Development of a state-of-the art approach for the cyanotoxin detection and quantification in water resources under the light intensity, nutrients and climate effects on the proliferation of Toxic Algal Blooms

Massive cyanobacterial blooms have been observed in several provinces of Canada including Nova Scotia and New Brunswick over the past few decades which is a significant environmental and public health concern. These blooms are a serious threat to human lives and the environment as the cyanotoxin released are deleterious for the human life and the livestock. The recurrent cyanobacterial blooms detected have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive studies to understand their patterns and impacts. The key objectives of this project are: i) To develop new thresholds for cyanotoxins like anatoxin-a and microcystins in freshwater bodies by improving identification techniques. ii) To study the relationship between the spectral quality of light, the growth of Microcystis, and the production of microcystins and iii) to establish new criteria for anatoxin-a and microcystins in drinking and recreational water. As a part of this project, water samples from NS and NB will be taken to the lab in France to use LC-MS and the new developed methodology to test for the cyanotoxins present in the water, measure nutrient levels, and other relevant parameters. The new methodologies and criteria established will contribute significantly to decision-making processes for water resources management and public health protection.

Faculty Supervisor:

Tri Nguyen-Quang

Student:

Partner:

Université Paris-Saclay

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: