Strategies for monitoring and managing mass populations of toxic cyanobacteria in recreational waters: a multi-interdisciplinary approach

• Main Authors: Hopkins David W (Author), Hanley Nick D (Author), Ferguson Claire A (Author), Elliott J Alex (Author), Codd Geoffrey A (Author), Carvalho Laurence (Author), Hunter Peter D (Author), Tyler Andrew N (Author), Maberly Stephen C (Author), Mearns Kathryn J (Author), Scott E Marion (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2009-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Mass populations of toxin-producing cyanobacteria commonly develop in fresh-, brackish- and marine waters and effective strategies for monitoring and managing cyanobacterial health risks are required to safeguard animal and human health. A multi-interdisciplinary study, including two UK freshwaters with a history of toxic cyanobacterial blooms, was undertaken to explore different approaches for the identification, monitoring and management of potentially-toxic cyanobacteria and their associated risks. The results demonstrate that (i) cyanobacterial bloom occurrence can be predicted at a local- and national-scale using process-based and statistical models; (ii) cyanobacterial concentration and distribution in waterbodies can be monitored using remote sensing, but minimum detection limits need to be evaluated; (iii) cyanotoxins may be transferred to spray-irrigated root crops; and (iv) attitudes and perceptions towards risks influence the public's preferences and willingness-to-pay for cyanobacterial health risk reductions in recreational waters.</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1476-069X-8-S1-S11
1476-069X