Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Mitigation actions for Coastal Algal Blooms (CABs) within the Moreton Bay region include collection, removal and disposal of rafted algal biomass. The material is considered potentially toxic due to the ability of the common causative agent, the cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula, to produce cyanotoxins. However, toxin production appears temporally and spatially variable, and the extent to which toxins are aerosolised and/or volatilised is unknown. Hence the potential health risk to those handling bulk algal biomass is unknown, as well as the extent to which algal biomass contains toxins. In order to more accurately assess risks associated with mitigation actions involving cleanup, removal and disposal of Lyngbya majuscula and potentially other CAB-associated biomass, a scientific assessment of potential for release and dispersal of cyanobacterial cells and associated cyanotoxins is proposed using Moreton Bay-derived Lyngbya majuscula as test material. This will be used to develop a draft toxicology-based risk assessment for handling of CAB biomass. The project will utilise advanced techniques of bioaerosol sampling and analysis, and involve applied toxicological risk assessment.
- Study level
- PhD
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Keywords
- algal blooms, moreton bay, bioaerosols
- Contact
- Please contact the supervisor.
Dr James Smith
