MEAT

Microcystin Exposure Associated Toxicity

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Microcystins (MC) are potent cyclic heptapeptide toxins that are produced by many cyanobacterial genera e.g. Planktothrix, Microcystis. Human exposure occurs primarily during bloom events, via drinking or contact with contaminated water, food or aerosols. While food exposure and corresponding health effects are rare, exposure to high MC concentrations via drinking water has resulted in morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the level of MC exposure in humans when sub-chronically or chronically exposed via aerosols or drinking water as is the case in populations living within close proximity to water bodies experiencing toxic blooms, e.g. the population of San Roque dam, Argentina. To accurately determine human exposure, an in-depth understanding of the physical and physiological events governing toxic bloom formation and regulating MC production is critical. In this study we will (1) undertake a series of in-lake mesocosm studies to explore thresholds and triggers of up-regulation of MC. Samples will be analyzed using a suite of sensitive molecular (QPCR, RT-QPCR, metagenome analysis), immunological and chemical techniques in concert with physical and geochemical measurements , (2) undertake a series of field-experiments, incl. the San Roque location, in which we will monitor a range of physiochemical parameters, and in-lake and aerosolized MC levels, and (3) use a hydrodynamic model to define water movement coupled to an ecological model enabling predictions of toxins in aerosols and water. Laboratory techniques and questionnaires specifically developed to allow monitoring of human toxin exposure, will be used to assess health impacts of toxins and aerosols. The consortium represents aquatic ecologists, microbiologist, molecular biologist, modelers, toxicologists and medical staff. Exchanging staff will ensure increased understanding and implementation of technologies and lead to improved human risk assessment.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Cyanobacteria take their name from a blue-green pigment they contain. Their toxic impact on aquatic life and humans necessitates immediate action.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Found in most aquatic systems, cyanobacteria represent a major ecological and health problem. They grow in blooms and produce toxins, disturbing the ecological habitat of many organisms. However, little is known about the level of toxin exposure in populations living within close proximity to toxic blooms.

To accurately determine human exposure, one needs to understand the physical and physiological events governing toxic bloom formation and toxin production. The key objective of the EU-funded 'Microcystin exposure associated toxicity' (MEAT) project is to characterise how cyanobacteria form blooms and produce the toxin microcystin. For this purpose, scientists have performed field experiments to measure the toxin levels in different water samples. Additionally, they have employed sensitive molecular, immunological and chemical techniques alongside physical and geochemical measurements.

Results indicate that the concentration of toxins is markedly different in different regions within blooms. In addition, different fish species seem to have different toxin transport capabilities. These findings are crucial for risk assessment and understanding toxin exposure in local populations. Argentina and Uruguay are actively contributing to the MEAT effort given the immense cyanobacteria exposure problem they face.

Considerable effort is also being devoted to the development of an assay for quantifying microcystin levels in water samples, food and human blood. With samples from Argentina and Uruguay, the consortium hopes to substantiate risk assessment and management.

To communicate their activities and the toxic potential of cyanobacteria, partners have given radio interviews and placed videos on the web. Given that human activities favour the growth of cyanobacteria in lakes and water reservoirs, the results of the study will help inform appropriate action to prevent and remediate contamination.