HIBLOOMS
Historical reconstruction and current status of cyanobacterial proliferation cyanobacteria in Spanish reservoirs
The proliferation of cyanobacteria represents an environmental and public health problem due to their capacity to produce dangerous toxins (cyanotoxins) that affect drinking water and aquatic ecosystems. Factors such as rising temperatures, nutrient availability and changes in hydrological cycles have favored the recurrence of these phenomena. In addition, an increase in the frequency and intensity of blooms has been observed due to human activity and climate change.
The HIBLOOMSproject seeks to address the environmental challenges associated with the proliferation of cyanobacteria in reservoirs in Spain. It is part of the National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change (PNACC) 2021-2030 and its main goal is to generate knowledge on the historical and current dynamics of cyanobacterial blooms, their toxicity and their relationship with climate change and eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems.
The project will contribute to strengthen the collection ofcore topic data on the impacts of climate change on water resources, allowing the identification of cyanobacteria species present in Spanish reservoirs, their abundance and toxicity. The environmental and pollution factors that influence their development will also be studied, using advanced methodologies such as satellite remote sensing, environmental DNA analysis (eDNA) and biomarkers in sediments. These tools will allow a comprehensive assessment of water quality and the temporal evolution of cyanobacterial proliferation.
Objectives
To provide essential knowledge and tools for the effective management of harmful algal blooms through the development of a monitoring system for the detection and assessment of the presence and proliferation of cyanobacteria, their toxicity, the associated human impact and the environmental variables that influence their development.
assessment of the historical dynamics of the proliferation of these toxic algae in order to better understand whether their appearance has historically result from natural edaphic influence or from eutrophication caused by human activities, learning lessons from the impact of climate change in recent decades.
Principal Investigators
Yaser Morera Gomez
researcher
David Elustondo Valencia
researcher
Team researcher
The Task Force
- Aimee Valle Pombrol: BIOMA/UNAV, Taxonomy of cyanobacteria and identification of toxins
- Carlos Manuel Alonso Hernandez: Radioecology lab/IAEA, Monaco, sediment geochronology using 210Pb
- David Widory: GEOTOP/UQAM, Isotope Geochemistry and Water Quality
- Ángel Ramón Moreira González: Centro de programs of study Ambientales de Cienfuegos (CEAC), taxonomy of phytoplankton and algae.
- Augusto Abilio Comas González: Centro de programs of study Ambientales de Cienfuegos (CEAC), taxonomy of phytoplankton and algae.
- Lorea Perez Babace: BIOMA/UNAV, analytical techniques and field sampling
- José Miguel Otano Calvente: BIOMA/UNAV, analytical techniques and field sampling
- María José Rodríguez Pérez: Ebro Hydrographic Confederation, water quality
- María Concepción Durán Lalaguna: Júcar Hydrographic Confederation, Water Quality
Duration:
09/01/2024 - 10/03/2027
Funding:
208,750.00 euros
Call "Proyectos de Generación de knowledge 2023" : Agencia Estatal de research (AEI) (Ref. PID2023-153234OB-I00)
Location:
University of Navarra, based on field work in a selection of reservoirs in the Ebro and Júcar river basins.
core topic
WHY IS THIS project NECESSARY?
The project is necessary because it addresses a crucial environmental and public health problem: the proliferation of toxic cyanobacteria in Spanish reservoirs. Its impact is broad, from improving knowledge on biodiversity and factors influencing toxic algal blooms, to developing innovative tools for monitoring and early warning. In addition, it provides core topic information for water management , human health protection and climate change adaptation. The combination of historical analysis, environmental DNA employment and remote sensing makes it innovative, contributing to the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and the fulfillment of SDGs 6 and 13.
WHAT SOLUTIONS IS THE HIBLOOMS project STUDYING?
The project proposes innovative solutions to monitor, manage and mitigate cyanobacterial blooms in reservoirs. It uses biodiversity analysis, identification of toxic species, their toxins and their impact on health, historical programs of study with environmental DNA and remote sensing to improve early detection and forecasting of blooms. In addition, it combines satellite imagery with continuous monitoring data to develop more efficient surveillance strategies. These approaches will improve water management , reduce public health risks and strengthen climate change adaptation strategies, providing core topic tools for decision making in aquatic ecosystem conservation and sustainable use.
how does this project affect society?
This project positively impacts society by providing new knowledge to improve water quality in reservoirs, reducing risks to public health and ensuring a safe supply for drinking, irrigation and industrial activities. In addition, it strengthens the capacity of authorities to manage and mitigate cyanobacterial blooms, minimizing economic impacts on sectors such as agriculture and tourism. It also raises public awareness of environmental risks, promoting changes in habits for more sustainable water management . Its results will contribute to climate change adaptation and the protection of aquatic ecosystems, benefiting general welfare.
Participating partners
