Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms: State of the Science and Research Needs.

10th International Symposium on Neurobehavioral Methods and Effects
in Environmental and Occupational Health
San Jose, Costa Rica, June 11-13, 2008

H Kenneth Hudnell, PhD, Scientific Organizing Committee & Mini-Symposium Chairman

Cyanobacteria produce cyanotoxins, some of the most potent toxins known, that threaten human health and aquatic ecosystem sustainability worldwide. This symposium was organized to describe the current scientific information regarding the ecology, toxicology and risk management of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CHABs). Dr. Ken Hudnell will provide an overview of CHABs and describe a systems approach to CHAB risk assessment and management. The incidence of CHABs is increasing worldwide due to excessive nutrients and global climate change. Dr. Hans Paerl will describe factors that synergistically influence CHAB occurrence, persistence and proliferation. Dr. Wayne Carmichael will present evidence on CHAB occurrence, both historically and at present, and describe methods to detect and quantify cells and toxins. Although the lethality of cyanotoxins is well understood, little is known about the effects of repeated, low level exposures. Dr. Sandra Azevedo will discuss the human health literature, including morbidity and mortality events in Latin America. Numerous approaches to CHAB control and prevention have been undertaken, but few are environmentally benign and effective long-term. Dr. Chris Knud-Hansen will present an overview of the benefits and limitations of CHAB control methods based on restricting important growth requirements. The speakers will identify research needed to more fully assess CHAB risks and implement cost-effective risk management strategies.

For additional information, see:
Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms; State of the Science and Research Needs (HK Hudnell [Ed], Springer Press, 2008) The book is the product of an interagency effort to provide the scientific basis for addressing the mandates of the U.S. Harmful Algal Bloom & Hypoxia Research and Control Act (reauthorized December, 2004)

Purchase the book at:
http://www.springer.com/biomed/neuroscience/book/978-0-387-75864-0

Download book chapters for free at:
http://www.epa.gov/cyano_habs_symposium/