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We collected this data to better understand the timing of peak benthic cyanobacterial mat occurrence (specifically taxa associated with anatoxin production, Microcoleus and Anabaena) and mat anatoxin concentrations in rivers. We sampled in northern California on the South Fork Eel, Salmon, and Russian Rivers biweekly in 2022, and the Salmon River biweekly and South Fork Eel weekly in 2023. During each sampling event, we conducted benthic cover surveys, measured in-situ water quality parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity), and collected surface water samples and targeted cyanobacteria samples. In 2022 on all rivers and in 2023 at the Salmon River, we also collected distributed non-targeted periphyton samples to characterize full-reach community compositions. All sampling was completed in 150-m reaches upstream of sensors recording continuous dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and temperature data. We analyzed surface water samples for nitrate, ammonium, soluble reactive phosphate, total dissolved carbon, and dissolved organic carbon. We also analyzed surface water samples from 2022 for major anions (Cl, SO4, Br) and cations (Na, K, Mg, Ca). Targeted-cyanobacteria and non-target periphyton samples were analyzed for anatoxins, relative abundance of algal taxa (via microscopy), ash-free dry mass, and chlorophyll-a. To estimate mean river depth within the dissolved oxygen footprint upstream of sensors, we kayaked portions of the river and collected river depth measurements. We also measured discharge at each river excluding the Salmon River (due to high discharge) and completed pebble counts at the South Fork Eel River to obtain sediment grain size distributions. 

Benthic cyanobacterial proliferations are an emerging concern globally due to their potential for toxin production and subsequent negative environmental and health impacts. Microcoleus is a common mat-forming genus reported to produce potent neurotoxin, anatoxin-a, ingestion of which has been associated with animal mortalities. Six different unialgal monoclonal strains of Microcoleus were isolated from streams in California and grown in batch culture for 49 days. The four toxic strains were identified using a polyphasic approach as belonging to the species Microcoleus anatoxicus, which expands its known distribution throughout the Klamath River and Rock Creek watersheds in northern California. The non-toxic strains from the Eel River belonged to Microcoleus sp. 1. Maximum toxin production occurred during the exponential growth phase, and peaked 6–13 days later in more toxic strains, with a persistently higher fraction of extracellular toxins compared to less toxic strains, which had maximum toxin concentrations at day 13. The proposed mechanism of toxin release into culture medium was through damage to the cell walls of unhealthy filaments. Peak toxin production was energetically expensive for all M. anatoxicus strains, evidenced by reduced specific growth rates at the time of peak toxin production, followed by quick recovery of cell division. Despite this, more toxic strains achieved faster maximum growth rates than the less toxic and non-toxic strains under luxurious nutrient culture conditions. Differential toxin and growth rate responses of M. anatoxicus strains from wide geographical ranges under the same laboratory-controlled conditions suggest high intraspecific variation, which may represent challenges for harmful algal blooms mitigation. More toxic strains have the potential to proliferate and consistently release extracellular anatoxins into the environment. This study provides a baseline to understanding the growth and toxin kinetics of two commonly occurring Microcoleus species in northern California which may help benthic harmful cyanobacteria management. 

Abstract Processes that drive variability in catchment solute sourcing, transformation, and transport can be investigated using concentration–discharge (C–Q) relationships. These relationships reflect catchment and in‐stream processes operating across nested temporal scales, incorporating both short and long‐term patterns. Scientists can therefore leverage catchment‐scale C–Q datasets to identify and distinguish among the underlying meteorological, biological, and geological processes that drive solute export patterns from catchments and influence the shape of their respective C–Q relationships. We have synthesized current knowledge regarding the influence of biological, geological, and meteorological processes on C–Q patterns for various solute types across diel to decadal time scales. We identify cross‐scale linkages and tools researchers can use to explore these interactions across time scales. Finally, we identify knowledge gaps in our understanding of C–Q temporal dynamics as reflections of catchment and in‐stream processes. We also lay the foundation for developing an integrated approach to investigate cross‐scale linkages in the temporal dynamics of C–Q relationships, reflecting catchment biogeochemical processes and the effects of environmental change on water quality. This article is categorized under:Science of Water > Hydrological ProcessesScience of Water > Water QualityScience of Water > Water and Environmental Change 

Mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation drive much of the variation in productivity across Earth's terrestrial ecosystems but do not explain variation in gross primary productivity (GPP) or ecosystem respiration (ER) in flowing waters. We document substantial variation in the magnitude and seasonality of GPP and ER across 222 US rivers. In contrast to their terrestrial counterparts, most river ecosystems respire far more carbon than they fix and have less pronounced and consistent seasonality in their metabolic rates. We find that variation in annual solar energy inputs and stability of flows are the primary drivers of GPP and ER across rivers. A classification schema based on these drivers advances river science and informs management.