VCU research uncovers high levels of bacteria, toxins in Richmond lakes

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A new study from Virginia Commonwealth University sheds light on harmful bacteria and algae that may be present in small lakes and ponds across Richmond.

Led by VCU environmental science professor Paul Bukaveckas, the project focuses on the city’s more than 200 small lakes, many of which have never been regularly monitored.

Unlike the James River or major reservoirs that are routinely checked, these smaller bodies of water often go overlooked.

“Sometimes you see kids splashing around in there, or people let their dogs splash around,” Bukaveckas said. “And I always have to say, well, we don’t know. Because nobody monitors these water bodies.”

Bukaveckas says these ponds matter because, for many Richmonders, they are the closest and most common way they interact with nature.

“These small lakes… they tend to get overlooked,” he said. “But for a lot of people, their main interaction with water is sitting by these ponds, bringing their kids or dogs.”

For Kyleigh Johnson, a VCU biology graduate student, the work is personal. She’s making this research the centerpiece of her master’s thesis.

“My major component in the lab is running the E. coli samples,” Johnson explained. “After 24 hours, you can actually see how many bacteria grows on that plate.”

Johnson and fellow researchers have been testing for both E. coli and microcystin, a toxin produced by harmful algae. When levels spike, the team reports their findings to the Virginia Department of Health.

“Back last fall, we got super high algal toxin levels at Deep Run Park,” Johnson said. “And they put up signs around the park letting people know what was happening in the water.”

Even in just one summer of testing, researchers found elevated levels of bacteria in several lakes, however, Bukaveckas warns the real challenge is securing funding to continue the work long-term.

“We’ve determined these ponds have very high levels of E. coli,” he said. “The next question will be, where is that coming from? Is it a human source, is it pet waste, is it natural sources like deer and waterfowl.”

Johnson says the ultimate goal is to raise awareness about water quality in the ponds and lakes people pass by every day.

“By doing this work, we can compile it together to show over time what these bodies of water look like, and hopefully bring more awareness,” she said.

Bukaveckas added, “For these small bodies of water, there is no spokesperson. If you Googled one of these ponds, you wouldn’t find any data. This study at least provides some answers.”

Researchers hope their findings will encourage continued monitoring in future summers, and provide the public with better information about the waters they interact with most.