Algal toxins are an issue of concern because of their
widespread occurrence and potential threat to public
health. This study monitored algal toxin concentrations
in 33 lakes and reservoirs across the United
States. Total toxin levels were expressed as
microcystin-LR equivalent concentrations using a commercial
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Although microcystins were detectable in most raw
water samples, concentrations exceeded 1 µg/L in only
7% of samples, and drinking water treatment processes
proved effective for toxin removal. The composition of
different waters appeared to affect the toxin testing
methodology, and further research is necessary to
improve the technique.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has
placed cyanobacteria and their toxins on the Candidate
Contaminant List for potential future regulation.
Where algal blooms are a problem, a simple ELISA test
can be used to monitor microcystin levels. However,
this research suggests that most utilities do not need to
be concerned about high concentrations of microcystin
toxins in their raw water supplies or the ability of
conventional filtration and disinfection processes to
effectively lower toxin levels. Includes 26 references, tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 99 - No. 9 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 230 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 8 |
| Published : | 09/01/2007 |
