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Cyanobacteria & Cyanotoxins

Aquatic microscopic algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) occur naturally in most surface waters, however certain nutrient and temperature conditions can lead them to rapidly multiply, leading to “blooms.” Under certain conditions, some species of cyanobacteria can produce toxic secondary metabolites or cyanotoxins, which may pose health risks to humans and animals. Even when algae is not toxic, it can produce unpleasant tastes and odors.

Cyanobacteria continue to be one of the most problematic organisms in our fresh water systems—with nearly a third of the United States reporting blooms. Without clear guidance or consensus regulations in place, many utilities struggle with responding to events. Since 1994, WRF has completed more than 30 research projects on these microscopic organisms and the cyanotoxins they produce, helping facilities detect, monitor, and manage these nuisance organisms—as well as communicate with the public.

Topic Overview (PDF)
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15 Projects 1 Web Tool 7 Webcasts
Nutrients
Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs)
Reservoir Management
Source Water Protection
Project #4716

Refinement and Standardization of Cyanotoxin Analytical Techniques for Drinking Water

$696,597
2022
Completed

Project Highlights

There is uncertainty relating to the screening and confirmation of cyanotoxin samples. Water utilities need robust and dependable methods to monitor cyanotoxins in source water, through the treatment process, and at the tap, as well as to make appropriate decisions...

View more details
Principal Investigator
Y. Carrie
Guo
Research Manager
Ms. Julie Minton

Managing Cyanotoxins

This state of the science document provides a helpful overview of the issues surrounding cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, and also details WRF's extensive research on this topic, which dates back to the early 1990s.

Download

Recent Updates

Project #4920
Decision Support Framework for Drinking Water Treatment Plants...

During this reporting period, the research team continued to refine the Decision Support Framework (DSF) conceptual...

Project Update
09/25/2019
Project #4920
Decision Support Framework for Drinking Water Treatment Plants...
Project Update
06/28/2021
Project #4914
Utility Responses to Cyanobacterial/Cyanotoxin Events; Case Studies and...
Project Update
05/28/2021
Project #4914
Utility Responses to Cyanobacterial/Cyanotoxin Events: Case Studies and...
Project Update
03/19/2021
Project #5071
Demonstration of Progressive Carbon Efficient Nitrogen with...
Project Update
04/29/2022
Project #5087
Implementation of Innovative Biological Nutrient Removal...
Project Update
03/25/2022
Project #4974
Holistic Approach to Improved Nutrient ...
Project Update
03/11/2022
Project #5088
Defining Exposures of Microplastics /Fibers (MPs) in Treated Waters...
Project Update
03/04/2022
Project #5083
Advancing Low Energy Biological Nitrogen and ...
Project Update
01/14/2022
Project #4973
Guidelines for Optimizing Nutrient Removal Plant ...
Project Update
12/31/2021

News

WRF Funds Seven New Research Projects

Press Release
05/20/2021

The Water Research Foundation Funds Seven New Projects Volunteers Needed, RFPs Coming in August The Water Research Foundation (WRF) will soon post Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and is seeking volunteers...

Linkages in Receiving Water Quality

05/22/2020

The development of scientifically sound nutrient goals (e.g., TMDLs and site‐specific numeric criteria) that produce ecologically relevant outcomes remains one of the highest‐profile challenges facing states and the regulated community...

WRF Research Presented at 25th International Ozone Association World Congress

eLetter
10/12/2021

The 25th International Ozone Association (IOA) World Congress, held August 30 – September 2, featured presenters from 13 countries discussing how ozone can be used to mitigate global challenges related...

View all Cyanobacteria & Cyanotoxins News

Resources

Subscriber

Current Methodology for Control of Algae in Surface Reservoirs

Report
#90522
06/01/1987
06/01/1987
Public Plus

Current Methodology for Control of Algae in Surface Reservoirs

Executive Summary
06/01/1987
06/01/1987
Subscriber

Control of Toxic Cyanobacterial Blooms in Water Bodies by Allelochemicals

Report
#2904
11/03/2005
11/03/2005
View all Cyanobacteria & Cyanotoxins Resources

Related Topics

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Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs)

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Nutrients

Link

Reservoir Management

Link

Source Water Protection

Link

Climate Change

Link

Phosphorus

Link

Nitrogen

Link

Monitoring

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