Preservation of rare plant species often requires establishment of new populations. Survivorship surveys are the most common method of post-introduction monitoring. However, they provide an incomplete picture of establishment success. This study is an attempt to develop a model for determining establishment success by determining the factors affecting recruitment in introduced populations of a rare species. Erigeron decumbens is an endangered forb endemic to the Willamette Valley of western Oregon. Several populations of E. decumbens have been introduced by governmental and non-profit agencies. While there has been some monitoring of the survival of introduced plants, no systematic surveys have measured recruitment in the new populations. We monitored recruitment in five introduced populations, and compared abiotic and biotic characteristics in these and five stable natural populations. Seventy percent of introduced populations produced fewer than one recruit for every three survivors. Thirty percent produced at least one and one half recruits for every one survivor. The factors that affected recruitment were site specific. Low recruitment (less than one recruit per three survivors) was associated with dominance by exotic species (Dactylis glomerata, Rosa eglanteria, Vicia tetrasperma, and Leucanthemum vulgare), high litter cover, high soil electrical conductivity, and low silt levels. Recruitment was highest at sites with higher native plant species richness and soil characteristics falling within the variation of large natural populations. Viable seed number per individual had the strongest linear relationship with recruitment, demonstrating that seed viability could be a strong limitation for this species (r² = 0.83). The results of this study suggest numerous guidelines for future reintroductions of E. decumbens. This research also demonstrates the utility of recruitment surveys to determine factors important in the success of introduced populations of rare plant species. / Graduation date: 2013

Disturbance in a forest’s canopy, whether caused by treefall, limbfall, landslide, or fire determines not only the distribution of well-lit patches at any given time, but also the ways in which the forest changes over time. In this dissertation, I use a 25 year record of treefall gap formation find a novel and highly patterned process of forest disturbance and regeneration, providing a local mechanism by examining the factors that influence the likelihood of treefall. I then develop a stochastic cellular automaton for disturbance and regeneration based on the analysis of this long term data set and illustrate the potential of this model for the prediction and detection of patterned forest dynamics in general. Finally, I investigate the spatial structure of a population of one of the most common gap colonist species in this forest, Didymopanax pittieri, and illustrate the effect of local aggregation of treefalls and on the population dynamics of D. pittieri in the process.

No description available.

In general Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus numbers in South Africa appeared to have recovered after persecution and eradication attempts during the last century. Within the last decade, however, the future of South Africa’s Nile Crocodiles seems ominous yet again, as they are faced with renewed threats including habitat destruction and/or degradation. The primary Nile Crocodile populations in South Africa, Kruger National Park, Lake St Lucia and Ndumo Game Reserve are all currently threatened as a result of anthropogenic actions. The vulnerability of South Africa’s major Nile Crocodile populations has highlighted the need for further studies on and assessment of other populations in the country. This study was conducted from April 2009 to July 2010 on the Nile Crocodile population found in Pongolapoort Dam. The aim of the study was to obtain baseline data on the ecology of this previously unstudied population, which included obtaining an estimate of population size and structure, the reproductive dynamics and success of the population, general distribution of the population in the dam and seasonal changes in their distribution. The impact of the impoundment on this population was also discussed. Initial surveys from 1981 and 1989 described few crocodiles in the system. Currently Pongolapoort Dam contains a significant Nile Crocodile population that was previously not considered as substantial. A conservative estimate of 273 Nile Crocodiles was determined for Pongolapoort Dam in 2009-2010. A combination of survey methods allowed for a population structure to be gauged and identified as having 116 juveniles (< 1.2 m), 75 sub-adults (1.2 - 2.5 m), and 82 adults (> 2.5 m). Currently the population has a high percentage of juveniles (42 %), suggesting a growing population, with the proportion of adults (30 %) able to sustain a viable population into the future. From the construction of the Pongolapoort impoundment in 1972 the water level has fluctuated and the surrounding landscape has been altered. As a result the Nile Crocodiles residing in the area had to adapt to the ever changing environment. Their general distribution changed after dam wall completion, when the dam began to fill. First distributional change was a movement out of the gorge section into the newly flooded areas. After the Domoina floods (1983) the dam level rose by over 70 % and the crocodiles moved into the current inlet section. The majority of the crocodile population is now found in the inlet section of the Pongolapoort Dam, utilizing the Phongola River in summer months and residing in the inlet section as historical basking sites during the winter months. Investigating reproductive ecology is essential in order to access the population dynamics of an unstudied population, as reproductive output can be a measure of population health. Reproduction and nesting of Nile Crocodiles in Pongolapoort Dam, and in particular determining the effects of the impoundment on these were investigated. No previous reproductive effort had been documented prior to this study. Crocodiles congregated at a major basking site, where the Phongola River entered the dam, during August 2009 with a 576 % increase in numbers. This signalled the commencement of the breeding season. Females with transmitters made short trips upstream during this time. In November, with the first rains, the river rose and the majority of crocodiles moved up the inlet, and females established nests. Three major nesting areas were identified, two of which were located in the river inlet to the dam. Approximately 30 nesting females were identified during the 2009/2010 nesting season. All nesting areas identified had been used in prior nesting seasons. Nests were located on a variety of substrate types, from clay formed through culluvial and fluvial deposits to course river sand. Several of the nests were predated by Water Monitor (Varanus niloticus). Although the number of nesting females was greater than expected, during the study period there was a total recruitment failure of nests along the river due to a flash flood of the Phongola River in January 2010, destroying all nests prior to hatching. As several juvenile crocodiles were found during surveys, this preliminary study suggests that the Pongolapoort Dam Nile Crocodile population has a relatively high potential reproductive out-put, although their annual successes may vary greatly because of loss of nesting sites because of water level fluctuations and predation. It appears that the impoundment has generally had a positive impact on this Nile Crocodile population recruitment although suitable nesting sites may become limited. There appear to be no current threats to the Nile Crocodile Pongolapoort Dam population, however illegal gill-netting and poaching on the dam and surrounding reserves is on the rise and if not prohibited can result in future problems. A second concern is the high abundance of alien invasive plants that dominate the area, most notably in the river inlet section, the Nile Crocodiles main nesting area. The water quality entering the system is unknown at present and should be tested in future studies to assess whether there may be any reason for concern. In general the Nile Crocodile population in Pongolapoort Dam appears to be one of the least vulnerable and most reproductively successful in South Africa at present. The population has increased dramatically as a result of successful reproductive output even with the ecosystem changes as a result of the impoundment of the Phongola River. It is unlikely that the population increase was as a result of immigration from surrounding areas as the dam wall is a substantial barrier between the dam and the lower crocodile population of Ndumo Game Reserve some 70 km downstream. The high number of crocodiles found through all size classes, juveniles to large adults, also suggests that this population has been stably increasing for a number of years and has a sustainable breeding population. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.

Larvae of Pareuchaetes insulata were released in South Africa for the biological control of the invasive weed Chromolaena odorata. Pareuchaetes insulata has proved to be a difficult agent to establish in the field in South Africa, for various possible reasons. Populations collected from Florida and Jamaica (their aboriginal home) were released separately at several sites each in South Africa, but only one population (Florida) was definitely established. It is possible that adults from this established population interbred with adults from the Jamaican population released at nearby sites. The aims of this study were to determine whether there were any differences in biology between the two populations and whether hybridization affected the fitness of either. Trials involved: (i) pure-breeding of both Florida (F) and Jamaica (J) populations; (ii) cross-breeding of the two populations and; (iii) back-crossing of the hybrids with the parent populations. The fitness of these populations was determined by measuring adult longevity and fecundity, egg viability, and larval development and survival rates. The F population was superior to the J population in most of parameters measured, including fecundity. Hybridization of these populations reduced the fitness of the F population. It is unknown whether these differences in fitness reflect differences in their native regions, laboratory cultures or response to South African C. odorata. It appears that different populations of P. insulata have different levels of fitness, and that hybridization negatively affects the fitness of stronger populations. The lower fitness of the J population may have reduced its likelihood of establishing successfully, and even reduced the fitness of the established F population where the populations came into contact. These results caution that the possible consequences of mixing different genotypes of a biocontrol agent species should be properly investigated prior to their release in the same country. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.

This thesis describes how life history characteristics of the varnish clam (Nuttallia obscurata), and interactions with the physical environment and other species, have contributed to its successful invasion in coastal British Columbia. Lab and field experiments were conducted to investigate varnish clam larval ecology (i.e. larval rearing experiments), adult population dynamics (i.e. annual population surveys, mark-recapture and length-frequency analysis, growth modeling) and ecological interactions with native species (i.e. predator/prey preference feeding trials). Using these results, a matrix demographic model was developed to determine which life history stage contributes the most to varnish clam population growth. Larval rearing experiments indicated that temperature and salinity tolerances of varnish clam larvae are comparable to native species, however the planktonic phase is slightly longer (3-8 weeks). Based on local oceanographic circulation, varnish clam larvae have the potential to disperse throughout their entire geographic range in just one reproductive season. Varnish clam population surveys revealed spatiotemporal variation in density and size. No relationships were evident between varnish clam density and the number or density of co-occurring bivalve species. Length-frequency analysis suggested that recruitment varies among sites, with high post-settlement mortality coinciding with high recruitment. The presence of similar recruitment pulses at geographically separate sites indicates regional scale processes may influence recruitment. Individual growth rates iii varied among sites, with higher growth corresponding to lower population densities and water temperature. Monthly survival rates ranged from 0.81 – 0.99 and were lower for clams 10-30 mm. Predator/prey preference feeding trials showed that crabs prefer varnish clams to local species when clam burial depth is limited. Crabs therefore have the potential to influence varnish clam distributions, particularly on beaches where the varnish clam is unable to bury deeply. Based on matrix demographic analysis, adult survival (e.g. clams ≥ 40 mm) is the most crucial factor for varnish clam population growth, and drives the observed population growth differences between sites. This study of the varnish clam invasion demonstrates that its success lies in both species (e.g. lengthy planktonic phase, high survival) and regional (e.g. favourable ocean circulation patterns for rapid dispersal) characteristics. Measures to reduce introductions should be targeted in areas where introductions are likely to have the furthest reaching impacts.

The Roe’s abalone (Haliotis roei) fishery near Perth, Western Australia, is uniquely accessible, and highly vulnerable to overexploitation. The sustainability of this intensively utilized fishery requires robust assessment. To facilitate an assessment, this research aimed to provide rigorous and detailed biological information with appropriate interpretation. Four critical aspects of the species’ biology and population dynamics were investigated: (1) the stock structure; (2) the recreational catch; (3) an appropriate growth curve and description of size at age; and (4) abundance measures against which to assess the impact of fishing mortality. Allozyme electrophoresis was used to investigate stock structure across the species’ distribution. Standardized variance in allelic frequencies between 10 sites in south-western Australia indicated high levels of gene flow across the 3000 km sampled (mean FST = 0.009). An isolation-by-distance was evident when pairwise measures of GST were related to geographic distance (r=0.45, P<0.001). The area of complete genetic mixing was estimated from samples within the Perth fishery to be less than the distance between the two nearest sites, or 13 km. Consequently, the Perth fishery comprises numerous discrete stocks, each requiring independent assessment. A possible mechanism for this population structure is the retention of larvae in the wind driven currents oscillating in the near-shore lagoons, with rare pulses of long distance dispersal via the southerly Leeuwin current, running further offshore. The presumed impact of intensive recreational fishing, combined with substantial commercial quotas for the Perth fishery, had led to tight restrictions on fishing effort, without any quantitative measure of the recreational catch. A stratified creel survey was adapted to estimate the effort, catch rate and mean weight of abalone harvested by the recreational sector. Catches were estimated for reef complexes, or stocks, of less than 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) of coast. Between 1997 and 2000 the recreational catch varied from 30 to 45 tonnes whole weight, approximately equivalent to the commercial quota of 36 tonnes. On average 88% of the recreational catch came from two stocks, while 98% of the commercial catch came from these two, and one additional, stocks. The incidental mortality from recreational fishing, measured as the number of abalone left dead on the reef as a proportion of the estimated catch, was approximately 7% and 20% at two sites surveyed. Spatial and temporal patterns of growth were examined on the west coast of Western Australia. Growth increments were measured for abalone larger than about 30 mm from tagging studies at five sites in the Perth fishery, a site at the northern extent of the species’ distribution and a site in the southwest. Mean annual growth increments of the 0+ year class were obtained by fitting components to length frequencies from five sites in the Perth fishery, and combined with growth increments from each Perth tag site for model fitting. A von Bertalanffy growth curve provided a slightly better fit to the tag data, but a Gompertz growth curve was a much better fit when the mean increment from the 0+ to 1+ cohort was included, with the inflection occurring at about 40 mm, the size at sexual maturity. There was no difference in annual growth between the two years studied. There was significant variation in growth between the reef platform and adjacent sub-tidal reef, but this variation was site specific and faster growth rates were not consistently associated with either habitat. There was no latitudinal trend in growth rate. Growth at the Perth sites was the fastest and similar at all five sites with growth increments greater in summer than in winter. Size and abundance of abalone were measured using fixed transects and quadrats. Abalone densities were highest on the outer edge of the platform, intermediate in the middle of the reef platform, and lowest on both the inner platform and the sub-tidal reef. The pattern of mean lengths of abalone was the inverse of the density. Mean length and abundance were driven by the presence of post-settlement juveniles on the outer and middle reef habitats. There was a high spatial variation in abundance, with densities varying between transects at the same site, but the trend between years for each transect at a site was not significantly different. Abalone abundances, by size class, were examined from sites sampled between 1996 and 2002. A low density of post-settlement juveniles at all sites in 1997 was reflected in low densities of the 1+ and 2+ year classes in subsequent years. Abalone abundances at an unfished site were steady over the seven years. Two sites were located within each of the main stocks utilised by the recreational fishery. Abundance was stable or increasing in one stock, corresponding to a stable total catch. In the second stock the total catch increased over time and abundances declined. Perth is the focus of the Roe’s abalone fishery, with recreational and commercial fishers take about equal shares of the annual catch. Stocks are highly subdivided, with most of this catch coming from only 3 stocks occupying about 20 nautical miles of coast. Growth rates were found to be lower than previous estimates, and more similar to other commercial species of abalone. All life history stages are highly habitat specific, particularly the recruits, and the distribution and abundance through time indicate that the main stocks are near, or slightly over, the limit of sustainable fishing.

[Truncated abstract] In my study of Australonereis ehlersi and Simplisetia aequisetis [Polychaeta: Nereididae] from the Swan River Estuary, Western Australia, I assessed the life history, geographical population structure and production of both species, then measured their roles in microbial denitrification and nitrogen cycling within the sediments of the estuary. Both species exhibit a mean life-span of approximately 1 year, a production:biomass turnover rate of about 3 and potentially are capable of reproducing throughout the year, peaking during winter to spring. A. ehlersi exhibited a marine euryhaline distribution, occurring only in the main basin and lower estuary, typically at a very low density of adults; S. aequisetis exhibited a euryhaline distribution, occurring estuary-wide during both summer and winter. High density and biomass of A. ehlersi occurred in the middle estuary (at Como), predominantly as winter- recruiting juveniles. Gravid, atokous adults spawned pelagically, with a 2 to 4 month larval development period preceding settlement. Intolerance of freshwater by the pelagic larvae possibly is the major reason excluding specimens from the upper reaches of the Estuary. Adult S. aequisetis brood eggs and embryonic larvae in tubiculous burrows; the life-cycle presumably progresses entirely in sediments of relatively stable interstitial salinity (compared to pelagic fluctuations), enabling recruitment by larvae and adults into the upper reaches of the Estuary. ... The ammonification rate was higher for A. ehlersi than S. aequisetis-inhabited cores, and lowest in uninhabited cores where polychaete excretion was absent. In the absence of C2H2, sediments of S. aequisetis inhabited cores indicated a lower net NH4+ influx than uninhabited cores, whereas A. ehlersi inhabited cores exhibited a slight net efflux of NH4+ from the sediment. The difference in magnitude of nitrogenous fluxes imparted by the two polychaete species is hypothesised to relate to the influence of their respective habits on the composition and activity of their associated sedimentary microbial community. Juvenile S. aequisetis are hypothesised to homogenise and aerate sediment continually, enhancing microbial nitrification and retarding anaerobic denitrification. Permanent A. ehlersi burrows would facilitate vertical and radial oxic/anoxic stratification of sediment which, combined with enhanced substrate supply through burrow ventilation, resulted in increased rates of microbial denitrification and nitrification. I have proposed a preliminary framework by which guilds of benthic fauna, each with similar designated habits, may be tested for predictable bioturbative influence on nitrogen cycling, i.e. whether particular habits may be considered 'functional groups'. In conclusion, the fine-scale effects of A. ehlersi and S. aequisetis on microbial nitrogen cycling are integrated with details of broader-scale population dynamics to define the role of polychaetes in estuarine nitrogen cycling, with a view to managing eutrophication.

CNPq / Florações de cianobactérias em reservatórios de abastecimento de água têm ocorrido com uma frequência cada vez maior, causando diversos problemas de ordem operacional nos sistemas de tratamento de água em decorrência da elevada densidade de células, além de preocupações quanto à eficiência do tratamento na remoção de metabólitos como cianotoxinas e compostos odoríferos. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a aplicabilidade da Moringa oleifera Lam pura e associada ao policloreto de alumínio (PACl) na remoção de células de Microcystis aeruginosa, microcistinas, 2-MIB e geosmina por meio de flotação por ar dissolvido e filtração rápida, utilizando carvão ativado granular. Primeiramente, os sais NaCl e CaCl2 foram avaliados para a extração do coagulante de M. oleifera. As amostras consistiram em água sintética adicionada de ácido húmico e células de M. aeruginosa para valores iniciais de 25 uT. O coagulante obtido com 1M CaCl2 de M. oleifera apresentou maior eficiência de remoção de cor, turbidez e número de células, sendo, para ele, indicada como ideal a dose de 50 mg L-1. É indicado que o CaCl2 não permite uma maior eficiência de extração do coagulante, mas sim que participe na formação dos flocos. A partir desses resultados, considerou-se a substituição de 10 a 50% do coagulante salino por PACl. O conjunto de coagulantes em proporções de 70:30 e 60:40 de M. oleifera e PACl permitiram uma melhoria na eficiência de remoção de células e redução do carbono orgânico residual. Finalmente, para essas proporções, foi avaliada a contribuição do uso de carvão ativado granular (CAG) como camada intermediária de filtro de areia visando à remoção de microcistinas, 2-MIB e geosmina. As amostras foram adicionadas de 50 ng L-1 de 2-MIB e geosmina, e 25 μg L-1 de microcistina-LR equivalente, antes dos ensaios. O uso do filtro com camada intermediária de CAG para o conjunto de coagulantes na proporção 70:30 (M.oleifera:PACl) resultou em eficiências globais acima de 95% para a remoção de cor, turbidez, células de M. aeruginosa, microcistinas e geosmina, e de 51 a 75% de remoção de 2-MIB e carbono orgânico dissolvido. Deste modo, o uso de M. oleifera como clarificante de águas com a substituição de 30% por PACl pode reduzir gastos com reagentes por parte de alguns países que hoje importam seu material para clarificação da água, e a adição de CAG no filtro de areia poderia reduzir custos e espaço com a instalação de mais de uma etapa para a remoção de metabólitos. Assim, este conjunto é indicado como uma alternativa de tratamento convencional de água, devido à sua capacidade de remoção de células e metabólitos, além da manutenção de cor, turbidez e microcistinas abaixo dos níveis estipulados para água de consumo. / Nutrient inputs leads to more frequent algal blooms in water supply reservoir which causes operational problems in water treatment plants due to high density of cells, aside from complications induced by its capacity of production of cyanotoxins and taste and odour compounds. The present study had as purpose an evaluation of the applicability of Moringa oleifera Lam as a coagulant with and without polyaluminium chloride (PACl) in the removal of Microcystis aeruginosa cells, microcystins, 2-MIB and geosmin using dissolved air flotation and filtration, using granulated activated carbon (GAC). First, NaCl and CaCl2 salts were studied for extraction of the coagulant. Samples were obtained by the addition of humic acid and M. aeruginosa cells in synthetic water in order to obtain 25 NTU. Coagulant obtained with 1M CaCl2 showed a better performance for color, turbidity and cells removal, being indicated 50 mg L-1 dosage. CaCl2 would not extract better the active component of M. oleifera seeds, but participate on flocs formation. Based on this, PACl addition was evaluated and added in the ranges of 10 to 50% substitution of the saline coagulant. 70:30 and 60:40 proportions of M.oleifera:PACl were indicated in order to to remove turbidity, color and cells. Finally, the use of GAC as an intermediate layer in rapid sand filtration bed was evaluated as a function of microcystins, 2-mib and geosmine retention capacity. Cited proportions were followed by filtration, added of 2-MIB and geosmin 50 ng L-1 as well as 25 μg L-1 of microcystin-LR equivalent before tests. A 70:30 (M.oleifera:PACl) proportion followed by rapid sand filtration combined with GAC led to removal efficiencies above 95% for color, turbidity, M. aeruginosa cells, geosmin and microcystins, and 51 to 75% efficiencies for 2-MIB and dissolved organic carbon. Hence, M. oleifera usage as water coagulant with 30% of PACl can reduce costs for some countries, and the addition of a GAC layer on a sand filter can reduce cost and space in water treatment plants. This process is indicated as an alternative conventional treatment for the removal of cyanobacteria cells and metabolites, besides its capacity to maintain turbidity, color and microcystins below the stipulated levels for water consumption.

CNPq / Florações de cianobactérias em reservatórios de abastecimento de água têm ocorrido com uma frequência cada vez maior, causando diversos problemas de ordem operacional nos sistemas de tratamento de água em decorrência da elevada densidade de células, além de preocupações quanto à eficiência do tratamento na remoção de metabólitos como cianotoxinas e compostos odoríferos. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a aplicabilidade da Moringa oleifera Lam pura e associada ao policloreto de alumínio (PACl) na remoção de células de Microcystis aeruginosa, microcistinas, 2-MIB e geosmina por meio de flotação por ar dissolvido e filtração rápida, utilizando carvão ativado granular. Primeiramente, os sais NaCl e CaCl2 foram avaliados para a extração do coagulante de M. oleifera. As amostras consistiram em água sintética adicionada de ácido húmico e células de M. aeruginosa para valores iniciais de 25 uT. O coagulante obtido com 1M CaCl2 de M. oleifera apresentou maior eficiência de remoção de cor, turbidez e número de células, sendo, para ele, indicada como ideal a dose de 50 mg L-1. É indicado que o CaCl2 não permite uma maior eficiência de extração do coagulante, mas sim que participe na formação dos flocos. A partir desses resultados, considerou-se a substituição de 10 a 50% do coagulante salino por PACl. O conjunto de coagulantes em proporções de 70:30 e 60:40 de M. oleifera e PACl permitiram uma melhoria na eficiência de remoção de células e redução do carbono orgânico residual. Finalmente, para essas proporções, foi avaliada a contribuição do uso de carvão ativado granular (CAG) como camada intermediária de filtro de areia visando à remoção de microcistinas, 2-MIB e geosmina. As amostras foram adicionadas de 50 ng L-1 de 2-MIB e geosmina, e 25 μg L-1 de microcistina-LR equivalente, antes dos ensaios. O uso do filtro com camada intermediária de CAG para o conjunto de coagulantes na proporção 70:30 (M.oleifera:PACl) resultou em eficiências globais acima de 95% para a remoção de cor, turbidez, células de M. aeruginosa, microcistinas e geosmina, e de 51 a 75% de remoção de 2-MIB e carbono orgânico dissolvido. Deste modo, o uso de M. oleifera como clarificante de águas com a substituição de 30% por PACl pode reduzir gastos com reagentes por parte de alguns países que hoje importam seu material para clarificação da água, e a adição de CAG no filtro de areia poderia reduzir custos e espaço com a instalação de mais de uma etapa para a remoção de metabólitos. Assim, este conjunto é indicado como uma alternativa de tratamento convencional de água, devido à sua capacidade de remoção de células e metabólitos, além da manutenção de cor, turbidez e microcistinas abaixo dos níveis estipulados para água de consumo. / Nutrient inputs leads to more frequent algal blooms in water supply reservoir which causes operational problems in water treatment plants due to high density of cells, aside from complications induced by its capacity of production of cyanotoxins and taste and odour compounds. The present study had as purpose an evaluation of the applicability of Moringa oleifera Lam as a coagulant with and without polyaluminium chloride (PACl) in the removal of Microcystis aeruginosa cells, microcystins, 2-MIB and geosmin using dissolved air flotation and filtration, using granulated activated carbon (GAC). First, NaCl and CaCl2 salts were studied for extraction of the coagulant. Samples were obtained by the addition of humic acid and M. aeruginosa cells in synthetic water in order to obtain 25 NTU. Coagulant obtained with 1M CaCl2 showed a better performance for color, turbidity and cells removal, being indicated 50 mg L-1 dosage. CaCl2 would not extract better the active component of M. oleifera seeds, but participate on flocs formation. Based on this, PACl addition was evaluated and added in the ranges of 10 to 50% substitution of the saline coagulant. 70:30 and 60:40 proportions of M.oleifera:PACl were indicated in order to to remove turbidity, color and cells. Finally, the use of GAC as an intermediate layer in rapid sand filtration bed was evaluated as a function of microcystins, 2-mib and geosmine retention capacity. Cited proportions were followed by filtration, added of 2-MIB and geosmin 50 ng L-1 as well as 25 μg L-1 of microcystin-LR equivalent before tests. A 70:30 (M.oleifera:PACl) proportion followed by rapid sand filtration combined with GAC led to removal efficiencies above 95% for color, turbidity, M. aeruginosa cells, geosmin and microcystins, and 51 to 75% efficiencies for 2-MIB and dissolved organic carbon. Hence, M. oleifera usage as water coagulant with 30% of PACl can reduce costs for some countries, and the addition of a GAC layer on a sand filter can reduce cost and space in water treatment plants. This process is indicated as an alternative conventional treatment for the removal of cyanobacteria cells and metabolites, besides its capacity to maintain turbidity, color and microcystins below the stipulated levels for water consumption.