Generation and Dispersion Potential of Composted Toxigenic Lyngbya Majuscula

Overview

Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.

This project will study the generation and dispersion of the toxigenic cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula from composting operations on Bribie Island post-bloom. This organism causes toxic algae blooms in and near the Pumistone passage between Caboolture and Bribie Island. Management involves removal of biomass from beaches and disposal near the Bribie Island wastewater treatment plant where it is static-pile composted. As this organism has the potential for toxicity there is concern regarding the airborne transmission of either cyanobacterial filaments/cells and/or volatile toxin(s) from such operations during both transport and composting. Using advanced bioaerosol monitoring techniques, concentrations of both cyanobacterial filament bioaerosols and airborne toxin (DAT) will be assessed using in vitro composting and (if available during study year) composting operations on Bribie Island. Results will be reported to QLD EPA, published, and used for subsequent Lyngbya action plan risk assessments and guidelines.

Aims

  • Determine potential for generation and dispersal of Lyngbya majuscula cells and toxin(s) from composting disposal operations.
  • Assess baseline semi-quantitative risk of toxin exposure to humans.

In consultation with QLD EPA and Moreton Bay Regional Council samples of toxigenic Lyngbya majuscula will be composted under laboratory conditions. Periodic bioaerosol and head-space toxin samples will be collected and analysed using microscopy and GC-MS, respectively. Field work will involve similar periodic sampling of the Bribie Island composting site using an upwind/downwind stratified sampling approach, if a bloom occurs and composting operations commence. Both cell and toxin concentrations in air will be determined and estimation made of generation-, and dispersion-potential from such operations. Using existing toxicity data, a semi-quantitative risk assessment will be performed to both assess overall risk of human exposure and individual risk factors. These will be used by QLD EPA and the Lyngbya action plan for risk assessment and in planning mitigation strategies.

References

  1. Osborne, N.J., Shaw, G.R. and Webb, P.M. 2007. Health effects of recreational exposure to Moreton Bay, Australia waters during a Lyngbya majuscula bloom. Environ Int 33:309-314.
  2. Osborne, N.J., Webb, P.M. and Shaw, G.R. 2001. The toxins of Lyngbya majuscula and their ecological health effects. Environ Int 27:381-392.
Study level
Honours
Supervisors
QUT
Organisational unit

Science and Engineering Faculty

Research area

Biogeoscience

Contact
Please contact the supervisor.