Objectives

The overarching goal of CyaNOtox is to implement and scale-up from the laboratory to semi-real scenarios an innovative nature-based solution for the removal of microcystins based on the biological degradation of the toxin, in order to mitigate the negative impacts of toxic cyanobacterial blooms in freshwaters.

General activities

CyaNOtox relies on the use of a bacterium that has already been isolated from nature in coexistence with toxic cyanobacterial blooms, and which possesses the ability to degrade microcystins at highly efficient rates. Under laboratory conditions, we will evaluate the microcystin degradation efficiency of the bacterium i) in coexistence with aquatic microbiomes of freshwater bodies, and ii) when bound to solid substrates (sand and anthracite). This initial knowledge will be used to scale up our experimental approach and assess the efficiency of microcystin removal in iii) biofilters with the addition of the bacterium under simulated conditions from drinking water treatment plants, and iv) outdoormesocosms mimicking freshwater bodies from Mediterranean and Boreal climates with the addition of the bacterium. In addition, we will also v) evaluate the potential of the microcystin-degrading bacterium to mitigate the negative effects of microcystins on aquatic biodiversity (aquatic microbiota, phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, and macrophytes). CyaNOtox will provide key information on the use of the microcystin-degrading bacterium under a wide range of conditions to fine-tune its application in water treatment facilities or aquatic ecosystems with cyanobacterial toxins, with emphasis on small freshwater bodies (e.g., wetlands, ponds, agricultural impoundments, or aquaculture farms).

Expected results

CyaNOtox provides a sustainable low-cost solution with easy application in small water bodies or biofilters made of inexpensive substrates to facilitate universal applicability.

Grant PID2023-151413OA-I00 funded by: