Browsing by Author "Bilyeu, Landon T."

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Modeling the Spread of Airborne Particles Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms and Plumes of Colored Smoke
    Bilyeu, Landon T. (Virginia Tech, 2024-08-15)
    Lakes and oceans are threatened by harmful algal blooms (HABs), caused mostly by toxic cyanobacteria. When people or animals drink the toxic water, it can be damaging to their health, potentially leading to hospitalization or even death. In some cases, these toxins are not just limited to the water, but can become airborne through wave breaking, bubble bursting, and spume droplet formation. New information is needed regarding the transport and fate of HAB-associated aerosols. The overall goal of this research was to monitor particle concentrations and measure meteorological conditions near HAB sites to determine the conditions that may lead to increased exposure to HAB cells and toxins in the atmosphere. By creating predictions of which conditions and locations will be experiencing higher aerosol levels at any given time, models could be used to inform the public and policy makers to ensure that appropriate responses and safety measures can be taken. The research also includes experiments to study plumes of colored smoke, as a proxy for the transport of biological particles such as HAB cells, pollen, and pathogens. The first objective of this research was to explore associations between measured weather conditions and particle concentrations measured above active HABs and HAB sites using drone-based sensor packages. The second objective was to monitor wind and particle concentrations near freshwater and marine HABs using ground-based sensor packages. The third objective was to model HAB aerosol behavior at a beach level to predict respiratory irritation. The fourth objective was to use aerial and ground-based sensors and images of colored smoke to predict particle concentrations at different distances and intensity levels downwind from the source(s).