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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.

For more information, contact Sydney Samples.

Topic Overview (PDF)
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37 Projects 2 Web Tools 4 Webcasts
Nutrients
Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs)
Reservoir Management
Source Water Protection
Project #4912

Developing Guidance for Evaluation and Implementation for Control of HABs in Source Water

$490,354
2023
Completed

Project Highlights

As cyanobacteria blooms become more prevalent, utilities need improved guidance on early detection programs and source water control strategies. To meet this need, this project reviewed available published information, survey utilities regarding practices, evaluated existing and innovative technologies for monitoring...

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Principal Investigator
Eric
Wert
Research Manager
Mr. Jonathan Cuppett

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 #5080
Assessment of Vulnerability of Source Waters to Toxic...

Reporting Period: January - April 2022

Project Update
10/28/2022
Project #4914
Utility Responses to Cyanobacterial/Cyanotoxin Events: Case Studies and...

Reporting Period: June 1, 2019 – September 1, 2020. During this period, the team created an...

Project Update
03/19/2021
Project #4914
Utility Responses to Cyanobacterial/Cyanotoxin Events; Case Studies and...

Reporting Period: December 2020 – March 2021. During this project period, the planned in-person World Café...

Project Update
05/28/2021
Project #4914
Utility Responses to Cyanobacterial/Cyanotoxin Events: Case Studies and...

Reporting Period: December 2021 – April 2022. The research team interviewed individual participating utilities remotely, using...

Project Update
08/19/2022
Project #5107
Understanding Pyrolysis for PFAS Removal

Reporting Period: November 1, 2022 – February 1, 2023

Project Update
03/22/2023
Project #5153
Evaluation of Bench-Scale Methods to Predict Drinking Water PFAS...

Reporting Period: November 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023

Project Update
03/01/2023
Project #5153
Evaluation of Bench-Scale Methods to Predict Drinking Water PFAS...

Reporting Period: May 1 - July 31, 2022

Project Update
01/09/2023
Project #5071
Demonstration of Progressive Carbon Efficient Nitrogen with...

Reporting Period: December 2021 - May 2022

Project Update
12/22/2022
Project #5087
Implementation of Innovative Biological Nutrient Removal...

Reporting Period: April - July 2022

Project Update
10/28/2022
Project #4973
Guidelines for Optimizing Nutrient Removal Plant ...

Reporting Period: January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020. During this period, the research team completed...

Project Update
08/04/2020

News

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...

The Water Research Foundation Wins Three EPA Grants to Support Healthy and Resilient Communities

Press Release
10/11/2021

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is proud to announce the award of three U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants totaling nearly $4M. Unregulated Organic Chemicals (UOCs) in Biosolids: Prioritization, Fate...

The Water Research Foundation Funds Three New Projects

Press Release
07/16/2021

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is seeking volunteers for three additional funded projects and will soon post Requests for Proposals (RFPs) under our Research Priority Program. This strategic research program...

View all Cyanobacteria & Cyanotoxins News

Resources

Public Plus

Current Methodology for Control of Algae in Surface Reservoirs

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

Current Methodology for Control of Algae in Surface Reservoirs

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

Developing Guidance for Assessment and Evaluation of Harmful Algal Blooms and Implementation of Control Strategies in Source Water

Report
#4912A
03/28/2023
03/28/2023
View all Cyanobacteria & Cyanotoxins Resources

Related Topics

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Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs)

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Nutrients

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Reservoir Management

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Source Water Protection

Link

Climate Change

Link

Phosphorus

Link

Nitrogen

Link

Monitoring

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      04/04/2023
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