Decoding the blue: Advanced Technology realizes potential in harmful algal bloom monitoring

(Press-News.org) Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a powerful new method to detect harmful blue-green algae in freshwater lakes. Their method, which involves advanced mass spectrometry technology, can identify toxin producing blue-green algae before they become damaging in recreational waters and pose threat to public health.

Blue-green algae (scientifically named as cyanobacteria) are micro-organisms commonly found in ponds, lakes, and oceans worldwide. In optimum growth conditions, they can form huge “blooms” that appear like green slime covering the surface of the water.

Although these blooms are extremely effective at carbon capture and oxygen production, certain varieties produce toxins that are harmful for aquatic life, animals and humans.

Published in the Journal of The American Chemical Society, the groundbreaking study analysed samples from lakes across the UK and found that lakes differ in their blue-green algae content.

Unlike traditional methods such as microscopy or genetic sequencing, the new approach focussed on the blue component of the blue-green algae. The researchers from the School of Biosciences and the School of Chemical Engineering noticed that blue-green algae’s blue component differed subtly in size between different cyanobacterial species. This enabled them to discriminate between blue-green algae that produces toxins and those that do not.

Jaspreet Sound, PhD researcher at the University of Birmingham and first author of the paper commented: “Our approach is quick and really sensitive, so can be used to monitor how all the cyanobacteria are competing for growth within lake water prior to the domination of a single toxic strain emerging.”

The technique can also simultaneously detect the presence of the toxins, known as cyanotoxins, which are known to cause liver damage and neurological effects in humans and animals.

Dr Tim Overton, Reader in Microbial Biotechnology at the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, commented: "The new technique advances existing approaches and will not only help improve water quality for human use but also plays a role in understanding how to protect critical wetland environments.”

Dr Aneika Leney, Associate Professor of Biological Mass Spectrometry at the University of Birmingham and senior author of the study commented: "As climate change increases, so will the variability and complexity of bloom dynamics, so the ability to identify bloom composition and toxin presence will help us make data-driven decisions about water use restrictions, treatment, and public health advisories.” 

The technology impacts several UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as Clean Water and Sanitation and Good Health and Wellbeing, which aim to improve human lives and protect the environment by tackling the effects of climate change. Lakes frequently have toxin levels exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water, highlighting the urgent need for early detection tools to protect both the public and local ecosystems. The team believe their mass spectrometry technique could play a vital role in protecting water quality and public health in the coming years.

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