BloomSafe: Developing a cost-effective, rapid and portable diagnostic tool for the detection of toxins resulting from algal blooms

Algae are microscopic organisms that live in waterbodies such as lakes, ponds and rivers. Typically invisible to the naked eye, their presence often goes unnoticed by the public. However, an increase in nutrients as a result of pollution can lead to excessive growth of these algae, known as an algal bloom, leading to the water taking on a distinct green colouration. Some of the algae contained within these blooms produce harmful toxins which are dangerous to humans and animals, leading to illness. In recreational waters, this can be bad for the economy as water-based activities are unsafe in the presence of toxins. Blooms also cause ecological damage, shading out other plants and leading to a poorer quality ecosystem. One of the most dangerous algal toxins is microcystin, which comes from an algae called Microcystis. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set limits for microcystin concentrations in both drinking and recreational waters. To test whether a water sample is safely within these guidelines, scientific laboratory testing is required. These laboratory tests can be expensive, time-consuming and are complicated to perform requiring specialist facilities and scientifically trained staff.

Our project, BloomSafe, will provide an easy-to-use tool known as a paper analytical device, or PAD, that will greatly simplify the monitoring of microcystins. It will allow end-users to easily detect the presence of microcystin toxin in water, and whether those concentrations exceed the WHO maximum limits. The PAD is a small paper-based device, about the size of a credit card, on which small volumes of chemicals are preloaded. When toxin containing water is added to the device, a chemical reaction occurs that causes a colour change indicating the presence of microcystin. It is designed to be used by non-specialists, alongside a smartphone app and website that will allow users to upload information, enabling real-time data collection and visualisation of bloom occurrence and microcystin concentrations.

This project brings together three academic researchers with expertise in PAD development, algal biology and citizen science to: i) develop a PAD device that is easy to use and accurate, ii) validate the device across a range of blooms, iii) develop a smartphone application and website to collect and store information from the PAD devices, and iv) do a pilot citizen science programme to validate the PAD and app.

The development of a rapid, cost-effective, user-friendly tool to quantify microcystins in freshwaters will greatly enhance the ability of the public and regulatory bodies to monitor bloom outbreaks, therefore reducing health risks.