Monitoring and removal of cyanobacterial toxins from drinking water by algal-activated carbon

Abstract

Microcystins (MCs) are the most potent toxins that can be produced by cyanobacteria in drinking water supplies. This study investigated the abundance of toxin-producing algae in 11 drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). A total of 26 different algal taxa were identified in treated water, from which 12% were blue green, 29% were green, and 59% were diatoms. MC levels maintained strong positive correlations with number of cyanophycean cells in raw and treated water of different DWTPs. Furthermore, the efficiency of various algal-based adsorbent columns used for the removal of these toxins was evaluated. The MCs was adsorbed in the following order: mixed algal-activated carbon (AAC) ≥ individual AAC > mixed algal powder > individual algal powder. The results showed that the AAC had the highest efficient columns capable of removing 100% dissolved MCs from drinking water samples, thereby offering an economically feasible technology for efficient removal and recovery of MCs in DWTPs.

Recent Advancements in the Removal of Cyanotoxins from Water Using Conventional and Modified Adsorbents—A Contemporary Review

“…We will compare the performance of coal-based adsorbents, coconut-based activated Various engineering controls have engendered a range of success in the removal of HAB toxins. Some commonly used engineering controls at drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) are filtration, ozonation, coagulation, chlorination, reverse osmosis, photocatalysis, potassium permanganate, and powdered activated carbon [15,[29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37]. However, newer techniques are being explored, such as inactivation by ultrasound, biological approaches for neutralizing toxins, starch-based flocculation, silica-quaternary ammonium nanofilm-coated fiberglass mesh, and engineered polysaccharide lyases [33,[38][39][40][41].…”

Biosorption of toxic heavy metals from aqueous solution by Ulva lactuca activated carbon

“…The sample was calcined at 800°C for 3 h. The produced activated carbon was washed several times with distilled water until a neutral filtrate was obtained. The washed samples were stored for adsorption studies after drying at 110°C [17].…”

Protein phosphatase 2A inhibition and subsequent cytoskeleton reorganization contributes to cell migration caused by microcystin-LR in human laryngeal epithelial cells (Hep-2)

“…Without proper treatment, they are discharged into lakes, rivers, and other water supplies, causing serious eutrophication and leading to cyanobacterial blooms (Liu et al, ; Zhang et al, ). Cyanobacteria can produce a wide array of potent toxins (cyanotoxins), including microcystins (MCs), nodularins, and cylindrospermopsin, which threaten human health (Chrapusta et al, ; Ibrahim et al, ; Umehara et al, ). Microcystins, a group of cyanobacterial heptapeptide toxins, mainly target the liver and also affect other organs.…”