Populations of cyanobacteria in two reservoirs of supply to La Habana: La Coca and La Zarza

Abstract

Within the phytoplankton present in the reservoirs, cyanobacteria occupy a relevant place since its impact on water quality has importance both socially, economically and healthily, being able to affect the health of animals including man. The La Coca and La Zarza reservoirs are located in the Guanabo River basin and present physicochemical and microbiological studies that do not consider cyanobacteria and microalgae. According to the relevance of blue-green algae in the reservoirs used in the human supply, this study was developed with the aim of achieving an approach to the populations of cyanobacteria present. Two sampling stations were established in each reservoir and the samples were carried out in June and July 2018. Nine species corresponding to seven genera were identified; three of them recognized by the World Health Organization as toxins producers. A total of 180 000 cel/ml were counted, obtaining the largest report for June in the La Zarza reservoir, which also presented the largest number of species and individuals. The identified cyanobacteria’s indicated eutrophication conditions in both aquatic systems and only one species was common for both reservoirs, which yielded a very low value in the likeness analysis. Because of the identification of species of health interest, the quality of these waters may be compromised if blooms occur.