Occurrence and elimination of cyanobacterial toxins in drinking water treatment plants

Journal Article · Tue Mar 15 04:00:00 EST 2005 · Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2004.04.015· OSTI ID:20634869

Hoeger, Stefan J; Hitzfeld, Bettina C; Dietrich, Daniel R

Toxin-producing cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are abundant in surface waters used as drinking water resources. The toxicity of one group of these toxins, the microcystins, and their presence in surface waters used for drinking water production has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to publish a provisional guideline value of 1.0 {mu}g microcystin (MC)-LR/l drinking water. To verify the efficiency of two different water treatment systems with respect to reduction of cyanobacterial toxins, the concentrations of MC in water samples from surface waters and their associated water treatment plants in Switzerland and Germany were investigated. Toxin concentrations in samples from drinking water treatment plants ranged from below 1.0 {mu}g MC-LR equiv./l to more than 8.0 {mu}g/l in raw water and were distinctly below 1.0 {mu}g/l after treatment. In addition, data to the worldwide occurrence of cyanobacteria in raw and final water of water works and the corresponding guidelines for cyanobacterial toxins in drinking water worldwide are summarized.

• OSTI ID: 20634869
• Journal Information: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Journal Name: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 203; ISSN TXAPA9; ISSN 0041-008X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
CYANOBACTERIA
DRINKING WATER
EFFICIENCY
PLANTS
RECOMMENDATIONS
SURFACE WATERS
TOXICITY
TOXINS
WATER TREATMENT
WATER TREATMENT PLANTS