CYANOBACTERIAL BLOOMS : TOXICITY, DIVERSITY, MODELLING AND MANAGEMENT

The B-BLOOMS2 project aimed to deepen knowledge of cyanobacterial blooms in Belgium, improve the modelling for prediction and early-warning, develop operational monitoring structures and tools, and propose strategies to reduce the impact of cyanobacterial blooms. From a scientific point of view, the research programme focused on: - Collection of physical, chemical, biological and meteorological data on selected reference waterbodies plagued by toxic cyanobacterial blooms in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia; - Identification and study of the toxigenic cyanobacteria present in the Belgian samples using molecular tools on samples and strains, including genetic diversity and factors regulating their population dynamics; - Measurement of the major cyanotoxins present in the blooms and water samples by analytical methods; - Development and test of management scenarios for control or mitigation of cyanobacterial blooms in one reservoir using integrated watershed models; - Development of a statistical predictive model for a series of urban ponds. From a practical and science policy point of view, B-BLOOMS2 aimed to: - Implement a network of samplers based on existing monitoring programmes of surface waters or on collaboration with health authorities or environmental organisations (BLOOMNET); - Transfer knowledge about methods of monitoring and analysis of blooms to the water/health authorities and environmental organisations by hands-on courses in our laboratories and field sites; - Reinforce the communication to and with authorities and the general population, to raise public awareness, contribute to future guidelines and risk assessment procedures, and improve monitoring and management