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

Abstract

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