MEAT · Microcystin Exposure Associated Toxicity
FP7 — People (Marie Curie Actions)
- Duration
- 2012-06-22 → 2016-06-21
- EU contribution
- €541,800
- Participants
- 3
- Scheme
- MC-IRSES
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Results in brief
Microcystin Exposure Associated Toxicity
This IRSES had the goal to better understand toxic cyanobacterial blooms in surface waters and their potential impact of these toxins on humans within the vicinity of surface waters with blooms. Mesocoms studies, studies with different environmental conditions, including some modelling enhanced the understanding of the blooms. In addition, more refined analytical tools and methodology including LC-MS/MS determinations of toxins in human blood samples from blood banks were developed. The exchange of Argentinean, German and New Zeland scientists led to an intensive collaborative effort with a huge scientific output as measure by peer-reviewd publications and presentations at international meetings and with governmental institutions. The exchange and training of nearly 71% female scientist supported the important role of female scientists in applied research and especially supported the position of female scientists in Argentinean research. Intensive communication of results and expertise led to mutiple intractions with government authorities, whereby the first cyanobacterail conference held between Argentina and Ururguay in Colon 2015 was organized by one of the IRSES female scientist trainees and was a huge success in that it raised the awareness of the problems associated with cyanobacterial toxin exposure in humans and resulted in a grant from MINCyt Argentina to another female scientist trainee at INA Cordoba. Similarly the 16th International Conference on Harmful Algae (ICHA), held in Wellington in October 2014, was hosted by Cawthron Institute, thereby highlighting the impact the research efforts carried out under the MEAT IRSES had on international activites and science recognition.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Microcystins (MC) are potent cyclic heptapeptide toxins that are produced by many cyanobacterial genera e.g. Planktothrix, Microcystis. Human exposure occurs primarily during bloom events, via drinking or contact with contaminated water, food or aerosols. While food exposure and corresponding health effects are rare, exposure to high MC concentrations via drinking water has resulted in morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the level of MC exposure in humans when sub-chronically or chronically exposed via aerosols or drinking water as is the case in populations living within close proximity to water bodies experiencing toxic blooms, e.g. the population of San Roque dam, Argentina. To accurately determine human exposure, an in-depth understanding of the physical and physiological events governing toxic bloom formation and regulating MC production is critical. In this study we will (1) undertake a series of in-lake mesocosm studies to explore thresholds and triggers of up-regulation of MC. Samples will be analyzed using a suite of sensitive molecular (QPCR, RT-QPCR, metagenome analysis), immunological and chemical techniques in concert with physical and geochemical measurements , (2) undertake a series of field-experiments, incl. the San Roque location, in which we will monitor a range of physiochemical parameters, and in-lake and aerosolized MC levels, and (3) use a hydrodynamic model to define water movement coupled to an ecological model enabling predictions of toxins in aerosols and water. Laboratory techniques and questionnaires specifically developed to allow monitoring of human toxin exposure, will be used to assess health impacts of toxins and aerosols. The consortium represents aquatic ecologists, microbiologist, molecular biologist, modelers, toxicologists and medical staff. Exchanging staff will ensure increased understanding and implementation of technologies and lead to improved human risk assessment.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
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Data: CORDIS, © European Union