Cyanobacterial Blooms and Cyanotoxins: Monitoring, Control, and Communication Strategies
Cyanobacterial blooms (also referred to as harmful algal blooms) can result in the release of cyanotoxins (or algal toxins). Several studies have investigated the toxicity of cyanotoxins and documented their human health effects, including gastroenteritis, liver damage, liver cancer, and neurotoxic effects.
In 2015, the EPA issued Health Advisories for states and utilities for two types of cyanotoxins: microcystins and cylindrospermopsin.
In 2016, WRF funded this Focus Area to develop tools to help utilities prepare for cyanobacterial blooms, set practical monitoring methodologies, find cost-effective control strategies, build effective communication resources, and optimize watershed and source water management strategies.
Focus Area Objectives
- Provide optimized watershed and source water management strategies.
- Investigate cost–effective control options.
- Offer practical guidance for control and treatment.
- Deliver public outreach and communication strategies and tools.
Cumulative Focus Area Funds and Total Project Value
Refinement and Standardization of Cyanotoxin Analytical Techniques for Drinking Water
- Timeline: 2017–2019
- Total Project Value: TBD
- Focus Area Objectives: Sourcewater, Control Strategies, Communications
Developing Guidance for Evaluation and Implementation for Control of HABs in Source Water
- Timeline: 2018–2019
- Total Project Value: TBD
- Focus Area Objectives: Sourcewater, Control Strategies, Guidance, Communications
Utility Response to Cyanobacteria/Cyanotoxin Event; Case Studies and Lessons Learned
- Timeline: 2018–2020
- Total Project Value: TBD
- Focus Area Objectives: Guidance, Communications
Future Project: Treatment Plant Reservoirs and Holding Ponds – Sources or Sinks for Cyanobacteria and Toxins
- Timeline: 2018–2019
- Total Project Value: TBD
- Focus Area Objectives: Control Strategies
Future Project: Pretreatment Approaches for Removal of Cyanotoxins-containing Bacterial Cells
- Timeline: 2019–2020
- Total Project Value: TBD
- Focus Area Objectives: Control Strategies
Future Project: Control Strategies for Cyanobacteria Blooms in Source Water Supplies
- Timeline: 2019–2021
- Total Project Value: TBD
- Focus Area Objectives: Sourcewater, Communications
Cumulative Project Value for Focus Area: TBD
Projects Funded Outside of the Focus Area Program that meet a Focus Area Objective
Performance Evaluation of ELISA Methods for the Analysis of Cyanotoxins
- Year Completed: Ongoing
- Funding Program: EO
- FA Objectives: Control Strategies
Cyanobacterial Blooms and Cyanotoxins: Knowledge Synthesis, Expert Workshop, and Research Gaps
- Year Completed: Ongoing
- Funding Program: EO
- FA Objectives: Sourcewater, Control Strategies, Guidance, Communications
CyanoTOX Field Validation and Enhancement Related to Chemical Kinetics and ELISA Kinetics
- Year Completed: Ongoing
- Funding Program: Partnership (AWWA)
- FA Objectives: Control Strategies
- Year Completed: Ongoing
- Funding Program: TC
- FA Objectives: Control Strategies
Development of a Risk Communication Toolkit for Cyanotoxins
- Year Completed: Ongoing
- Funding Program: EO/Partnership (AWWA)
- FA Objectives: Communications
Key
EO = Emerging Opportunities
TC = Tailored Collaboration