CIANAV
assessment of the risk of proliferation of cyanotoxin-producing cyanobacteria cyanotoxin-producing cyanobacteria and their effects on human health and their effects on human health and ecosystems in rivers and reservoirs of the Ebro River Basin.
The increase in cyanobacterial blooms, and with it the presence of cyanotoxins in reservoirs, is currently a difficult management problem that contributes to the deterioration of water quality. In many reservoirs, the limits established by the World Health Organization are exceeded, which means an increase in toxicity and a risk to human health and the environment, aggravated mainly by the effects of climate change.
It is estimated that about 40% of Spanish reservoirs are susceptible to bloom episodes. Hence the importance of monitoring and assessment of cyanobacterial blooms in reservoir management in goal to avoid ecological problems and human health impacts.
The consolidation of this work is expected to contribute to strengthening the preparation of local governments in environmental management .
main goal
NEW INSIGHTS
Contribute to the effective management of harmful algal bloom events by providing new knowledge on the monitoring and assessment of potentially toxic cyanobacterial blooms, their impacts on human health and ecosystems, and the environmental factors that may influence their development.
Specific objectives
To develop a monitoring program for rivers and reservoirs in the Ebro basin of Navarre.
Determine the presence, concentration and toxicity of cyanobacteria.
Obtain spatio-temporal information on cyanobacterial blooms and their relationship with pollution levels and environmental factors.
Explore sustainable alternatives and complementary tool for the assessment of cyanobacterial blooms.
Principal investigator
Team researcher
The Task Force
Duration:
01/09/2023 - 31/08/2024
Funding:
41,000 euros
BIOMA Institute Internal Call for Proposals
Location:
University of Navarra, based on field work in a selection of reservoirs in the Navarre basin of the Ebro River and nearby areas.
core topic
WHY IS THIS project NECESSARY?
This project is crucial to contribute to effectively manage the Ebro river basin in Navarra, where cyanobacterial blooms (CyanoHABs) threaten the health, ecosystem and Economics. It will provide core topic scientific knowledge to mitigate these events and strengthen the response of local authorities. In addition, it will allow assessing the impact of climate change on toxic phytoplankton and water quality.
WHAT SOLUTIONS IS THE CIANAV project STUDYING?
The CIANAV project proposes an integrated approach to monitor and manage the proliferation of cyanobacteria in the Ebro basin of Navarra. It develops a monitoring program in rivers and reservoirs to identify species, pollutants and associated environmental factors. It will assess the presence and toxicity of cyanobacteria and integrate advanced techniques to identify sources of contamination and detect bloom events.
how does this project affect society?
Socially, it will promote public awareness for the early detection and reporting of these events, improving their management. Finally, it will contribute to the development of environmental strategies adapted to the new climatic realities, ensuring the sustainability of water and its uses.
Participating partners
