The investigation presented in this thesis examined the microbial and functional diversity of the meltwater ponds Fresh, Orange and Salt Ponds on the McMurdo Ice Shelf, near Bratina Island, Antarctica. These sites were chosen because of the ecological importance and absence of detailed characterisations of their diversity and function as part of Antarctica?s largest wetland. Particular focus was on cyanobacterial diversity, nitrogen fixation and secondary metabolite production. Using 16S rRNA gene and morphological analysis a large diversity of cyanobacteria (more than 22 phylotypes) was identified with high phylogenetic similarities (up to 99% sequence identity) to cyanobacteria from mats in other regions of Antarctica. In addition biogeographical distributions were identified including potentially endemic and cosmopolitan cyanobacteria. High salinities were also connected to the change and reduction of diversity. Lipid marker analyses were performed targeting hydrocarbons, ether-linked hydrocarbons, methylated fatty acid esters (FAME), wax esters, hopanols and sterols. Lipid biomarker profiles were similar to typical cyanobacteria dominated mats with major input from microorganisms including oxygenic and anoxygenic phototrophs, obligate aerobic and anaerobic heterotrophs that conduct the metabolic processes of fermentation, sulphate reduction, sulphate and iron-oxidation, methanogeneses. Signature lipids indicative of Chloroflexus and archaea, as well as branched aliphatic alkanes with quaternary substituted carbon atoms (BAQCs), were identified for the first time in Fresh, Orange and Salt Ponds. Based on nifH gene analysis, the nitrogen fixing diversity characterised in Orange Pond consisted of cyanobacterial Nostoc sp. as well as firmicutes, beta-, gamma- and delta-proteobacteria. Acetylene reduction assays and nifH gene RNA transcript diversity identified Nostoc sp. as a main contributor of nitrogenase activity in these ponds. Furthermore, analytical methods were used to identify the cyanobacterial secondary metabolites microcystins, although the genetic basis for this production and the toxin producer could not been identified. However non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) and polyketide synthases (PKS) genes were identified which could be the genetic basis for novel bioactives. The use of a multi-disciplinary approach synthesis and subsequent results significantly increased our understanding of the diversity and function of microbial mat communities in the unique meltwater ponds of the McMurdo Ice shelf, Antarctica.

The investigation presented in this thesis examined the microbial and functional diversity of the meltwater ponds Fresh, Orange and Salt Ponds on the McMurdo Ice Shelf, near Bratina Island, Antarctica. These sites were chosen because of the ecological importance and absence of detailed characterisations of their diversity and function as part of Antarctica?s largest wetland. Particular focus was on cyanobacterial diversity, nitrogen fixation and secondary metabolite production. Using 16S rRNA gene and morphological analysis a large diversity of cyanobacteria (more than 22 phylotypes) was identified with high phylogenetic similarities (up to 99% sequence identity) to cyanobacteria from mats in other regions of Antarctica. In addition biogeographical distributions were identified including potentially endemic and cosmopolitan cyanobacteria. High salinities were also connected to the change and reduction of diversity. Lipid marker analyses were performed targeting hydrocarbons, ether-linked hydrocarbons, methylated fatty acid esters (FAME), wax esters, hopanols and sterols. Lipid biomarker profiles were similar to typical cyanobacteria dominated mats with major input from microorganisms including oxygenic and anoxygenic phototrophs, obligate aerobic and anaerobic heterotrophs that conduct the metabolic processes of fermentation, sulphate reduction, sulphate and iron-oxidation, methanogeneses. Signature lipids indicative of Chloroflexus and archaea, as well as branched aliphatic alkanes with quaternary substituted carbon atoms (BAQCs), were identified for the first time in Fresh, Orange and Salt Ponds. Based on nifH gene analysis, the nitrogen fixing diversity characterised in Orange Pond consisted of cyanobacterial Nostoc sp. as well as firmicutes, beta-, gamma- and delta-proteobacteria. Acetylene reduction assays and nifH gene RNA transcript diversity identified Nostoc sp. as a main contributor of nitrogenase activity in these ponds. Furthermore, analytical methods were used to identify the cyanobacterial secondary metabolites microcystins, although the genetic basis for this production and the toxin producer could not been identified. However non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) and polyketide synthases (PKS) genes were identified which could be the genetic basis for novel bioactives. The use of a multi-disciplinary approach synthesis and subsequent results significantly increased our understanding of the diversity and function of microbial mat communities in the unique meltwater ponds of the McMurdo Ice shelf, Antarctica.

La diversité et la distribution des cyanobactéries dans les écosystèmes aquatiques conduisent à des effets nuisibles dans l’eau par la production d’une variété de toxines cyanobactériennes qui présentent des risques pour la faune et la santé humaine. Différentes techniques analytiques émergentes ont été développées pour détecter et quantifier les toxines cyanobactériennes dans l'environnement. Dans ce mémoire nous avons examiné la présence de cyanotoxines multi-classes, dont 12 microcystines, les anatoxines, la cylindrospermopsine (CYN), les anabaenopeptines (AP-A, AP-B) et la cyanopeptoline-A dans les eaux de surface et les poissons sauvages. L'échantillonnage a été conduit pendant l’été 2018, dans l'écosystème fluvial de la réserve écologique de la Rivière aux Brochets (QC, Canada) près de la Baie Missisquoi (Lac Champlain). La méthode analytique employée combine la chromatographie liquide ultra haute performance et une ionisation par électronébuliseur (UHPLC-ESI) avec l’usage d’un spectromètre de masse triple quadripôle. Sur les 18 cyanotoxines ciblées, 14 ont été détectées dans des échantillons d'eau de surface impactés par la floraison ; les toxines ont culminé au début de la mi-septembre avec les concentrations les plus élevées de MC-LR (3,8 μg L-1) et MC-RR (2,9 μg L-1). Parmi les 71 poissons prélevés sur le terrain (10 espèces au total), 38% avaient des détections positives d'au moins une cyanotoxine. Dans les échantillons positifs, les plages de concentration dans le muscle du poisson étaient les suivantes : la somme des microcystines ΣMC (0,16-9,2 μg kg-1), la CYN (46-75 μg kg-1), et les anabaénopeptines AP-A (1,1-5,4 μg kg-1) et AP-B (0,01 à 5,0 μg kg-1). Dans l'ensemble, 17% des échantillons de poisson étaient positifs pour AP-A ou AP-B. A notre connaissance, ceci constitue le premier signalement de bioaccumulation d'anabaénopeptines dans la faune. La somme maximale des concentractions des microcystines ΣMC dans les poissons était 1,15 fois plus élevées que la recommandation de l'apport quotidien (8 μg kg-1 de tissu-1) de l'Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) pour les adultes et équivalaient presque à la valeur dérivée pour les jeunes enfants 9.3 μg kg-1. La concentration de CYN était également environ 3 fois plus élevée que la limite dérivée des valeurs recommandées pour la santé humaine. / The diversity and widespread distribution of cyanobacteria in aquatic ecosystems lead to harmful effects in water through the production of a variety of cyanobacterial toxins, which pose a great danger to fauna and human health. Different emerging analytical techniques have been developed to detect and quantify cyanobacterial toxins in the environment. In this thesis we examined the presence of multi-class cyanotoxins, including 12 microcystins, anatoxins, cylindrospermopsin (CYN), anabaenopeptins (AP-A, AP-B) and cyanopeptolin-A in surface water and wild fish. Sampling was conducted during the 2018 summer season in the fluvial ecosystem of the Pike River ecological reserve (QC, Canada) near Missisquoi Bay, Lake Champlain. This study was carried out using an analytical method combining ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and ionization by electrospray (UHPLC-ESI) with the use of a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Of the 18 cyanotoxins targeted, 14 were detected in surface water samples impacted by the bloom; toxins peaked in early mid-September with the highest concentrations of MC-LR (3.8 μg L-1) and MC-RR (2.9 μg L-1). Among the 71 fish sampled in the field from 10 species, 38% had positive detections of at least one cyanotoxin. In positive samples, the concentration ranges in fish muscle were as follows: the sum of microcystins ΣMC (0.16-9.2 μg kg-1), CYN (46-75 μg kg-1), AP -A (1.1-5.4 μg kg-1) and AP-B (0.01 to 5.0 μg kg-1). Overall, 17% of the fish samples were positive for AP-A or AP-B; to our knowledge, this is the first report of accumulation of anabaenopeptins in wildlife. The maximum sum ΣMC of microcystin concentrations in fish was 1.15 times higher than the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) Daily Intake (8 μg kg-1 tissue-1) for adults and was almost equivalent to the derived value for young children 9.3 μg kg-1. The concentration of CYN was also approximately 3 times higher than the limit derived from the recommended human health values.

Eutrophication is a nutrient enrichment of dams and lakes. Increased eutrophication in dams results in blooms of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are troublesome as they form massive surface scums, impart taste and odour to the water. Some strains of cyanobacteria such as Microcystis aeruginosa are dangerous to humans and animals. They produce toxins that can kill animals drinking the contaminated water and have also been implicated in human illnesses. The study investigated the effectiveness of techniques deployed in controlling cyanobacterial growth in Rietvlei, Roodeplaat and Hartbeespoort Dams. This was done by interpreting data from April 2010 to March 2012. The conditions in the three dams show that Microcystis produced toxins in the summer season and all the variables analysed were favourable for the production of toxins. The methods deployed to rehabilitate the dams do not completely solve the problems of toxins experienced by the dams. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

Eutrophication is a nutrient enrichment of dams and lakes. Increased eutrophication in dams results in blooms of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are troublesome as they form massive surface scums, impart taste and odour to the water. Some strains of cyanobacteria such as Microcystis aeruginosa are dangerous to humans and animals. They produce toxins that can kill animals drinking the contaminated water and have also been implicated in human illnesses. The study investigated the effectiveness of techniques deployed in controlling cyanobacterial growth in Rietvlei, Roodeplaat and Hartbeespoort Dams. This was done by interpreting data from April 2010 to March 2012. The conditions in the three dams show that Microcystis produced toxins in the summer season and all the variables analysed were favourable for the production of toxins. The methods deployed to rehabilitate the dams do not completely solve the problems of toxins experienced by the dams. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

Florações de cianobactérias são facilmente encontradas, devido ao crescente aporte de nutrientes nos corpos de águas naturais e artificiais, ocasionado pelos acelerados processos de eutrofização frutos da ocupação urbana e rural sem a observação de critérios mínimos. Microcystis aeruginosa é uma espécie de cianobactéria potencialmente produtora de cianotoxinas, comumente associada a casos de intoxicação em escala mundial. Novas tecnologias para o tratamento de água têm sido implementadas para cumprimento dos padrões de potabilidade exigidos pela legislação. O presente trabalho buscou analisar a produção científica mundial relacionada ao tratamento de água com presença de M.aeruginosa e MCLR, buscando identificar o estado da arte, além de embasar a discussão dos métodos propostos. O presente estudo está dividido em três artigos, no primeiro realizou-se uma análise bibliométrica das pesquisas mundiais relacionadas à cianobactérias, cianotoxinas e o tratamento de água, a partir da base de dados Scopus. No segundo artigo buscou-se avaliar a aplicabilidade dos AOPs UV-C e UV-C/H2O2 na degradação de Microcystis aeruginosa BB005 e MC-LR, e a análise dos efeitos da adição de nanopartículas de Ag, com base em um produto comercial composto por peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) e nanopartículas de prata (NAg). No terceiro artigo buscou-se avaliar a qualidade da água produzida a partir de ensaios de toxicidade aguda com Daphnia magna. Os resultados indicam que a fotólise e o processo UV-C/H2O2 apresentaram resultados satisfatórios, sendo uma alternativa eficiente. Porém, os resultados dos ensaios de ecotoxicidade inferem que estes tratamentos utilizados com a finalidade de degradar M. aeruginosa e MC-LR, possuem potencial de geração de subprodutos de degradação tóxicos: os ensaios com D. magna demonstraram toxicidade mesmo quando a água submetida a fotólise foi diluída quatro vezes. Com relação ao processo UV-C/H2O2 (sem e com adição de NAg), a amostra foi tóxica quando não diluída. Já quando empregada as NAg combinadas a radiação UV-C, esta apresentou toxicidade extremamente alta, afetando a mobilidade de todos os organismos teste em todas as diluições (até 16 x). / Cyanobacterial blooms are easily found, due to the increasing nutrient supply in natural and artificial bodies of water, caused by the accelerated processes of eutrophication, fruits of urban and rural occupation without observing minimum criteria. Microcystis aeruginosa is a specie of cyanobacteria that are potentially cyanotoxin-producing, commonly associated with cases of worldwide intoxication. New technologies for water treatment have been implemented to meet the standards of potability required by legislation. The present study looked for analyze the world scientific production related to the treatment of water with presence of M. aeruginosa and MC-LR, seeking to identify the state of the art, besides supporting the discussion of the proposed methods. The present study is divided into three articles, the first one was a bibliometric analysis of the world-wide research related to cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins and water treatment, from the Scopus database. In the second article evaluated the aplicability of UV-C e UV-C/H2O2 AOPs on degradation of Microcystis aeruginosa BB005 and MC-LR, and the analysis of effects Ag nanoparticles addition, based on a commercial product composed of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and silver nanoparticles (NAg). In the trird article evaluated the water quality produced, from acute toxicity tests with Daphnia magna. The results indicate that photolysis and the UV-C/H2O2 process presents satisfactory results, being an efficient alternative. However, the results of the ecotoxicity assays infer that these treatments used for the purpose of degrading M. aeruginosa and MCLR, have potential to generate toxic degradation byproducts: the D. magna assays demonstrated toxicity even when the water submitted to photolysis was diluted four times. Regarding the UV-C/H2O2 process (without and with NAg addition), the sample was toxic when undiluted. When NAg was used in combination with UV-C radiation, it showed extremely high toxicity, affecting the mobility of all test organisms at all dilutions (until 16x).

Florações de cianobactérias são facilmente encontradas, devido ao crescente aporte de nutrientes nos corpos de águas naturais e artificiais, ocasionado pelos acelerados processos de eutrofização frutos da ocupação urbana e rural sem a observação de critérios mínimos. Microcystis aeruginosa é uma espécie de cianobactéria potencialmente produtora de cianotoxinas, comumente associada a casos de intoxicação em escala mundial. Novas tecnologias para o tratamento de água têm sido implementadas para cumprimento dos padrões de potabilidade exigidos pela legislação. O presente trabalho buscou analisar a produção científica mundial relacionada ao tratamento de água com presença de M.aeruginosa e MCLR, buscando identificar o estado da arte, além de embasar a discussão dos métodos propostos. O presente estudo está dividido em três artigos, no primeiro realizou-se uma análise bibliométrica das pesquisas mundiais relacionadas à cianobactérias, cianotoxinas e o tratamento de água, a partir da base de dados Scopus. No segundo artigo buscou-se avaliar a aplicabilidade dos AOPs UV-C e UV-C/H2O2 na degradação de Microcystis aeruginosa BB005 e MC-LR, e a análise dos efeitos da adição de nanopartículas de Ag, com base em um produto comercial composto por peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) e nanopartículas de prata (NAg). No terceiro artigo buscou-se avaliar a qualidade da água produzida a partir de ensaios de toxicidade aguda com Daphnia magna. Os resultados indicam que a fotólise e o processo UV-C/H2O2 apresentaram resultados satisfatórios, sendo uma alternativa eficiente. Porém, os resultados dos ensaios de ecotoxicidade inferem que estes tratamentos utilizados com a finalidade de degradar M. aeruginosa e MC-LR, possuem potencial de geração de subprodutos de degradação tóxicos: os ensaios com D. magna demonstraram toxicidade mesmo quando a água submetida a fotólise foi diluída quatro vezes. Com relação ao processo UV-C/H2O2 (sem e com adição de NAg), a amostra foi tóxica quando não diluída. Já quando empregada as NAg combinadas a radiação UV-C, esta apresentou toxicidade extremamente alta, afetando a mobilidade de todos os organismos teste em todas as diluições (até 16 x). / Cyanobacterial blooms are easily found, due to the increasing nutrient supply in natural and artificial bodies of water, caused by the accelerated processes of eutrophication, fruits of urban and rural occupation without observing minimum criteria. Microcystis aeruginosa is a specie of cyanobacteria that are potentially cyanotoxin-producing, commonly associated with cases of worldwide intoxication. New technologies for water treatment have been implemented to meet the standards of potability required by legislation. The present study looked for analyze the world scientific production related to the treatment of water with presence of M. aeruginosa and MC-LR, seeking to identify the state of the art, besides supporting the discussion of the proposed methods. The present study is divided into three articles, the first one was a bibliometric analysis of the world-wide research related to cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins and water treatment, from the Scopus database. In the second article evaluated the aplicability of UV-C e UV-C/H2O2 AOPs on degradation of Microcystis aeruginosa BB005 and MC-LR, and the analysis of effects Ag nanoparticles addition, based on a commercial product composed of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and silver nanoparticles (NAg). In the trird article evaluated the water quality produced, from acute toxicity tests with Daphnia magna. The results indicate that photolysis and the UV-C/H2O2 process presents satisfactory results, being an efficient alternative. However, the results of the ecotoxicity assays infer that these treatments used for the purpose of degrading M. aeruginosa and MCLR, have potential to generate toxic degradation byproducts: the D. magna assays demonstrated toxicity even when the water submitted to photolysis was diluted four times. Regarding the UV-C/H2O2 process (without and with NAg addition), the sample was toxic when undiluted. When NAg was used in combination with UV-C radiation, it showed extremely high toxicity, affecting the mobility of all test organisms at all dilutions (until 16x).

CAPES; CNPq / Considerada como o maior complexo hídrico do Paraná, a Bacia do Iguaçu tem importância estratégica, principalmente no que se refere à característica do rio – por sua extensão e potencial hidrelétrico altamente explorado – com a formação de cinco reservatórios para gerar mais de 6.000 MW de energia. Em detrimento de sua importância estratégica, o represamento em cascada do Rio Iguaçu faz com que suas características hidráulicas sejam modificadas, podendo gerar passivos ambientais, como a incidência de florações de cianobactérias nos reservatórios, podendo apresentar potencial tóxico. São poucos estudos que contemplem a bacia do Iguaçu como um todo, avaliando o rio e os reservatórios formadores desse importante complexo hidrográfico. Pautado nesse entendimento, este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a relação entre a qualidade da água na Bacia do Rio Iguaçu e a influência na ocorrência e concentração da cianotoxina microcistina-LR nos seus reservatórios. Com esta finalidade, foram realizadas três coletas de amostras de água no Rio Iguaçu da sua nascente na Região Metropolitana de Curitiba até sua foz, em Foz do Iguaçu. Também foram realizadas amostragens em quatro dos cinco reservatórios grandes reservatórios da Bacia: Foz do Areia, Segredo, Salto Santiago e Salto Caxias e avaliado variáveis físicas e químicas, teor e fonte de matéria orgânica e a contaminação nos reservatórios pela cianotoxina microcistina-LR na água. A avaliação dos resultados obtidos possibilitou a observação das principais influências no Rio Iguaçu, tais como atividade antrópica na Região Metropolitana de Curitiba, sazonalidade, e a influencia da mudança hidráulica promovida pelos reservatórios. Nos reservatórios estudados, as principais variáveis estão relacionadas com a sazonalidade, tempo de retenção hidráulico, nutrientes e produtividade primária. A Microcistina-LR foi detectada nos reservatórios de Foz do Areia, Segredo e Salto Santiago, este ultimo com a maior concentração de toxina intracelular obtida no centro da região lacustre, com concentração de 18,62 μg por litro filtrado e Foz do Areia, com 65,5 μg por litro filtrado em um ponto de margem com alta concentração de clorofila-a. As analises estatísticas permitiram a compreensão das variáveis possivelmente responsáveis pelo aumento da biomassa fitoplantônica, porém, não foi possível obter relações significativas que pudessem explicar a produção da microcistina intracelular. Diante dos resultados observados, fazem-se necessárias políticas de maior controle ambiental, visando à melhoria no tratamento de efluentes e uso e ocupação do solo em toda a extensão da bacia hidrográfica, porém, mais urgentemente na região do Alto Iguaçu. / Considered the largest hydric complex in Paraná, the basin Iguaçu has strategic importance, especially regarding the characteristics of the river, by its great extension and the highly exploited hydropower, forming five reservoirs that generate more than 6.000 MW energy. In detriment of its strategic significance, the damming of the Iguassu River modifies the hydraulic characteristics, which may cause some environmental damage, as the incidence of cyanobacterial blooms in reservoirs may submit toxic potential. Are few studies that consider the Iguaçu basin as a whole, evaluating the river and reservoirs forming this important hydrographic complex. Guided by this understanding, this study aims to evaluate the relationship between water quality in the Rio Iguaçu basin and the influence on the occurrence and concentration of microcystin-LR in its reservoirs. For this purpose, three collections of sampling were performed in Iguazu River from its source in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba to its mouth in Foz do Iguaçu. Samples in four of the five major reservoirs Basin reservoirs were also performed: Foz do Areia, Segredo, Salto and Salto Caxias Santiago and evaluated physical and chemical variables, content and source of organic matter in reservoirs and contamination by microcystin-LR cyanotoxin. Furthermore, in the reservoirs was evaluated the possibility of contamination by cyanotoxin microcystin-LR. The results evaluation enabled the observation of the main influences on the Iguaçu River, such as anthropogenic influences in Curitiba Metropolitan Region, seasonality, and the influence of change promoted by the hydraulic reservoirs. In the studied reservoirs, the main variables are related to hydraulic seasonal retention time, nutrients and primary productivity. The microcystin- LR was detected in the reservoirs of Foz do Areia, Segredo and Salto Santiago, the latter with the highest concentration of intracellular toxin in the center of the lake region, with a concentration of 18.62μg per liter filtered and Foz do Areia, 65μg, on a point margin with a high concentration of chlorophyll-a. The statistical analysis allowed to understand the variables as possibly responsible for increasing phytoplankton biomass, however, it was not possible to obtain significant relations which could explain the production of intracellular microcystin. Front of the observed outcomes, this study points to the need of policies to increase environmental control, aiming to improve in wastewater treatment and the ground use and occupation all along the basin, but more urgently in the Alto Iguaçu.

MESHWR / Department of Hydrology and Water Resources / In South Africa, inland aquaculture is on the increase, especially among the rural communities. Thus aquaculture is able to provide a source of employment and improve rural incomes. This study assessed algae species and their cyanotoxins in small holder production in Vhembe district, Limpopo, South Africa. Thirteen study sites were selected to assess the algae species and their cyanotoxins. The water samples were collected in four quarters and analysed for water temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, Electrical conductivity, phosphates, nitrates, chlorophyll, cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, metal species and quality of the water in the fish ponds. In the 1st quarter of the year there was variation in Water Temperature (23.7oC-31.4oC), pH (5.5-9.6), EC (3.82-46.8μS/cm), TDS (2.4-45 mg/L), Phosphate (0.0-1.09mgL-1), Nitrates (0.0-1.00mgL-1), Chlorophyll-a (5.8-11.5mg/m-3). In the 2nd quarter there was variation inwater temperature (22.4-25.0oC), pH (6.6-8.8.9), EC (19.23-21.47μS/cm), TDS (12.5-17.9 mg/L), Phosphate (1.64-1.84mgL-1), Nitrates (1.02-1.88mgL-1), Chlorophyll-a (4.6-15.6mg/m-3). In the 3rd quarter there was variation for water temperature (22.9-25.0oC), pH (7.5-9.1), EC (7.91-293.3μS/cm), TDS (11.7-180.9 mg/L), Phosphate (1.10-1.80mgL-1), Nitrates (1.28-1.84mgL-1),Chlorophyll-a (6.8-15.6mg/m-3). In the 4th quarter there was variation forwater temperature (23.5-30.3), pH (7.1-9.3), EC (18.24-623μS/cm), TDS (23.7-136.4 mg/L), Phosphate (1.45-1.99mgL-1), Nitrates (1.43-1.68mgL-1), Chlorophyll-a (6.6-25.9mg/m-3). The metal content of the fish pond water was variable throughout the year but with moderate levels of Al, Cd, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Ba were found. The metal Fe, exceeded the DWAF guideline values during this first quarter. The presence of Cd in the fish pond water could be attributed to rainfall eroding the earthen embankments of the fish pond. The results of physico-chemical parameters promotes the growth of cyanobacteria in the fish ponds. Flow cam and SEM were used to identify the cyanobacteria species and most cyanobacteria identified are hazard to human health, fish and other aquatic organisms. Molecular technologies were used to identify cyanotoxins and there was no cyanotoxins detected which was concluded that during collection of water samples no cyanobacteria produced toxins. / NRF

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / In this research, Environmental Fluid Dynamic Code (EFDC) and Adaptive- Networkbased Fuzzy Inference System Models (ANFIS) were developed and implemented to determine the spatial-temporal distribution of cyanobacterial metabolites: 2-MIB and geosmin, in Eagle Creek Reservoir, IN. The research is based on the current need for understanding algae dynamics and developing prediction methods for algal taste and odor release events. In this research the methodology for prediction of 2-MIB and geosmin production was explored. The approach incorporated a combination of numerical and heuristic modeling to show its capabilities in prediction of cyanobacteria metabolites. The reservoir’s variable data measured at monitoring stations and consisting of chemical/physical and biological parameters with the addition of calculated mixing conditions within the reservoir were used to train and validate the models. The Adaptive – Network based Fuzzy Inference System performed satisfactorily in predicting the metabolites, in spite of multiple model constraints. The predictions followed the generally observed trends of algal metabolites during the three seasons over three years (2008-2010). The randomly selected data pairs for geosmin for validation achieved coefficient of determination of 0.78, while 2-MIB validation was not accepted due to large differences between two observations and their model prediction. Although, these ANFIS results were accepted, the further application of the ANFIS model coupled with the numerical models to predict spatio-temporal distribution of metabolites showed serious limitations, due to numerical model calibration errors. The EFDC-ANFIS model over-predicted Pseudanabaena spp. biovolumes for selected stations. The predicted value was 18,386,540 mm3/m3, while observed values were 942,478 mm3/m3. The model simulating Planktothrix agardhii gave negative biovolumes, which were assumed to represent zero values observed at the station. The taste and odor metabolite, geosmin, was under-predicted as the predicted v concentration was 3.43 ng/L in comparison to observed value of 11.35 ng/l. The 2-MIB model did not validate during EFDC to ANFIS model evaluation. The proposed approach and developed methodology could be used for future applications if the limitations are appropriately addressed.