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

Tyler, A. N. et al. (2009) Strategies for monitoring and managing mass populations of toxic cyanobacteria in recreational waters: a multi-interdisciplinary approach. Environmental Health, 8 (Sup, S11. (doi: 10.1186/1476-069X-8-S1-S11)

Abstract

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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: AERUGINOSA BENEFITS BLOOMS IMPROVEMENTS LAKE MANAGEMENT MICROCYSTIN-LR MODEL MODELS PHYTOPLANKTON REDUCTION RESOLUTION RESPONSES SPRAY IRRIGATION
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Scott, Professor Marian and Miller, Professor Claire
• Authors: Tyler, A. N., Hunter, P. D., Carvalho, L., Codd, G. A., Elliott, A., Ferguson, C. A., Hanley, N. D., Hopkins, D. W., Maberly, S. C., Mearns, K. J., and Scott, E. M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Statistics
• Journal Name: Environmental Health
• ISSN: 1476-069X