Advanced risk management tool for early detection and identification of toxic algal blooms

Introduction

Cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms found naturally in all types of water. In warm, nutrient-rich (high in phosphorus and nitrogen) environments, cyanobacteria can multiply quickly, creating blooms that spread across the water’s surface.

Effects of Cyanobacterial Blooms

The blooms can produce toxins, known as cyanotoxins, that affect water quality and can be harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. The potential health effects for humans include:

• Allergic-like reactions
• Flu-like symptoms
• Gastroenteritis

Current Detection Methods

Nowadays, the methods for detection of cyanoblooms are mainly based on in-situ collection of samples and analysis at laboratory level. This approach limits the early detection of these blooms due to insufficient sampling frequencies.

Alternative Initiatives

There exist other initiatives to support decision-making for drinking water management, such as:

1. Satellite remote sensing
2. Fluorescence-based probes
3. Drones

However, these tools need to be equipped with advanced imaging solutions (i.e., multispectral, hyperspectral) to achieve the required precision. Moreover, they need to be complemented with analytical methods to determine the actual toxicity of the blooms. The WHO recommends introducing molecular methods for the monitoring of toxigenic cyanobacteria.

Project Overview

The CYANOBLOOM project aims to demonstrate a solution for the early detection of toxic cyanobacteria blooms in public water supply reservoirs. This will be achieved through a combination of:

• Remote monitoring (i.e., by means of data retrieved from public and private satellites)
• On-site measurements (i.e., hyperspectral field measurements with genetic analysis of collected samples)

As a result, the chance of timely identifying a bloom will be increased from the current 0.82-1.11% to up to 90%. The new solution will be tested in four water reservoirs located in:

• Spain (2)
• Sweden
• Netherlands