 2.0-20 ng/L; median: 

8.0 ng/L; n=10), and concentrations were more than the 

human detection threshold (5 to 10 ng/L) until October 11, 

2011. The Delaware River, downstream from Perry Lake, 

was the only other tributary that had total geosmin concentrations more than the human detection threshold (range: less 

than 2.0–11 ng/L; median: 4.6 ng/L; n=10) during September 

and October, 2011 (fig. 9A). Total geosmin concentrations 

exceeded the human detection threshold in the Delaware River 

on October 11 through October 24, 2011. There were no clear 

temporal patterns in geosmin occurrence and concentration in 

the Kansas River tributaries (fig. 9A); however, patterns in the 

Republican and Delaware Rivers generally matched temporal 

patterns in cyanobacteria (fig. 5). 

MIB was most common in the Big Blue River, downstream from Tuttle Creek Lake, and the Delaware River 

(fig. 9B). Total MIB concentrations in the Big Blue River 

were low (range: less than 2.0-7.7 ng/L; median 3.8 ng/L; 

n=10), and only exceeded the human detection threshold on 

one occasion during the study period (fig. 9B). Concentrations 

in the Delaware River (range: less than 2.0-29 ng/L; median: 

7.6 ng/L; n=10) exceeded the human detection threshold from 

September 2 through September 26, 2011 (fig. 9B). Unlike 

geosmin, general temporal patterns in MIB occurrence and 

concentration were evident, but varied by river and did not 

necessarily match temporal patterns in cyanobacteria (figs. 5 

and 9B). In general, MIB was detectable in the Big Blue River 

for most of the study period and fluctuated by less than a factor of two. Total MIB concentrations in the Delaware River 

peaked on September 8, 2011 and declined to concentrations 

below the analytical detection limit by October 17, 2011 

(fig. 9B). 

Geosmin and MIB in the Kansas River Main 

Stem

On September 2, 2011, geosmin was detected in the 

Republican River and at all Kansas River main-stem sites 

downstream to Belvue (figs. 1 and 9A, C). Geosmin was 

not detected in the Kansas River downstream from Belvue, 

indicating that geosmin may not have been present in the 

Kansas River main stem before reservoir releases. By comparison, MIB was not detected at any Kansas River main-stem 

sites except Lecompton (fig. 9D), immediately downstream 

from the confluence with the Delaware River (fig. 1), which 

indicates either the reservoir was affecting water-quality at 

the Lecompton site before increased reservoir releases or the 

compound was being produced in the Kansas River at this site. 

By September 8, 2011, geosmin was detected at all Kansas 

River main-stem sites and MIB was detected at most mainstem sites, with the exception of Manhattan and Wamego 

(fig. 9C, D).

Temporal patterns in geosmin and MIB concentrations 

in the Kansas River were more consistent than in tributaries. 

Total geosmin concentrations had similar temporal patterns at 
20 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011 Figure 9. Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) at (A, B) Kansas River tributary and (C, D) main-stem sites during September and October 2011. Geosmin and MIB concentrations below the analytical method detection limit were set to zero to simplify plotting. September–October 2011 09/01 09/08 09/15 09/22 09/29 10/06 10/13 10/20 10/27 Smoky Hill Ft. Riley Manhattan Wamego Belvue Topeka Lecompton Lawrence Desoto I-435 EXPLANATION EXPLANATION Republican Delaware Wakarusa September–October 2011 09/01 09/08 09/15 09/22 09/29 10/06 10/13 10/20 10/27 Big Blue

Total geosmin, in nanograms per liter 

Total 2-methylisoborneol, in nanograms per liter 

Total geosmin, in nanograms per liter 

Total 2-methylisoborneol, in nanograms per liter 

0

5040302010

0

5040302010

0

5040302010

0

5040302010

Human detection 

threshold

Analytical method 

detection limit

Ft. RileyManhattanWamegoBelvueTopekaLecomptonLawrenceDesotoI-435

EXPLANATION

Human detection 

threshold

Analytical method 

detection limit

Human detection 

threshold

Analytical method 

detection limit

Smoky Hill

EXPLANATION

RepublicanBig BlueDelaware

Wakarusa

Human detection 

threshold

Analytical method 

detection limit

A

B

C

D
all main-stem sites and peaked on October 3, 2011; concentrations at all Kansas River main-stem sites exceeded the human 

detection threshold (5 to 10 ng/L) on this date, with the highest 

concentrations occurring downstream from Wamego (greater 

than or equal to 28 ng/L; fig. 9C). Geosmin was not detected 

in the Kansas River at De Soto (the only Kansas River mainstem site sampled after October 5, 2011) after October 11, 

2011. Temporal patterns in MIB were more variable among 

sites, but in general concentrations peaked in mid-September 

and were no longer detectable in October (fig. 9D).

Spatial patterns in geosmin and MIB concentrations at 

Kansas River main-stem sites are more complex than spatial 

patterns in total microcystin concentration (figs. 7 and 9), possibly because multiple tributaries contributed taste-and-odor 

compounds to the Kansas River. Data also suggest geosmin 

and MIB also may have been produced in the Kansas River, 

but this result should be interpreted with caution given the 

potential spatial variability in these compounds along crosssectional transects (fig. 3). Total geosmin concentrations at 

the Kansas River main-stem sites downstream from Wamego 

on October 3, 2011, exceeded the maximum concentration 

observed in the tributaries (20 ng/L) by 33 to 49 percent. Similarly, on September 8, 2011, total MIB concentration at De 

Soto was 50 percent higher than at Lecompton, located about 

33.5 miles upstream (fig. 1), and 90 percent higher than in the 

Wakarusa River, located about 10.5 miles upstream (fig. 9; 

appendix 2). 

Co-Occurrence of Cyanotoxins and 

Taste-and-Odor Compounds

Cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds present 

challenges to drinking-water treatment, though optimal treatment may vary depending on the compound or mixture of 

compounds present (Westrick and others, 2010). With multiple 

potential producers for most compounds (Graham and others, 

2008), co-occurrence of cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds in cyanobacterial blooms can be expected; however, 

few studies have addressed the frequency of co-occurrence. 

In a study of 23 cyanobacterial blooms in the Midwestern 

United States, cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds 

co-occurred in 91 percent of blooms, indicating co-occurrence 

may be common (Graham and others, 2010); therefore, cooccurrence was evaluated in samples collected from Kansas 

River tributary and main-stem sites during September and 

October 2011.

During September and October 2011, taste-and-odor 

compounds were detected more frequently in Kansas River 

tributary and main-stem sites (80 percent of samples, n=80) 

than was microcystin (61 percent of samples, n=95); and 

geosmin (68 percent of samples) was more common than MIB 

(46 percent of samples). Only 16 percent of samples collected 

did not have either detectable microcystin or taste-and-odor 

concentrations. Overall, microcystin and taste-and-odor 

compounds co-occurred in 56 percent of samples that were 

analyzed for both compounds (n=80), indicating co-occurrence was common during this study (fig. 10). Of the samples 

with detectable microcystin (n=48), only 8 percent did not 

have detectable taste-and-odor compounds. Conversely, of the 

samples with detectable taste-and-odor compounds (n=63), 

about 30 percent did not have detectable microcystin. Therefore, taste-and-odor may be used as an indicator that cyanotoxins may be present; however, microcystin did occasionally 

occur without taste-and-odor, so odor alone does not provide 

sufficient warning to ensure human-health protection.

Despite frequent co-occurrence, the spatial and temporal 

patterns in microcystin, geosmin, and MIB were unique for 

individual compounds and did not necessarily match patterns 

in cyanobacterial abundance (figs. 5, 7, and 9). Production 

of cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds is straindependent, rather than species-dependent, and some strains 

may produce multiple compounds simultaneously. Although 

these compounds may be produced simultaneously by some 

strains, they are not produced by the same biogeochemical 

Co-Occurrence of Cyanotoxins and Taste-and-Odor Compounds 21

Figure 10. Co-occurrence of microcystin and taste-and-odor 

compounds in Kansas River samples (n=80) during September and 

October 2011.

No detections—16 percent of samples (n=80)

EXPLANATION

2-methylisoborneol—10 percent

Geosmin—5 percent

Geosmin and 2-methyisoborneol—9 percent

Microcystin—4 percent

Microcystin and taste-and-odor compounds—56 percent
22 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

pathways and production of each compound may be regulated 

by a different set of environmental conditions (Chorus and 

Bartram, 1999; Taylor and others, 2005). Additionally, in a 

mixed cyanobacterial assemblage, different compounds may 

be produced by different members of the community. All compounds should be studied for a comprehensive understanding 

of spatiotemporal dynamics and transport. Use of a single 

compound or cyanobacterial abundance cannot necessarily be 

used as an indicator of the presence or concentration of other 

compounds.

Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria 

and Associated Toxins and Taste-andOdor Compounds in the Kansas River

Fate and transport of cyanobacteria and associated 

toxins and taste-and-odor compounds in the Kansas River 

were described by comparing measured concentrations of 

cyanobacteria, microcystin, and taste-and-odor compounds 

at Kansas River main-stem sites to expected concentrations 

if dilution was the only factor influencing the fate and transport. This approach assumes that tributaries downstream from 

reservoirs are the only source of cyanobacteria and associated compounds in the Kansas River. Simple dilution models 

(Hem, 1985) were calculated on four dates when streamflow 

conditions were stable for 48 hours before sample collection 

(September 8, 2011; September 26, 2011; October 3, 2011; 

and October 31, 2011). On October 31, 2011, few sites were 

sampled and concentrations of cyanobacteria and associated 

compounds were low or not detected (appendixes 2 and 3); 

measured and expected concentrations at all Kansas River 

main-stem sites were less than the analytical detection limit. 

Therefore, only results from September 8, 2011, September 26, 2011, and October 3, 2011 are described in detail.

On September 8, 2011, cyanobacterial abundance at 

most Kansas River main-stem sites was less than expected 

based on dilution alone (fig. 11A). Topeka (river mile 83.8; 

fig. 1, table 1) was the only site where measured abundance 

was higher than expected abundance. At all other sites, the 

measured abundance was between 12 and 183 percent less 

than expected abundance (median: 120 percent, n=6). Measured cyanobacterial abundance at Wamego (river mile 128.3; 

fig. 1, table 1) on September 26, 2011, was about 78 percent higher than expected based on dilution alone; however, 

Wamego was the only Kansas River main-stem site with 

cyanobacteria present and abundance was less than expected 

at all other sites (fig. 11B). In contrast to September patterns, 

cyanobacterial abundance on October 3, 2011 was between 83 

and 167 percent higher than expected (median: 136 percent, 

n=4) based on dilution alone at all sites except De Soto (river 

mile 30.8; fig. 1, table 1) (fig. 11C). At De Soto, cyanobacterial abundance was about 173 percent less than expected. 

Because cyanobacteria have the ability to regulate buoyancy 

and control their position in the water column (Reynolds, 

1987), differential transport of these organisms may occur, 

and as indicated by cross-sectional transects (fig. 3), measured 

cyanobacterial abundance at a given sample location may not 

have been indicative of the entire cyanobacterial community 

(fig. 11A). In addition, buoyancy may cause cyanobacteria to 

become trapped in backwaters or eddies in the Kansas River. 

Measured total microcystin concentrations upstream from 

Topeka (river mile 83.8; fig. 1, table 1) on September 8, 2011 

were between 33 and 63 percent higher than expected concentrations based on dilution alone (fig. 12A). The largest difference occurred at Manhattan (river mile 149.3; fig. 1, table 1), 

reflecting the relatively high total microcystin concentrations 

that occurred at this site in early September (fig. 7). Downstream from Topeka, measured total microcystin concentrations were between 59 and 67 percent less than expected 

based on dilution alone. A different pattern was observed on 

September 26, 2011, and October 3, 2011; total microcystin 

concentrations downstream from Wamego (river mile 128.3; 

fig. 1, table 1) were between 40 and 128 percent higher than 

expected based on dilution alone, with concentrations generally increasing downstream (fig. 12B, C). 

Measured total geosmin concentrations were more 

than 25 percent higher than expected concentrations based 

on dilution at most Kansas River main-stem sites on 

September 8, 2011, September 26, 2011, and October 3, 2011, 

with the largest differences (greater than 70 percent) occurring downstream from Wamego (river mile 128.3; fig. 1, 

table 1) (fig. 13A, C, E). Patterns in measured and expected 

total MIB concentrations were more variable than geosmin. 

On September 8, 2011, measured total MIB concentrations 

were between 61 and 96 percent higher than expected concentrations at Ft. Riley, Topeka, Lecompton, and De Soto (river 

miles 170.6, 83.8, 64.3, and 30.8, respectively; fig. 1, table 1); 

measured and expected concentrations were similar (less than 

25 percent different) at other sites. The largest differences 

occurred at Lecompton and De Soto, downstream from the 

confluence with the Delaware River (fig. 13B). Patterns were 

substantially different on September 26, 2011, even though 

total MIB concentrations in tributary streams were similar 

to those on September 8, 2011. Total MIB concentrations 

were less than, or similar to, expected concentrations at most 

sites, with the exception of Wamego, where the measured 

concentration was about 69 percent higher than the expected 

concentration (fig. 13D). Measured and expected total MIB 

concentrations were below the analytical detection limit (less 

than 2 ng/L) at all Kansas River main-stem sites on October 3, 

2011 (fig. 13F). 

Measured concentrations of cyanobacteria and associated compounds were substantially higher than expected 

concentrations at some sites and substantially lower at others, 

though spatial and temporal patterns were unique for individual compounds (figs. 11, 12, and 13). Higher than expected 

concentrations, coupled with higher microcystin and tasteand-odor concentrations at Kansas River main-stem sites than 

tributary sites on several occasions (figs. 7 and 9), suggest 
Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Toxins and Taste-and-Odor Compounds in the Kansas River 23

Figure 11. Measured and expected concentrations of cyanobacteria in the Kansas River on (A) September 8, 2011, (B) September 26, 

2011, and (C) October 3, 2011, with tributaries labeled. One count was added to all cyanobacterial abundances with a value of zero to 

allow plotting on a log scale.

Delaware

Wakarusa

Smoky Hill

Big Blue

Republican

Delaware

Wakarusa

Smoky Hill

Big Blue

Republican

Delaware

Wakarusa

Smoky Hill

Big Blue

Republican

Kansas Department of Health and Environment 

guideline for public health warning

Kansas Department of Health and Environment 

guideline for public health advisory

A

B

C

180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

Cyanobacterial abundance, in cells per milliliter

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

100,000

1,000,000

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

Distance upstream from confluence with Missouri River, in miles

EXPLANATION

Measured tributary 

concentration

Expected main-stem

concentration

Measured main-stem 

concentration
24 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Figure 12. Measured and expected concentrations of total microcystin in the Kansas River on (A) September 8, 2011, 

(B) September 26, 2011, and (C) October 3, 2011, with tributaries labeled. Microcystin concentrations below the analytical method 

detection limit were set to zero to simplify plotting.

Delaware

Wakarusa

Smoky Hill Republican

Big Blue

Delaware

Wakarusa

Smoky Hill

Big Blue

Republican

Wakarusa

Delaware

Smoky Hill

Big Blue

Republican

World Health Organization provisional 

guideline for finished drinking water

Analytical method detection limit

Analytical method detection limit

A

B

C

180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

Total microcystin, in micrograms per liter

Distance upstream from confluence with Missouri River, in miles

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

0

1

2

3

4

5

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

EXPLANATION

Measured tributary 

concentration

Expected main-stem

concentration

Measured main-stem 

concentration

Analytical method detection limit

6
Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Toxins and Taste-and-Odor Compounds in the Kansas River 25

Figure 13. Measured and expected concentrations of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) in the Kansas River on (A, B) September 8, 

2011, (C, D) September 26, 2011, and (E, F) October 3, 2011, with tributaries labeled. Measured and estimated geosmin and 

2-methylisoborneol concentrations below the analytical method detection limit were set to zero to simplify plotting.

Wakarusa

Delaware Big Blue

Republican

Smoky Hill

Big Blue Delaware Wakarusa

Republican

Smoky Hill

Delaware Wakarusa

Big Blue

Republican

Smoky Hill

Big Blue Delaware Wakarusa

Republican

Smoky Hill

Big Blue Delaware Wakarusa

Republican

Smoky Hill

Wakarusa

Delaware Big Blue

Republican

Smoky Hill

180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Total 2-methylisoborneol, in nanograms per liter

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

A

Total 2-methylisoborneol, 

in nanograms per liter

0

5

10

15

20

C

Total 2-methylisoborneol,

in nanograms per liter

Total geosmin, in nanograms per liter Total geosmin, in nanograms per liter Total geosmin, in nanograms per liter

0

2

4

6

8

2

0

4

6

8

10

12

14

0

2

4

6

10

8

0

10

20

30

40

50

E

B

D

F

EXPLANATION

Measured tributary concentration

Expected main-stem concentration

Measured main-stem concentration

Human detection threshold

Analytical method detection limit

Distance upstream from confluence with Missouri River, in miles Distance upstream from confluence with Missouri River, in miles
26 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

that cyanobacteria introduced to the Kansas River may have 

occasionally continued to grow and produce these compounds; 

however, cyanobacterial abundance at Kansas River mainstem sites was rarely higher than tributary sites and measured 

abundances commonly were less than expected abundances 

(figs. 5 and 11, appendix 3). Cyanobacterial toxins and tasteand-odor compounds may occur in particulate (intracellular) 

and dissolved (extracellular) phases (Graham and others, 

2008). During this study, total microcystin concentration was 

analyzed in most samples, which does not account for the 

amount of cyanotoxin present in each phase. Dissolved-phase 

cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds may persist for 

several days to weeks after the decline of a cyanobacterial 

population (Jones and Orr, 1994; Heresztyn and Nicholson, 

1997; Chiswell and others, 1999; Chorus and Bartram, 1999), 

and may lead to spatial or temporal uncoupling of cyanobacteria and associated compounds. On September 20, 2011, total 

and dissolved microcystin were analyzed to evaluate potential 

for differential transport (appendix 2). Dissolved microcystin 

contributed between 0 and 40 percent (median: 8 percent; n=8) 

to total microcystin concentrations, indicating particulate and 

dissolved-phase transport mechanisms likely were important 

in the Kansas River. Studies designed to specifically evaluate 

the differences between particulate and dissolved-phase transport of cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor compounds are needed 

to fully characterize the fate and transport of these compounds 

during reservoir releases. 

Data were not collected in such a way to determine 

whether differences between measured and expected concentrations were statistically significant; however, results indicate 

that simple dilution models were not sufficient to describe 

the downstream transport of cyanobacteria and associated 

compounds in the Kansas River. The environmental fate and 

downstream transport of cyanobacterial toxins and taste-andodor compounds within natural conditions has not been well 

studied. There likely are several factors that affect the downstream transport of cyanobacteria and associated compounds, 

including losses to and gains from groundwater, the potential 

for cyanobacterial growth and production of cyanotoxins and 

taste-and-odor compounds, differential transport of particulate 

and dissolved phases, and potential for sediment sorption and 

desorption, photolysis, and biodegradation (Westerhoff and 

others, 2005; Kato and others, 2007; Chen and others, 2008; 

Wörmer and others, 2010; Wu and others, 2011).

Summary

Cyanobacteria cause a multitude of water-quality concerns, including the potential to produce toxins and taste-andodor compounds. Toxins and taste-and-odor compounds may 

cause substantial economic and public health concerns and are 

of particular interest in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers that are 

used for drinking-water supply, recreation, or aquaculture. The 

Kansas River is a primary source of drinking water for about 

800,000 people in northeastern Kansas. There are no reports 

of noticeable cyanobacterial blooms developing in the Kansas 

River; however, reservoirs in the lower Kansas River Basin 

do occasionally develop blooms. Water releases from Milford 

Lake to the Kansas River during a toxic cyanobacterial bloom 

in late August 2011 prompted concerns about cyanobacteria 

and associated toxins and taste-and-odor compounds in downstream drinking-water supplies. The purpose of this report is to 

characterize the fate and transport of cyanobacteria and associated toxins and taste-and-odor compounds in the Kansas River 

following upstream reservoir releases during September and 

October 2011. This study is one of the first to quantitatively 

document the transport of cyanobacteria and associated compounds during a reservoir release and improves understanding 

of the fate and transport of cyanotoxins and taste-and-odor 

compounds downstream from reservoirs. 

Discrete water-quality samples were collected weekly 

from surface accumulations of cyanobacteria several meters 

upstream from the Milford Lake Dam, the Milford Lake outlet, 5 Kansas River tributary sites, and 9 Kansas River mainstem sites during September 2 through October 31, 2011. Most 

discrete water-quality samples were collected as surface dips 

from the centroid of flow and analyzed for cyanotoxins, tasteand-odor compounds, and phytoplankton community composition. Several discrete surface-dip and single integrated-vertical 

samples from cross-channel transects and EWI samples also 

were collected to describe variability in cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, taste-and-odor compounds, and sampling techniques. 

Understanding the effect of sample location and method 

is essential to the design of effective monitoring strategies 

and studies to quantify fate and transport of cyanobacteria and 

associated compounds. Cyanobacterial abundance varied by as 

much as a factor of about 5,000 along cross-channel transects. 

Microcystin, geosmin, and MIB concentrations were less variable; concentrations of these compounds varied by as much as 

a factor of two along cross-channel transects. A comparison 

of results from surface-dip, single integrated-vertical, and 

EWI samples indicates that single integrated-vertical samples 

at the centroid of flow may be a useful compromise between 

surface-dip and EWI sampling methods when a rapid approach 

is needed.

From August 31 through October 5, 2011, releases from 

Milford, Tuttle Creek, and Perry Lakes were increased to 

evacuate water that had accumulated in the flood-control pool 

during flood conditions along the Missouri River. Streamflow 

at most Kansas River main-stem sites increased by about a 

factor of 10 during peak reservoir releases. Water gains and 

losses occurred in the Kansas River depending on reservoir 

releases and streamflow conditions. Losses to groundwater 

when streamflows in the Kansas River main stem were 

increasing indicate the potential for reservoir releases to affect 

groundwater quality as well as surface-water quality in the 

lower Kansas River Basin.

Cyanobacteria occasionally were present at all Kansas 

River tributary sites, but occurred most frequently in the 

Republican River, downstream from Milford Lake, and in the 
Summary 27

Delaware River, downstream from Perry Lake. The highest cyanobacterial abundances in the Republican, Big Blue 

(downstream from Tuttle Creek Lake), and Delaware Rivers 

occurred within the first 2 weeks after reservoir releases were 

increased; however, maximum concentrations in the Republican River were higher than at other sites by a factor of about 

10 and exceeded the 20,000 cells per milliliter guidance level 

used by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment 

to issue public health advisories. Cyanobacteria in the Smoky 

Hill River contributed less than 1 percent to total phytoplankton abundance. The relative abundance of cyanobacteria and 

the predominance of Microcystis in the Republican River

relative to other tributary sites reflect the ongoing Microcystis 

bloom in Milford Lake during the study period. 

Like the tributary sites downstream from reservoirs, cyanobacterial abundance was generally highest at Kansas River 

main-stem sites during the first 2 weeks following reservoir 

releases. The KDHE guidance level of 20,000 cells per milliliter was exceeded on September 2, 2011, at Ft. Riley and 

Belvue. With the exception of Ft. Riley on September 2, 2011, 

the cyanobacteria never dominated phytoplankton community 

composition in the Kansas River main stem, and typically 

represented less than 20 percent of the overall community. 

Microcystis typically was the dominant (greater than 80 percent of total cyanobacterial abundance) cyanobacterial genera 

at Kansas-River main-stem sites following reservoir releases; 

however, Aphanizomenon and Anabaena also were occasionally dominant.

Microcystin was the only cyanotoxin detected in samples 

collected on September 2, 2011, and was, therefore, the only 

cyanotoxin analyzed in all subsequent samples. Concentrations of cyanobacteria and associated compounds in Milford 

Lake were not necessarily indicative of outflow conditions. 

Total microcystin concentrations in Milford Lake were 650 

to 7,500 times higher than the KDHE guidance level for a 

public health warning (20 micrograms per liter) for most of 

September 2011. By comparison, total microcystin concentrations in the Milford Lake outflow, generally, were less than 

10 percent of the concentration in surface accumulations, and 

never exceeded the KDHE guidance level for a public health 

warning. Microcystin and chlorophyll concentrations at the 

Milford Lake outflow and the Republican River site, located 

about 4.8 miles downstream, were similar; therefore, sampling 

directly at the reservoir outflow did not confer a substantial 

advantage compared to sampling farther downstream.

The Republican River, downstream from Milford Lake, 

was the only tributary with detectable microcystin concentrations throughout the study period; concentrations ranged 

from 0.17 to 7.4 micrograms per liter and were greater than 

1 microgram per liter for most of September. Microcystin was 

detected periodically in the Big Blue and Delaware Rivers, 

but concentrations were low (less than or equal to 0.3 microgram per liter). Microcystin was not detected in the Smoky 

Hill River upstream from the confluence with the Republican 

River that forms the Kansas River. Temporal patterns in total 

microcystin concentration, generally, matched patterns in 

cyanobacterial abundance; however, microcystin was detected 

for several weeks in October when cyanobacteria were no 

longer present. Based on concentration and streamflow in the 

Republican River, total microcystin loads from Milford Lake 

ranged from 0.1 to 30 kilograms per day on sampled days during September and October 2011. 

Temporal patterns in total microcystin concentrations at 

Kansas River main-stem sites generally matched patterns in 

the Republican River, with the highest concentrations occurring immediately following the onset of releases from Milford 

Lake. Microcystin concentrations exceeded 1 microgram per 

liter at Kansas River main-stem sites upstream from Topeka 

from September 2 through September 12, 2011, and was 

detected at all main-stem sites through October 5, 2011. Patterns in microcystin occurrence and concentration at Kansas 

River tributaries and main-stem sites indicate that Milford 

Lake was the source of microcystin in the Kansas River during 

the study period.

Microcystin was not detected in five finished drinkingwater samples collected on September 8 and September 

20, 2011, at drinking-water treatment facilities that use the 

Kansas River as a source-water supply. Finished drinkingwater samples collected as part of this study were frozen as 

soon as possible after collection, but no chemicals were added 

to quench the effects of chlorine and the potential effect on 

ELISA results are unknown. More research on the analysis of 

cyanotoxins in finished drinking-water samples is required, 

but available data indicate that drinking-water samples should 

be processed and analyzed differently than surface-water 

samples.

Geosmin and MIB were detected in all tributaries located 

immediately downstream from reservoirs, but not in the 

Smoky Hill River. The highest total geosmin concentrations 

occurred in the Republican River, and exceeded the human 

detection threshold (5 to 10 nanograms per liter) until midOctober 2011. Total geosmin concentrations in the Delaware 

River exceeded the human detection threshold in late October. 

MIB was most common in the Big Blue and Delaware Rivers, 

and total concentrations periodically exceeded the human 

detection threshold in September 2011. Spatial patterns in 

geosmin and MIB concentrations at Kansas River main-stem 

sites were more complex than spatial patterns in microcystin 

concentration, possibly because multiple tributaries contributed taste-and-odor compounds to the Kansas River. In general, taste-and-odor compounds were detected at most Kansas 

River main-stem sites until mid-October 2011.

Microcystin and taste-and-odor compounds co-occurred 

in 56 percent of samples collected from Kansas River tributary 

and main-stem sites during September and October, 2011, 

indicating co-occurrence was common. Despite frequent cooccurrence, the spatial and temporal patterns in microcystin, 

geosmin, and MIB were unique for individual compounds and 

did not necessarily match patterns in cyanobacterial abundance. Use of a single compound or cyanobacterial abundance 

cannot necessarily be used as an indicator of the presence or 

concentration of other compounds.
28 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Fate and transport of cyanobacteria and associated 

toxins and taste-and-odor compounds in the Kansas River 

were described by comparing measured concentrations of 

cyanobacteria, microcystin, and taste-and-odor compounds at 

Kansas River main-stem sites to expected concentrations if 

dilution was the only factor influencing the fate and transport. 

Measured concentrations of cyanobacteria and associated 

compounds were substantially higher than expected concentrations at some sites and substantially lower at others, though 

spatial and temporal patterns were unique for individual compounds. Dissolved microcystin concentrations from a subset 

of samples indicate particulate and dissolved-phase transport 

mechanisms likely were important in the Kansas River. Studies designed to specifically evaluate the differences between 

particulate and dissolved-phase transport of cyanobacterial 

toxins and taste-and-odor compounds are needed to fully 

characterize the fate and transport of these compounds during 

reservoir releases. 

Data were not collected in such a way to determine 

whether differences between measured and expected concentrations were statistically significant; however, results indicate 

that simple dilution models were not sufficient to describe 

the downstream transport of cyanobacteria and associated 

compounds in the Kansas River. The environmental fate and 

downstream transport of cyanobacterial toxins and taste-andodor compounds within natural conditions has not been well 

studied. There likely are several factors that affect the downstream transport of cyanobacteria and associated compounds, 

including losses to and gains from groundwater, the potential 

for cyanobacterial growth and production of cyanotoxins and 

taste-and-odor compounds, differential transport of particulate 

and dissolved phases, and potential for sediment sorption and 

desorption, photolysis, and biodegradation.

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Appendix 1 33

Appendix 1. U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations used to describe streamflow conditions in the Kansas River during 

August through October 2011.

[R, River; KS, Kansas; C, Creek; nr, near; St, street]

Site name U.S. Geological Survey 

identification number

Drainage area 

(miles2) Period of record

Kansas River tributary sites

Smoky Hill R at Enterprise, KS 06877600 19,260 October 1934–October 2011.

Chapman C nr Chapman, KS 06878000 300 December 1953–October 2011.

Republican R at Junction City, KS 06857100 24,900 October 1963–October 2011.

Big Blue R nr Manhattan, KS 06887000 9,640 October 1950–October 2011.

Vermillion C nr Wamego, KS 06888000 243 April 1936–October 2011.

Mill C nr Paxico, KS 06888500 318 December 1953–October 2011.

Soldier C nr Topeka, KS 06889500 290 May 1929–October 2011.

Shunganunga C at Topeka, KS 06889630 34 October 2010–October 2011.

Delaware R at Perry, KS 06890900 1,141 March 1969–October 2011.

Wakarusa R nr Lawrence, KS 06891500 425 April 1929–October 2011.

Stranger C nr Tonganoxie, KS 06892000 406 April 1929–October 2011.

Kill C at 95th St nr Desoto, KS 06892360 53 March 2003–October 2011.

Cedar C nr Desoto, KS 06892495 58 October 2002–October 2011.

Mill C at Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 06892513 58 October 2002–October 2011.

Kansas River main-stem sites

Kansas R at Fort Riley, KS 06879100 44,870 December 1963–October 2011.

Kansas R at Wamego, KS 06887500 55,280 January 1919–October 2011.

Kansas R nr Belvue, KS 06888350 55,870 October 1982–October 2011.

Kansas R at Topeka, KS 06889000 56,720 June 1917–October 2011.

Kansas R at Lecompton, KS 06891000 58,460 March 1936–October 2011.

Kansas R at Desoto, KS 06892350 59,756 July 1917–October 2011.
34 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Appendix 2. Discrete water-quality sampling results from samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.

[nr, near; KS, Kansas; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; --, sample not collected; °C, degrees Celsius; FNU, formazin nephelometric 

units; mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; μg/L, micrograms per liter; >, greater than; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; <, less than; ng/L, 

nanograms per liter; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; se, sonde measurement error; R, River; Pl, Plaza]

Water-quality property 09/02/11 09/08/11 09/12/11 09/20/11 09/26/11 10/03/11 10/05/11 10/11/11 10/17/11 10/24/11 10/31/11

Milford Reservoir sampling sites

Milford Lake nr Junction City, KS (06857050)

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

549 551 553 562 567 574 -- -- -- -- --

pH 9.6 8.6 8.8 8.5 8.7 8.6 -- -- -- -- --

Water temperature (°C) 27.9 24.0 22.5 21.6 20.8 19.9 -- -- -- -- --

Turbidity (FNU) 260 2.3 190 6.7 1.9 24 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 6.1 5.9 8.8 7.0 8.4 6.6 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)78.0 69.6 106.0 79.8 93.5 72.0 -- -- -- -- --

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

76 1.9 19 5.1 1.9 4.6 -- -- -- -- --

Chlorophyll (μg/L) -- -- -- 1,000 3.3 5.8 -- -- -- -- --

Total microcystin (μg/L) 150,000 28,000 -- 13,000 0.90 4.6 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- >5.0 nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) nm nm -- nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm -- nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm -- nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total geosmin (ng/L) -- 170 nm -- -- nm -- -- -- -- --

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

-- <2.0 nm -- -- nm -- -- -- -- --

Milford Lake outlet, KS (390433096534600)

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

545 se 556 561 569 573 -- -- -- -- --

pH 8.4 se 8.7 8.5 8.5 8.4 -- -- -- -- --

Water temperature (°C) 25.9 se 24.5 21.9 20.8 20.0 -- -- -- -- --

Turbidity (FNU) 8.0 se 3.5 3.0 3.2 5.0 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 8.4 se 9.8 9.8 10 10 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)103 se 118 112 112 113 -- -- -- -- --

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

2.6 se 1.8 1.5 0.30 0.10 -- -- -- -- --

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 8.9 7.1 9.2 2.0 2.2 2.1 -- -- -- -- --

Total microcystin (μg/L) 6.2 4.4 3.9 1.1 0.4 0.3 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- 0.2 nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total geosmin (ng/L) 7.9 8.6 nm nm -- nm -- -- -- -- --

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

<2.0 <2.0 nm nm -- nm -- -- -- -- --
Appendix 2 35

Water-quality property 09/02/11 09/08/11 09/12/11 09/20/11 09/26/11 10/03/11 10/05/11 10/11/11 10/17/11 10/24/11 10/31/11

Kansas River tributary sampling sites

Smoky Hill R at Grandview Pl, Junction City, KS (06879005)

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

1,370 1,570 1,580 1,580 1,850 1,920 -- -- -- -- --

pH 8.9 8.4 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.3 -- -- -- -- --

Water temperature (°C) 25.9 20.6 22.4 19.2 17.2 16.9 -- -- -- -- --

Turbidity (FNU) 160 130 100 100 70 50 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 7.4 8.6 8.1 9.6 10.0 9.4 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)91.1 95.9 93.9 104 107 98.1 -- -- -- -- --

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

14 21 18 29 46 39 -- -- -- -- --

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 36.0 56 46 64 130 74 -- -- -- -- --

Total microcystin (μg/L) <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- <0.1 nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total geosmin (ng/L) <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 -- -- -- -- --

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

<2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 -- -- -- -- --

Republican R at Junction City, KS (06857100)

Streamflow (ft3/s) 1,680 1,580 1,480 5,790 5,860 5,550 -- 469 427 402 392

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

557 556 558 561 568 573 -- 579 581 611 603

pH 9.3 8.6 8.7 8.5 8.5 8.4 -- 8.3 8.5 8.6 8.4

Water temperature (°C) 25.7 24.8 24.6 22.0 20.8 20.0 -- 18.8 18.0 15.2 13.9

Turbidity (FNU) 5.9 2.9 3.6 3.5 7.4 5.0 -- 3.4 3.1 9.1 5.4

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 8.8 9.4 10 10 11 10 -- 9.7 11 11 11

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)108 114 121 120 118 115 -- 105 115 106 106

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

18 66 38 26 67 43 -- 0.80 2.5 3.9 2.3

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 12.0 6.1 9.9 2.0 2.0 2.2 -- 1.3 10.0 7.5 7.7

Total microcystin (μg/L) 7.4 3.8 3.1 1.1 0.40 0.30 -- 0.31 0.22 0.17 0.18

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- 0.2 nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total geosmin (ng/L) 9.4 9.0 20 6.9 9.0 18.0 -- 4.3 3.5 <2.0 <2.0

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

2.8 2.2 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 -- <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0

Appendix 2. Discrete water-quality sampling results from samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[nr, near; KS, Kansas; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; --, sample not collected; °C, degrees Celsius; FNU, formazin nephelometric 

units; mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; μg/L, micrograms per liter; >, greater than; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; <, less than; ng/L, 

nanograms per liter; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; se, sonde measurement error; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
36 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Water-quality property 09/02/11 09/08/11 09/12/11 09/20/11 09/26/11 10/03/11 10/05/11 10/11/11 10/17/11 10/24/11 10/31/11

Big Blue R nr Manhattan, KS (06887000)

Streamflow (ft3/s) 1,050 1,020 1,000 5,270 7,870 3,630 -- 310 302 282 298

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

632 434 431 431 430 428 -- 444 443 453 461

pH 8.7 8.3 8.3 8.3 8.4 8.4 -- 8.4 8.3 8.6 8.4

Water temperature (°C) 26.2 25.0 24.6 22.4 21.1 19.9 -- 18.7 17.2 14.8 13.3

Turbidity (FNU) 11 11 10 11 11 7.3 -- 14 17 17 14

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 7.7 8.5 8.6 9.4 9.9 9.5 -- 9.2 9.2 9.9 11

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)96.4 103.0 104.0 108.0 111.0 104.0 -- 98.6 95.9 98.1 102.0

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

4.2 4.2 3.2 2.7 2.9 0.40 -- 4.4 4.4 4.7 4.8

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 6.0 12 7.3 4.4 3.7 5.6 -- 5.3 16.5 9.0 17.0

Total microcystin (μg/L) <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.10 -- <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- <0.1 nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total geosmin (ng/L) <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 -- 2.1 2.5 <2.0 <2.0

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

3.7 4.8 3.8 7.7 4.4 3.9 -- 4.7 2.9 3.5 <2.0

Delaware R at Perry, KS (06890900)

Streamflow (ft3/s) 166 172 199 1,030 1,960 107 -- 49.9 43.3 40.6 42.5

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

319 312 316 310 309 310 -- 324 335 318 341

pH 7.8 7.9 7.8 8.0 8.1 8.2 -- 8.8 8.7 8.4 8.7

Water temperature (°C) 25.9 24.0 24.8 21.7 20.7 19.9 -- 20.2 16.8 14.4 12.3

Turbidity (FNU) 21 20 26 22 18 15 -- 7.9 11 12 14

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 6.0 7.9 6.7 8.7 9.4 9.4 -- 9.3 8.8 10 10

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)74.7 93.3 81.2 99.0 105.0 102.0 -- 104.0 91.0 99.9 92.3

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

4 7 5 2 3 4 -- 11 6 4

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 9.9 20 9.7 4.0 4.3 2.8 -- 21 16 9.7 11

Total microcystin (μg/L) 0.13 0.30 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.1 -- <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- <0.1 nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total geosmin (ng/L) <2.0 7.7 <2.0 2.5 4.8 3.9 -- 7.8 5.4 11 4.5

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

12 29 28 14 16 3.3 -- 2.4 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0

Appendix 2. Discrete water-quality sampling results from samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[nr, near; KS, Kansas; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; --, sample not collected; °C, degrees Celsius; FNU, formazin nephelometric 

units; mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; μg/L, micrograms per liter; >, greater than; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; <, less than; ng/L, 

nanograms per liter; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; se, sonde measurement error; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Appendix 2 37

Water-quality property 09/02/11 09/08/11 09/12/11 09/20/11 09/26/11 10/03/11 10/05/11 10/11/11 10/17/11 10/24/11 10/31/11

Wakarusa R nr Lawrence, KS (06891500)

Streamflow (ft3/s) 24.9 31.7 25.6 26.3 24.9 2.46 -- -- -- -- --

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

332 321 306 343 338 358 -- -- -- -- --

pH 8.7 8.0 7.9 8.1 8.1 8.2 -- -- -- -- --

Water temperature (°C) 27.1 21.1 25.1 19.2 15.7 14.6 -- -- -- -- --

Turbidity (FNU) 25 24 29 250 22 22 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 7.0 7.3 6.0 7.7 8.5 8.0 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)87.9 82.3 73.3 83.7 85.9 79.1 -- -- -- -- --

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

6.1 2.4 2.8 0.10 2.3 2.3 -- -- -- -- --

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 15 8.8 6.7 5.5 4.2 3.0 -- -- -- -- --

Total microcystin (μg/L) <0.1 <0.1 nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total geosmin (ng/L) 4.7 4.4 nm nm -- nm -- -- -- -- --

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

4.7 4.7 nm nm -- nm -- -- -- -- --

Kansas River main-stem sampling sites

Kansas R at Fort Riley, KS (06879100)

Streamflow (ft3/s) 2,480 2,290 2,230 6,560 6,540 6,420 -- -- -- -- --

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

829 862 860 675 677 668 -- -- -- -- --

pH 9.1 8.9 8.6 8.5 8.5 8.4 -- -- -- -- --

Water temperature (°C) 25.4 22.6 23.2 21.8 19.1 19.7 -- -- -- -- --

Turbidity (FNU) 85 49 38 30 17 15 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 7.6 8.5 8.3 9.5 10 9.6 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)91.9 98.4 97.9 109.0 111.0 105.0 -- -- -- -- --

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

4.0 3.1 1.8 2.5 6.9 0.40 -- -- -- -- --

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 29.0 20 19 8.5 18.0 7.1 -- -- -- -- --

Total microcystin (μg/L) 4.8 3.6 2.4 0.64 0.23 0.32 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total geosmin (ng/L) 6.1 6.7 nm nm -- nm -- -- -- -- --

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

<2.0 4.3 nm nm -- nm -- -- -- -- --

Appendix 2. Discrete water-quality sampling results from samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[nr, near; KS, Kansas; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; --, sample not collected; °C, degrees Celsius; FNU, formazin nephelometric 

units; mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; μg/L, micrograms per liter; >, greater than; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; <, less than; ng/L, 

nanograms per liter; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; se, sonde measurement error; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
38 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Water-quality property 09/02/11 09/08/11 09/12/11 09/20/11 09/26/11 10/03/11 10/05/11 10/11/11 10/17/11 10/24/11 10/31/11

Kansas R at Manhattan, KS (06879820)

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

816 861 853 677 665 670 -- -- -- -- --

pH 9.2 8.5 8.6 8.5 8.5 8.4 -- -- -- -- --

Water temperature (°C) 26.3 22.7 23.8 21.6 19.8 19.8 -- -- -- -- --

Turbidity (FNU) 140 56 42 58 23 22 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 7.4 9.3 9.1 9.0 9.8 9.2 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)91.7 108 108 102 108 101 -- -- -- -- --

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

8.4 9.2 8.3 5.8 9.4 11 -- -- -- -- --

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 23 21 24 12 24 10 -- -- -- -- --

Total microcystin (μg/L) 7.7 5.0 3.5 0.82 0.24 0.35 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total geosmin (ng/L) 4.5 7.9 nm nm -- nm -- -- -- -- --

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

<2.0 <2.0 nm nm -- nm -- -- -- -- --

Kansas R at Wamego, KS (06887500)

Streamflow (ft3/s) 3,100 3,100 3,100 11,300 14,600 10,000 7,080 1,630 1,420 1,390 1,320

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

714 744 715 537 494 545 639 948 982 1,040 1,040

pH 8.2 8.4 8.5 8.4 8.5 8.4 8.4 8.7 8.6 8.9 8.6

Water temperature (°C) 25.9 21.7 24.0 22.3 20.7 20.0 19.3 18.6 14.6 14.5 11.0

Turbidity (FNU) 200 68 57 52 30 22 23 27 18 14 12

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 7.4 8.5 8.2 8.6 9.6 9.2 9.0 11 9.9 12 12

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)91.2 96.4 97.8 98.7 107 102 98.0 117 97.8 114 111

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

10 7.2 8.4 5.3 5.8 0.40 5.1 23 27 22 9

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 33 22 22 8.5 8.7 11 12 50 110 49 73

Total microcystin (μg/L) 2.2 2.7 1.1 0.60 0.20 0.20 0.17 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- 0.15 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

Total geosmin (ng/L) <2.0 7.1 6.9 6.4 5.2 10 8.4 nm nm nm nm

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

<2.0 <2.0 2.7 5.2 4.8 <2.0 <2.0 nm nm nm nm

Appendix 2. Discrete water-quality sampling results from samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[nr, near; KS, Kansas; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; --, sample not collected; °C, degrees Celsius; FNU, formazin nephelometric 

units; mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; μg/L, micrograms per liter; >, greater than; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; <, less than; ng/L, 

nanograms per liter; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; se, sonde measurement error; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Appendix 2 39

Water-quality property 09/02/11 09/08/11 09/12/11 09/20/11 09/26/11 10/03/11 10/05/11 10/11/11 10/17/11 10/24/11 10/31/11

Kansas R nr Belvue, KS (06888350)

Streamflow (ft3/s) 2,870 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

818 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

pH 8.3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Water temperature (°C) 26.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Turbidity (FNU) 310 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 7.5 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)92.5 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

17 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 47 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Total microcystin (μg/L) 0.95 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Total geosmin (ng/L) 2.9 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

<2.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas R at Topeka, KS (06889000)

Streamflow (ft3/s) 1,830 3,020 3,080 9,500 13,500 9,450 -- 1,840 1,530 1,500 1,520

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

944 739 741 579 553 577 -- 860 952 998 1,020

pH 8.6 8.6 8.6 8.4 8.4 8.6 -- 8.9 9.1 8.7 8.9

Water temperature (°C) 26.1 20.8 23.6 21.6 19.7 19.1 -- 19.9 14.8 14.0 9.6

Turbidity (FNU) 97 79 70 110 73 31 -- 26 130 11 8.7

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 8.9 8.8 8.4 8.8 8.4 9.9 -- 11 11 12 12

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)111 98.3 99.6 99.4 102 107 -- 120 108 113 103

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

31 14 13 10 11 9.1 -- 28 se 16 22

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 110 43 36 19 23 20 -- 49 90 46 77

Total microcystin (μg/L) <0.1 2.3 nm 0.7 0.3 0.3 -- <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- 0.15 nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total geosmin (ng/L) <2.0 13 nm 4.4 5.1 28.0 -- nm nm nm nm

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

<2.0 4.7 nm 4.8 <2.0 <2.0 -- nm nm nm nm

Appendix 2. Discrete water-quality sampling results from samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[nr, near; KS, Kansas; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; --, sample not collected; °C, degrees Celsius; FNU, formazin nephelometric 

units; mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; μg/L, micrograms per liter; >, greater than; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; <, less than; ng/L, 

nanograms per liter; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; se, sonde measurement error; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
40 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Water-quality property 09/02/11 09/08/11 09/12/11 09/20/11 09/26/11 10/03/11 10/05/11 10/11/11 10/17/11 10/24/11 10/31/11

Kansas R at Lecompton, KS (06891000)

Streamflow (ft3/s) 1,530 2,910 2,990 10,700 15,800 10,500 9,960 -- -- -- --

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

716 560 585 563 534 581 587 -- -- -- --

pH 8.7 8.5 8.4 8.4 8.4 8.6 8.6 -- -- -- --

Water temperature (°C) 27.0 22.6 24.6 21.9 20.0 19.0 20.4 -- -- -- --

Turbidity (FNU) 70 32 60 140 67 37 33 -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 9.7 8.5 8.0 8.5 9.2 9.9 10 -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)122 98.6 96.6 96.6 101 106 112 -- -- -- --

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

32 16 14 8.8 7.5 12 8.7 -- -- -- --

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 89.0 50 41 15.0 23.0 29.0 32.0 -- -- -- --

Total microcystin (μg/L) <0.1 0.90 0.20 0.60 0.30 0.50 0.17 -- -- -- --

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- 0.24 nm nm nm -- -- -- --

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- --

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- --

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- --

Total geosmin (ng/L) <2.0 9.5 4.5 5.8 3.4 32 14 -- -- -- --

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

5.4 9.9 14 4.6 3.7 <2.0 <2.0 -- -- -- --

Kansas R at Lawrence, KS (06891080)

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

-- -- -- 560 551 549 -- -- -- -- --

pH -- -- -- 8.3 8.5 8.5 -- -- -- -- --

Water temperature (°C) -- -- -- 20.5 18.8 18.2 -- -- -- -- --

Turbidity (FNU) -- -- -- 170 87 38 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) -- -- -- 8.3 8.8 9.3 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)-- -- -- 92.7 95.1 98.9 -- -- -- -- --

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

-- -- -- 8.8 9.4 15 -- -- -- -- --

Chlorophyll (μg/L) -- -- -- 13 19 35 -- -- -- -- --

Total microcystin (μg/L) -- -- -- 0.60 0.30 0.70 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- <0.1 nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) -- -- -- nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) -- -- -- nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total geosmin (ng/L) -- -- -- 4.3 4.9 46 -- -- -- -- --

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

-- -- -- 4.3 2.0 <2.0 -- -- -- -- --

Appendix 2. Discrete water-quality sampling results from samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[nr, near; KS, Kansas; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; --, sample not collected; °C, degrees Celsius; FNU, formazin nephelometric 

units; mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; μg/L, micrograms per liter; >, greater than; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; <, less than; ng/L, 

nanograms per liter; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; se, sonde measurement error; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Appendix 2 41

Water-quality property 09/02/11 09/08/11 09/12/11 09/20/11 09/26/11 10/03/11 10/05/11 10/11/11 10/17/11 10/24/11 10/31/11

Kansas R at Desoto, KS (06892350)

Streamflow (ft3/s) 1,650 2,960 2,990 10,300 15,800 11,000 -- 2,290 1,740 1,480 1,280

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

850 701 665 537 516 545 -- 764 871 950 999

pH 8.3 8.6 8.5 8.4 8.6 8.7 -- 9.0 9.1 8.8 8.4

Water temperature (°C) 26.6 19.9 25.5 21.1 19.1 18.7 -- 21.3 15.2 13.3 10.5

Turbidity (FNU) 80 86 82 440 94 46 -- 33 27 17 12

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 8.3 8.3 7.4 8.6 9.3 9.5 -- 12 10 11 11

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)104 91.6 90.4 96.6 100 102 -- 134 102 104 103

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

37 28 19 16 74 14 -- 30 se 34 34

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 110 85 58 15 19 42 -- 48 100 86 97

Total microcystin (μg/L) <0.1 0.80 0.80 0.50 0.40 0.80 -- <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- <0.1 nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm -- nm nm nm nm

Total geosmin (ng/L) <2.0 5.1 5.1 3.1 7.6 35 -- 4.6 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

<2.0 16 2.9 <2.0 2.8 <2.0 -- <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0

Kansas R nr I-435 Bridge, KS (06892518)

Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

829 709 713 537 516 523 -- -- -- -- --

pH 8.7 8.7 8.7 8.3 8.4 8.6 -- -- -- -- --

Water temperature (°C) 28.5 21.7 24.1 20.2 19.1 18.0 -- -- -- -- --

Turbidity (FNU) 59 72 53 180 120 49 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 9.0 8.3 8.1 8.3 8.9 9.6 -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved oxygen saturation (%)118 94.4 95.8 91.7 96.2 101 -- -- -- -- --

Fluorescence (μg/L, as 

chlorophyll)

54 31 28 9 12 15 -- -- -- -- --

Chlorophyll (μg/L) 140 89 61 16 26 39 -- -- -- -- --

Total microcystin (μg/L) <0.1 0.80 nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Dissolved microcystin 

(μg/L)

-- -- -- nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total anatoxin-a (μg/L) <0.1 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total cylindrospermopsin 

(μg/L)

<0.05 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total saxitoxin (μg/L) <0.02 nm nm nm nm nm -- -- -- -- --

Total geosmin (ng/L) <2.0 4.3 nm nm -- nm -- -- -- -- --

Total 2-methylisoborneol 

(ng/L)

<2.0 5.0 nm nm -- nm -- -- -- -- --

Appendix 2. Discrete water-quality sampling results from samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[nr, near; KS, Kansas; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; --, sample not collected; °C, degrees Celsius; FNU, formazin nephelometric 

units; mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; μg/L, micrograms per liter; >, greater than; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; <, less than; ng/L, 

nanograms per liter; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; se, sonde measurement error; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
42 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]

Date

Cyanobacteria 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Anabaena

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Anabaenopsis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Aphanizomenon

abundance 

(cells/mL

Aphanocapsa

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chroococcus

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cylindrospermopsis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Microcystis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Phormidium

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Pseudanabaena

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Milford Reservoir sampling sites 

Milford Lake nr Junction City, KS (06857050) 

09/02/11 600,000,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 600,000,000 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/12/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/20/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Milford Lake outlet, KS (390433096534600) 

09/02/11 28,000 20 0.0 0.0 0.0 21 0.0 28,000 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 17,000 4.0 76 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 16,000 0.0 29 

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas River tributary sampling sites 

Smoky Hill R at Grandview Pl, Junction City, KS (06879005) 

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/12/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 72 0.0 0.0 42 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 560 0.0 0.0 560 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 
Appendix 3 43

Date

Anabaena

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Anabaenopsis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Aphanizomenon

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Aphanocapsa

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chroococcus

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cylindrospermopsis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Microcystis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Phormidium

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Pseudanbaena

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Milford Reservoir sampling sites

Milford Lake nr Junction City, KS (06857050)

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/12/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/20/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Milford Lake outlet, KS (390433096534600)

09/02/11 0.069 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.076 0.0 100 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 0.024 0.46 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 99 0.0 0.18

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas River tributary sampling sites

Smoky Hill R at Grandview Pl, Junction City, KS (06879005)

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/12/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
44 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]

Date

Cyanobacteria 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Anabaena

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Anabaenopsis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Aphanizomenon

abundance 

(cells/mL

Aphanocapsa

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chroococcus

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cylindrospermopsis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Microcystis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Phormidium

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Pseudanabaena

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Republican R at Junction City, KS (06857100) 

09/02/11 28,000 340 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 28,000 210 25 

09/08/11 25,000 360 180 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 24,000 0.0 890 

09/12/11 3,700 500 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 240 2,700 290 0.0 

09/20/11 760 110 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.0 0.0 640 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 380 110 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 280 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 380 270 0.0 21 0.0 0.0 0.0 86 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 230 74 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 150 0.0 0.0 

10/17/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/24/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/31/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Big Blue R nr Manhattan, KS (06887000) 

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 830 210 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 360 0.0 260 

09/12/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/17/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/24/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/31/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Delaware R at Perry, KS (06890900) 

09/02/11 43 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 43 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 2,500 3.6 16 0.0 0.0 140 0.0 1,000 210 1,200 

09/12/11 0.0 0.0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 0.0 0.0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 49 49 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/17/11 95 10 0.0 69 0.0 0.0 0.0 16 0.0 0.0 

10/24/11 160 34 0.0 120 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/31/11 32 32 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Appendix 3 45

Date

Anabaena

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Anabaenopsis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Aphanizomenon

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Aphanocapsa

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chroococcus

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cylindrospermopsis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Microcystis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Phormidium

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Pseudanbaena

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Republican R at Junction City, KS (06857100)

09/02/11 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 98 0.74 0.088

09/08/11 1.4 0.70 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 94 0.0 3.5

09/12/11 13 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.4 72 7.9 0.0

09/20/11 14 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.92 0.0 84 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 28 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 72 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 72 0.0 5.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 23 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 33 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 68 0.0 0.0

10/17/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/24/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/31/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Big Blue R nr Manhattan, KS (06887000)

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 26 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 43 0.0 32

09/12/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/17/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/24/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/31/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Delaware R at Perry, KS (06890900)

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 0.14 0.64 0 0 5.6 0.0 40 8.1 46

09/12/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/17/11 11 0.0 73 0.0 0.0 0.0 17 0.0 0.0

10/24/11 22 0.0 78 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/31/11 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
46 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Date

Cyanobacteria 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Anabaena

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Anabaenopsis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Aphanizomenon

abundance 

(cells/mL

Aphanocapsa

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chroococcus

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cylindrospermopsis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Microcystis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Phormidium

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Pseudanabaena

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Wakarusa R nr Lawrence, KS (06891500) 

09/02/11 2,700 350 0.0 0.0 0.0 510 940 860 0.0 92 

09/08/11 640 150 0.0 0.0 0.0 120 73 248 0.0 58 

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas River main-stem sampling sites 

Kansas R at Fort Riley, KS (06879100) 

09/02/11 20,000 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 20,000 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 3,900 19 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3,300 0.0 640 

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas R at Manhattan, KS (06879820) 

09/02/11 6,400 25 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6,200 0.0 260 

09/08/11 4,700 47 0.0 0.0 0.0 320 0.0 4,400 0.0 0.0 

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Appendix 3 47

Date

Anabaena

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Anabaenopsis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Aphanizomenon

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Aphanocapsa

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chroococcus

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cylindrospermopsis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Microcystis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Phormidium

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Pseudanbaena

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Wakarusa R nr Lawrence, KS (06891500)

09/02/11 13 0.0 0.0 0.0 19 34 31 0.0 3.3

09/08/11 23 0.0 0.0 0.0 18 11 38 0.0 9.0

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas River main-stem sampling sites

Kansas R at Fort Riley, KS (06879100)

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 0.48 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 83 0.0 16

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas R at Manhattan, KS (06879820)

09/02/11 0.38 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 96 0.0 3.9

09/08/11 0.99 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.7 0.0 92 0.0 0.0

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
48 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Date

Cyanobacteria 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Anabaena

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Anabaenopsis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Aphanizomenon

abundance 

(cells/mL

Aphanocapsa

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chroococcus

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cylindrospermopsis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Microcystis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Phormidium

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Pseudanabaena

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Kansas R at Wamego, KS (06887500) 

09/02/11 3,400 68 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3,400 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 550 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 550 0.0 0.0 

09/12/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 530 530 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 710 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 710 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 510 510 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/11/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/17/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/24/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/31/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

Kansas R nr Belvue, KS (06888350) 

09/02/11 23,000 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1,700 0.0 20,000 0.0 960 

09/08/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/12/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/20/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/26/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/03/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas R at Topeka, KS (06889000) 

09/02/11 3,400 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 850 0.0 2,800 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 17,000 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 210 0.0 17,000 0.0 0.0 

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/20/11 200 0.0 0.0 200 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 1,100 1,100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/17/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/24/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/31/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Appendix 3 49

Date

Anabaena

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Anabaenopsis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Aphanizomenon

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Aphanocapsa

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chroococcus

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cylindrospermopsis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Microcystis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Phormidium

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Pseudanbaena

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Kansas R at Wamego, KS (06887500)

09/02/11 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 98 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0

09/12/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/11/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/17/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/24/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/31/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

Kansas R nr Belvue, KS (06888350)

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.4 0.0 88 0.0 4.1

09/08/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/12/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/20/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/26/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/03/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas R at Topeka, KS (06889000)

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 17 0.0 83 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.2 0.0 99 0.0 0.0

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/20/11 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/17/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/24/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/31/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
50 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Date

Cyanobacteria 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Anabaena

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Anabaenopsis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Aphanizomenon

abundance 

(cells/mL

Aphanocapsa

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chroococcus

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cylindrospermopsis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Microcystis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Phormidium

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Pseudanabaena

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Kansas R at Lecompton, KS (06891000) 

09/02/11 950 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 950 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 10,000 350 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8,200 1,200 210 

09/12/11 5,700 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5,700 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 390 390 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 1,000 1000 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 940 850 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 84 0.0 0.0 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas R at Lawrence, KS (06891080) 

09/02/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/08/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/12/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/20/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 2,100 2100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas R at Desoto, KS (06892350) 

09/02/11 2,400 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1,200 0.0 590 0.0 580 

09/08/11 2,300 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1,900 330 0.0 

09/12/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 13 13 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/17/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/24/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/31/11 670 0.0 0.0 670 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Appendix 3 51

Date

Anabaena

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Anabaenopsis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Aphanizomenon

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Aphanocapsa

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chroococcus

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cylindrospermopsis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Microcystis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Phormidium

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Pseudanbaena

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Kansas R at Lecompton, KS (06891000)

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 3.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 82 12 2.1

09/12/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 91 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 9.0 0.0 0.0

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas R at Lawrence, KS (06891080)

09/02/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/08/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/12/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/20/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas R at Desoto, KS (06892350)

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 51 0.0 25 0.0 24

09/08/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 85 14 0.0

09/12/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/17/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/24/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/31/11 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
52 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Date

Cyanobacteria 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Anabaena

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Anabaenopsis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Aphanizomenon

abundance 

(cells/mL

Aphanocapsa

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chroococcus

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cylindrospermopsis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Microcystis

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Phormidium

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Pseudanabaena

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Kansas R nr I-435 Bridge, KS (06892518) 

09/02/11 13,000 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2,800 0.0 1,200 0.0 9,300 

09/08/11 6,600 68 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6,600 0.0 0.0 

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Appendix 3 53

Date

Anabaena

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Anabaenopsis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Aphanizomenon

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Aphanocapsa

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chroococcus

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cylindrospermopsis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Microcystis

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Phormidium

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Pseudanbaena

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Kansas R nr I-435 Bridge, KS (06892518)

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 21 0.0 9.0 0.0 70

09/08/11 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 99 0.0 0.0

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Appendix 3. Cyanobacterial community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
54 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]

Date 

Phytoplankton 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Bacillariophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chlorophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chrysophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cryptophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cyanophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Euglenophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Pyrrophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Milford Reservoir sampling sites 

Milford Lake nr Junction City, KS (06857050) 

09/02/11 600,000,000 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 600,000,000 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/12/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/20/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Milford Lake outlet, KS (390433096534600) 

09/02/11 28,000 55 9.1 0.0 160 28,000 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 17,000 100 62 0.0 260 17,000 0.0 0.0 

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas River tributary sampling sites 

Smoky Hill R at Grandview Pl, Junction City, KS (06879005) 

09/02/11 17,000 12,000 770 0.0 4,100 0.0 8.0 0.0 

09/08/11 71,000 59,000 2,400 0.0 9,700 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/12/11 100,000 95,000 2,000 0.0 3,600 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 91,000 86,000 2,400 0.0 1,900 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 160,000 140,000 7,400 0.0 10,000 72 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 120,000 120,000 4,300 0.0 3,700 560 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 
Appendix 4 55

Date

Bacillariophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chlorophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chrysophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cryptophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cyanophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Euglenophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Pyrrophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Milford Reservoir sampling sites

Milford Lake nr Junction City, KS (06857050)

09/02/11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/12/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/20/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Milford Lake outlet, KS (390433096534600)

09/02/11 0.19 0.03 0.0 0.55 99 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 0.60 0.37 0.0 1.5 97 0.0 0.0

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas River tributary sampling sites

Smoky Hill R at Grandview Pl, Junction City, KS (06879005)

09/02/11 71 4.5 0.0 24 0.0 0.047 0.0

09/08/11 83 3.4 0.0 14 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/12/11 94 2.0 0.0 3.6 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 95 2.7 0.0 2.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 89 4.6 0.0 6.2 0.026 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 93 3.5 0.0 3.0 0.45 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
56 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Date 

Phytoplankton 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Bacillariophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chlorophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chrysophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cryptophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cyanophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Euglenophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Pyrrophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Republican R at Junction City, KS (06857100) 

09/02/11 29,000 260 150 0.0 560 28,000 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 26,000 140 29 0.0 390 25,000 0.0 0.0 

09/12/11 5,100 67 210 0.0 1,100 3,700 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 1,000 19 26 0.0 250 760 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 1,100 300 52 0.0 380 380 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 1,100 270 61 0.0 390 380 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 820 200 24 0.0 370 230 0.0 0.0 

10/17/11 5,900 2,800 230 0.0 2,900 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/24/11 2,300 1,500 78 0.0 750 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/31/11 1,300 980 8.9 0.0 290 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Big Blue R nr Manhattan, KS (06887000) 

09/02/11 2,100 1,500 160 0.0 530 0.0 0.20 0.0 

09/08/11 4,000 1,800 410 0.0 960 830 0.0 0.0 

09/12/11 4,700 3,500 310 1.0 880 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 1,900 1,300 53 0.0 550 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 1,100 510 77 0.0 470 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 5,200 4,100 710 0.0 350 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 6,000 5,100 360 0.0 480 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/17/11 4,500 3,200 440 0.0 910 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/24/11 7,600 6,700 30 0.0 870 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/31/11 6,900 5,300 220 0.0 1,400 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Delaware R at Perry, KS (06890900) 

09/02/11 4,800 1,400 620 0.0 2,800 43 29 0.0 

09/08/11 9,900 3,500 830 0.20 3,000 2,500 0.0 7.3 

09/12/11 6,400 3,500 480 0.0 2,500 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 2,100 1,700 63 0.0 330 0.0 0.0 1.0 

09/26/11 2,700 1,900 290 0.0 530 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 11,000 5,200 2,000 0.0 3,600 49 0.0 0.0 

10/17/11 1,700 530 36 0.0 1,000 95 0.0 0.0 

10/24/11 7,900 2,500 660 0.0 4,600 160 0.0 0.0 

10/31/11 7,300 5,600 190 0.0 1,400 32 0.0 0.0 

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Appendix 4 57

Date

Bacillariophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chlorophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chrysophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cryptophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cyanophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Euglenophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Pyrrophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Republican R at Junction City, KS (06857100)

09/02/11 0.88 0.50 0.0 1.9 97 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 0.54 0.11 0.0 1.5 98 0.0 0.0

09/12/11 1.3 4.1 0.0 21 73 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 1.8 2.5 0.0 23 72 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 27 4.6 0.0 34 35 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 24 5.5 0.0 36 34 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 24 3.0 0.0 45 28 0.0 0.0

10/17/11 47 3.9 0.0 49 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/24/11 65 3.3 0.0 32 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/31/11 77 0.70 0.0 23 0.0 0.0 0.0

Big Blue R nr Manhattan, KS (06887000)

09/02/11 67 7.6 0.0 25 0.0 0.0093 0.0

09/08/11 45 10 0.0 24 21 0.0 0.0

09/12/11 75 6.5 0.021 19 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 68 2.8 0.0 29 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 48 7.3 0.0 44 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 79 14 0.0 6.8 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 86 6.1 0.0 8.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/17/11 70 9.7 0.0 20 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/24/11 88 0.39 0.0 11 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/31/11 76 3.2 0.0 21 0.0 0.0 0.0

Delaware R at Perry, KS (06890900)

09/02/11 28 13 0.0 57 0.88 0.59 0.0

09/08/11 36 8.4 0.0020 30 26 0.0 0.073

09/12/11 54 7.5 0.0 38 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 81 3.1 0.0 16 0.0 0.0 0.049

09/26/11 70 11 0.0 20 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 48 18 0.0 33 0.45 0.0 0.0

10/17/11 32 2.2 0.0 60 5.7 0.0 0.0

10/24/11 32 8.4 0.0 58 2.0 0.0 0.0

10/31/11 77 2.5 0.0 20 0.44 0.0 0.0

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
58 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Date 

Phytoplankton 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Bacillariophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chlorophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chrysophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cryptophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cyanophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Euglenophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Pyrrophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Wakarusa R nr Lawrence, KS (06891500) 

09/02/11 7,000 1,800 630 0.0 1,900 2,700 1.0 0.0 

09/08/11 2,700 1200 250 4.9 630 640 0.20 0.0 

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas River main-stem sampling sites 

Kansas R at Fort Riley, KS (06879100) 

09/02/11 34,000 8,900 590 0.0 4,400 20,000 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 27,000 19,000 1,100 0.0 2,700 3,900 2.0 0.0 

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas R at Manhattan, KS (06879820) 

09/02/11 19,000 9,800 580 0.0 2,300 6,400 0.67 0.0 

09/08/11 41,000 30,000 2,800 0.0 3,200 4,700 0.0 0.0 

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Appendix 4 59

Date

Bacillariophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chlorophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chrysophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cryptophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cyanophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Euglenophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Pyrrophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Wakarusa R nr Lawrence, KS (06891500)

09/02/11 25 8.9 0.0 27 39 0.014 0.0

09/08/11 44 9.3 0.18 23 24 0.0073 0.0

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas River main-stem sampling sites

Kansas R at Fort Riley, KS (06879100)

09/02/11 26 1.7 0.0 13 59 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 71 4.0 0.0 10 14 0.0073 0.0

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas R at Manhattan, KS (06879820)

09/02/11 51 3.0 0.0 12 34 0.0035 0.0

09/08/11 74 6.8 0.0 7.8 11 0.0 0.0

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
60 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Date 

Phytoplankton 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Bacillariophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chlorophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chrysophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cryptophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cyanophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Euglenophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Pyrrophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Kansas R at Wamego, KS (06887500) 

09/02/11 22,000 13,000 1,600 0.0 4,200 3,400 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 24,000 17,000 1,900 0.0 4,400 550 0.0 0.0 

09/12/11 37,000 35,000 290 0.0 1,700 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 7,200 5,200 87 0.0 1,400 530 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 16,000 12,000 290 0.0 2,600 710 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 12,000 9,300 810 0.0 1,900 510 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 3,100 2,600 110 0.0 430 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/11/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/17/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/24/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/31/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

Kansas R nr Belvue, KS (06888350) 

09/02/11 68,000 26,000 3,800 0.0 15,000 23,000 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/12/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/20/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/26/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/03/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas R at Topeka, KS (06889000) 

09/02/11 47,000 35,000 2,200 0.0 6,500 3,400 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 44,000 25,000 870 0.0 1,700 17,000 0.20 0.0 

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/20/11 23,000 20,000 230 0.0 2,100 200 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 27,000 24,000 720 0.0 2,800 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 29,000 24,000 920 0.0 2,200 1,100 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/17/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/24/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/31/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Appendix 4 61

Date

Bacillariophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chlorophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chrysophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cryptophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cyanophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Euglenophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Pyrrophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Kansas R at Wamego, KS (06887500)

09/02/11 58 7.3 0.0 19 15 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 71 7.8 0.0 19 2.3 0.0 0.0

09/12/11 95 0.79 0.0 4.6 0 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 72 1.2 0.0 20 7.3 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 77 1.8 0.0 16 4.5 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 74 6.5 0.0 15 4.1 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 83 3.6 0.0 14 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/11/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/17/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/24/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/31/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

Kansas R nr Belvue, KS (06888350)

09/02/11 38 5.6 0.0 22 34 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/12/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/20/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/26/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/03/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas R at Topeka, KS (06889000)

09/02/11 74 4.6 0.0 14 7.2 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 55 2.0 0.0 3.9 39 0.00045 0.0

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/20/11 89 1.0 0.0 9.4 0.88 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 87 2.7 0.0 10 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 85 3.2 0.0 7.7 3.7 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/17/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/24/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/31/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
62 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Date 

Phytoplankton 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Bacillariophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chlorophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chrysophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cryptophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cyanophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Euglenophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Pyrrophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Kansas R at Lecompton, KS (06891000) 

09/02/11 100,000 85,000 6,000 0.0 9,700 950 0.67 0.0 

09/08/11 41,000 21,000 2,500 0.0 6,700 10,000 0.0 0.67 

09/12/11 29,000 21,000 750 0.0 2,100 5,700 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 15,000 14,000 73 0.0 180 390 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 35,000 31,000 1,500 0.0 2,300 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 50,000 45,000 420 0.0 2,700 1,000 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 45,000 37,000 2,000 0.0 4,500 940 0.0 0.0 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas R at Lawrence, KS (06891080) 

09/02/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/08/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/12/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

09/20/11 13,000 12,000 0.0 0.0 530 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 20,000 19,000 10 0.0 1,300 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 34,000 31,000 460 0.0 840 2,100 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Kansas R at Desoto, KS (06892350) 

09/02/11 140,000 110,000 13,000 0.0 15,000 2,400 0.0 0.0 

09/08/11 190,000 160,000 7,100 0.0 23,000 2,300 428 0.0 

09/12/11 42,000 36,000 1,300 0.0 4,400 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/20/11 22,000 20,000 210 0.0 1,800 0.0 0.0 0.0 

09/26/11 15,000 14,000 340 0.0 890 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/03/11 54,000 46,000 4,500 0.0 2,800 13 0.0 0.0 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 170,000 150,000 6,300 0.0 13,000 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/17/11 190,000 150,000 19,000 0.0 16,000 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/24/11 140,000 117,000 13,000 0.0 9,400 0.0 0.0 0.0 

10/31/11 80,000 69,000 5,400 0.0 5,300 670 0.0 0.0 

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Appendix 4 63

Date

Bacillariophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chlorophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chrysophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cryptophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cyanophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Euglenophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Pyrrophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Kansas R at Lecompton, KS (06891000)

09/02/11 84 5.9 0.0 9.5 0.93 0.00065 0.0

09/08/11 83 6.1 0.0 16 25 0.0 0.0016

09/12/11 71 2.6 0.0 7.1 19 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 96 0.48 0.0 1.2 2.6 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 89 4.2 0.0 6.5 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 92 0.85 0.0 5.5 2.1 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 83 4.9 0.0 10 2.1 0.0 0.0

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas R at Lawrence, KS (06891080)

09/02/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/08/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/12/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

09/20/11 96 0.0 0.0 4.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 93 0.05 0.0 6.6 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 90 1.4 0.0 2.5 6.0 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kansas R at Desoto, KS (06892350)

09/02/11 78 9.0 0.0 11 1.7 0.0 0.0

09/08/11 83 3.6 0.0 12 1.2 0.22 0.0

09/12/11 86 3.1 0.0 11 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/20/11 91 0.97 0.0 8.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

09/26/11 92 2.3 0.0 6.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/03/11 86 8.3 0.0 5.3 0.02 0.0 0.0

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 88 3.8 0.0 8.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/17/11 21 10 0.0 8.5 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/24/11 84 9.6 0.0 6.7 0.0 0.0 0.0

10/31/11 86 6.7 0.0 6.6 0.84 0.0 0.0

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
64 Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011

Date 

Phytoplankton 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Bacillariophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chlorophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Chrysophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cryptophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Cyanophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Euglenophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Pyrrophyta 

abundance 

(cells/mL)

Kansas R nr I-435 Bridge, KS (06892518) 

09/02/11 320,000 260,000 27,000 0.0 17,000 13,000 2.0 0.0 

09/08/11 120,000 93,000 8,500 0.0 8,300 6,600 36 0.0 

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Appendix 4 65

Date

Bacillariophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chlorophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Chrysophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cryptophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Cyanophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Euglenophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Pyrrophyta 

relative 

abundance 

(%)

Kansas R nr I-435 Bridge, KS (06892518)

09/02/11 82 8.3 0.0 5.4 4.2 0.00063 0.0

09/08/11 80 7.3 0.0 7.1 5.7 0.031 0.0

09/12/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/20/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

09/26/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/03/11 nm nm nm nm nm nm nm

10/05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/11/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/17/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/24/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

10/31/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Appendix 4. Phytoplankton community composition in samples collected from Kansas River tributary and main-stem sites during 

September and October 2011.—Continued

[cells/mL, cells per milliliter; %, percent; nr, near; KS, Kansas; --, sample not collected; nm, analyte not measured but sample archived; R, River; Pl, Plaza]
Publishing support provided by: 

Rolla Publishing Service Center

For additional information concerning this publication, contact: 

Director, USGS Kansas Water Science Center 

4821 Quail Crest Place 

Lawrence, KS 66049 

(785) 842–9909

Or visit the Kansas Water Science Center Web Site at: 

http://ks.water.usgs.gov

Graham and others—Fate and Transport of Cyanobacteria and Associated Compounds in the Kansas River, September and October 2011—SIR 2012–5129

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