Bibliography: leaves 121-139. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which protein synthesis inhibition, lowered glutathione (GSH) levels and toxin metabolism contribute to the toxicity of cyclindrospermopsin. Both hepatocyte cultures and reticulocyte lysates were utilized as in vitro tools of investigation. The findings imply that the inhibition of protein synthesis by direct action of the toxin cannot be considered a primary cause of hepatocyte cell death over an acute time frame. Cytochrome P450-derived metabolites may play a crucial role in cytotoxicity, and the toxicity process does not appear to involve oxidative damage.

Bibliography: leaves 252-267. / xvi, 267 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / These cyanobacteria are two freshwater phytoplankton which produce toxins, taint the taste and odour of potable water and form surface blooms. A technique was developed to assess cell metabolic activity and to determine the influence of light and nutrients on gas reside synthesis and bouyancy regulation in order to understand factors which favour their dominance, and thus how to control them. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Botany, 1998?

Bibliography: leaves 235-265. / xvi, 265 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Examines the tumour promoting effects of the microcystins through a long-term study in which cyanobacterial extract containing a range of microcystins was given in drinking water to mice previously treated with the tumour initiator N-nitroso-N-methyluren by gavage ; and through examining the effects of pure microcystin-LR in cultured primary hepatocytes from immature mice. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, 1998?

M.Sc. (Environmental Management) / In South Africa, there are practically no freshwater lakes. Therefore, exploitable water supplies are confined to rivers, artificial lakes behind dams, and groundwater. The many demands for water, and the erratic flow of most South African rivers, have led to the creation of artificial lakes and dams, i.e. impoundments on all the major rivers, in order to stabilise flow and therefore guarantee annual water supply. Cyanobacterial bloom formation in freshwater sources, such as rivers, lakes, dams and reservoirs are known to occur throughout the world. In South Africa, the occurrence of cyanobacteria has also been recorded with the best known being the bloom of the hyper-eutrophic Hartbeespoort Dam. In South Africa specifically, cyanobacteria are mostly seasonally driven. Species that are known to cause bloom formation are Microcystis sp., Anabaena sp., Oscillatoria sp. and Cylindrospermopsis sp. These species are known to produce cyanotoxins that cause health problems in animals and humans, but also produce taste and odour problems in drinking water, if not treated effectively. In most cases where cyanobacteria blooms have been known to occur, it also enters source water for drinking water purification plants. Because source water containing cyanobacteria and the effect it has on the consumer, environment and animals, it is thus important to identify the dominant algae species. Cyanotoxin drinking water guidelines must be developed and implemented and a management plan for the Water Treatment Plant must be produced, to ensure that the risk of human exposure to the cyanotoxins are minimised. The present study focuses on the Vaalkop Dam from which raw water is abstracted and treated by the Magalies Water Vaalkop Water Treatment Plant (MWVWTP) to produce potable water. The source water abstracted from the Vaalkop Dam can contain high numbers of cyanobacteria as well as cyanotoxins that must be removed by the MWVWTP during potable water purification to ensure compliance to water quality standards. The overall objective of the study is to investigate the occurrence of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the Vaalkop Dam at the point where the source water is abstracted for drinking water purification.