Objectives

1. Assess the impact of seasonal water fluctuations in wetlands on the frequency and toxicity of cyanobacterial blooms.
2. Assess the impact of cyanobacterial blooms and their decomposition on the structure, metabolism and presence of Clostridium botulinum in aquatic microbiota.
3. Assess the impact of ingesting water containing toxic cyanobacterial blooms on the intestinal microbiota of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos).
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the CYANOCHIP immunosensor and the MinION (Nanopore) field DNA sequencer for the rapid and accurate detection of potentially toxic cyanobacterial species and Clostridium botulinum in water.

General activities

• Impact of seasonal water fluctuations on the microbiome of Mediterranean wetlands.
• Detection of biomarkers of cyanobacteria and pathogenic bacteria in bird faeces.
• Activities for disseminating results and training workshop
• Rapid detection of toxic cyanobacteria and pathogenic bacteria for birdlife in water.

Expected results

The results of the HUMEBIOTA project will generate knowledge about:

1. The effects of seasonal water fluctuations in Mediterranean wetlands on the frequency and toxicity of cyanobacterial blooms
2. The impact of cyanobacterial blooms and their decomposition on the structure, metabolism and presence of the pathogen Clostridium botulinum in aquatic microbiota
3. The impact of toxic cyanobacterial blooms in wetlands on the gut microbiota of mallards
4. The effectiveness of different analytical tools used in the field for rapid (< 24 hours) and accurate (species level) detection of microorganisms inhabiting the water, providing time to act and minimise the impact on wildlife.

Project 3399/2025 is funded by the Autonomous National Parks Agency of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.