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A theoretical modeling framework for motile and colonial harmful algae
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  • Jackie Taylor,
  • M. Carme Calderer,
  • Miki Hondzo,
  • Vaughan Voller
Jackie Taylor
University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Corresponding Author:tayl1562@umn.edu

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M. Carme Calderer
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
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Miki Hondzo
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
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Vaughan Voller
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
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Abstract

1. Harmful algal blooms are increasing in both severity and frequency across the globe. Many bloom-forming species are capable of vertical motility and colony formation. The cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa is a common example of such a species, yet current models poorly predict vertical distributions of M. aeruginosa. 2. To couple the hydrodynamics, buoyancy, and the colony dynamics of Microcystis, we present a system of one-dimensional advection-diffusion-aggregation equations with Smoluchowski aggregation terms. 3. Results indicate Smoluchowski aggregation accurately describes the colony dynamics of M. aeruginosa. Further, transport dynamics are strongly dependent on colony size, and aggregation processes are highly sensitive to algal concentration and wind-induced mixing. Both of these findings have direct consequences to harmful algal bloom formation. 4. While the theoretical framework outlined in this manuscript was derived for M. aeruginosa, both motility and colony formation are common among bloom-forming algae. As such, this coupling of vertical transport and colony dynamics is a useful step for improving forecasts of surface harmful algal blooms.
02 Dec 2021Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
03 Dec 2021Submission Checks Completed
03 Dec 2021Assigned to Editor
08 Dec 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
31 Jan 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Feb 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
09 Mar 20221st Revision Received
09 Mar 2022Submission Checks Completed
09 Mar 2022Assigned to Editor
09 Mar 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Mar 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
25 Apr 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
17 May 20222nd Revision Received
18 May 2022Submission Checks Completed
18 May 2022Assigned to Editor
18 May 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Jun 2022Editorial Decision: Accept
Jul 2022Published in Ecology and Evolution volume 12 issue 7. 10.1002/ece3.9042