Impact case study database

Cyanobacteria and their toxins in water supplies pose a threat to human and animal health globally. Cyanobacterial blooms are on the increase due to eutrophication (nutrient enrichment, especially with nitrate and phosphate) and global warming. Studies have demonstrated that at least 50% of blooms produce cyanotoxins and their occurrence has been linked to ill-health and fatalities.

Compound production and analysis

RGU’s in-house production of cyanotoxins has expanded the portfolio of commercially available bioactive compounds resulting in funding of £1.5 million from Enzo Life Sciences since 2013^S1,S2 .These compounds are used by regulators such as the US EPA, medical research and water treatment facilities worldwide. The extensive use of these cyanotoxins is evidenced by widespread literature. American Chemical Society Journals indicates 37% used cyanotoxins are from Enzo Life Sciences (or Alexis, as previous known) since 2013, and Science Direct indicated 30% product use.

The work with these high-value chemicals has underpinned successful KTP funded collaborations. The first, *Combined metabolomics-genomics workflow to enhance natural product discovery (*2016-19) with NCIMB^S3 aimed to enhance the value of the culture collection. The second, Valorisation of algal biomass (2019-21), with the biotech company ScotBio^S4, involved applying product analysis and composition. A further IBiolC funded collaboration linked the work of Xanthella, a leading biotech company, with the Scottish Whisky industry to explore valorisation (transformation of waste into useful resource) of co-products for both algal growth and bioplastics.

Influencing policy and standards

This research has influenced guidelines, standards and good practice in managing cyanotoxin exposure. Lawton has worked with and advised the WHO in the publication of their “Toxic Cyanobacteria in Water - A Guide to their Public Health Consequences, Monitoring and Management” – both first (1999) and second edition (Feb 2021)^S5. She has also supported the revision of WHO global guidelines on exposure to microcystins and other classes of cyanotoxins (hepatotoxin cylindrospermopsin, neurotoxins anatoxins and saxitoxins). Lawton is currently an expert advisor to the UK government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), sitting on their Scientific Advisory Committee with specific expertise for toxin analysis.

Working with the EU, the team has contributed to new standard methods for the analysis of cyanobacterial metabolites which cause problems through taste and odour.

Advanced oxidation for cyanotoxin removal

This pioneering research on the use TiO₂ for photocatalytic treatment of cyanotoxin contaminated water has benefitted global water treatment solutions with pilot treatment systems being evaluated by RGU researchers and others. Water resource managers and drinking water treatment providers are currently evaluating the efficacy of this technology at scale^S6,S7.

Building on the development and understanding of photocatalysis, Lawton secured £1.2 million^S9 in funding that resulted in the development and application of a novel photocatalytic rig for removal of cyanobacteria and their toxins at scale.

Nature-based cyanotoxin removal

The work on the biodegradation of cyanotoxins has informed practice both in water treatment and sample processing (as biodegradation will affect the quantity of toxin available).

Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building

Collaboration with Pathmalal M. Manage, University of Sri Jayewadenpura, Sri Lanka, facilitated the development of a national centre of excellence as the Centre for Water Quality and Algae Research^S8, supporting the national water company.

Funded by the National Science Foundation the research investigated the role of cyanotoxins in chronic kidney disease, along with the publication of an easy to use training manual for analysis of cyanotoxins. This collaboration led to funding to translate research into a practical solution for safe water treatment in-line with the UN Sustainable Goal 6.1.

Further work by the RGU team proposed developing a scalable bio-based strategy for eliminating cyanotoxins in drinking water in Sri Lanka. Their Global Challenges Research Funding (GCRF) application was ranked top out of 31 projects submitted for funding.

The research addressed rising levels of kidney disease in Sri Lanka which were attributed to water contamination from significant cell densities of cyanobacteria and toxin concentrations in excess of WHO guidelines in drinking water suplly wells. RGU’s research explored the link between the algal toxins in the well water and the kidney disease found in humans. The project also aimed to improve the quality of the well water, making it safer for consumption by removing harmful compounds. The team collaborated with the National Drainage Company in Sri Lanka to apply its work on a larger scale, which could improve the health and environment of other developing countries. Lawton and another RGU researcher were awarded fellowships from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, in honour of their ongoing efforts to build research capacity, capability and quality in Sri Lanka.