Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is CYANONET?

CYANONET is a UNESCO-supported initiative to create an internet-based global source of information and contacts for cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), their toxins (cyanotoxins), and on materials and methods to reduce the risks which they present to health and water resources. CYANONET is a component of UNESCOs International Hydrology Programme (IHP) VI Action in Ecohydrology

2. What is the geographical range of CYANONET's activity?

The structure, scope and aims of CYANONET global. They include all environments where cyanobacteria develop to form accumulations (e.g. blooms, scums, biofilms, mats) and where cyanotoxins may present risks to human and animal health. The Management Structure of CYANONET includes an International Steering Committee (ISC) under a Co-ordinator. The ISC presently includes members from Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America and South America. A further network of National Contacts, reporting to their relevant ISC Members, is being built up. These include primary researchers on cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins and members of the environmental and health agency and water industry communities.

3. What are the main aims of CYANONET?

This project aims to contribute to the overall aims of the IHP VI Action in Ecohydrology. The aims of CYANONET include initial aims and longer-term aims.

The Initial Aims include:
A. An initial Global Situation Assessment of the occurrence of: (a) cyanobacterial mass populations; (b) cyanotoxins; (c) associated human and animal health incidents; (d) structured investigations into cyanotoxins and health; (e) the availability and application of risk management actions to reduce the adverse impacts of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins; (f) the availability of educational, awareness-raising and training materials and practices.
B. Publication of the Proceedings of the First CYANONET Workshop, held at the University of Dundee in November 2004, and including the initial situation assessment.
C. From the initial situation assessment, to identify and prioritise Needs and Recommendations for future actions to reduce the adverse effects of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins on water resources and health.

The Longer Term aims include:
D. Establishment of Databases on: (a) toxic cyanobacterial mass populations in water resources in developed and developing countries; (b) types and concentrations of cyanotoxins in water resources; (c) available experts in cyanobacterial toxicology and risk management; (d) case studies of toxic cyanobacterial health incidents where available, the management actions taken and their outcomes; (e) local and traditional knowledge of cyanobacterial bloom occurrences, precautions and responses; (f) established modern risk management structures, e.g. task groups, for cyanobacterial bloom mitigation and cyanotoxin control.
E. Production of examples of Alert Level Framework Systems and Action Plans, including decision trees and contingency plans for cyanobacterial bloom and cyanotoxin risk management.
F. Building of Awareness and Social Responsibility among the general public and of Competence among professional groups and end-user groups, through the CYANONET website, educational activities, leaflets, workshops and training courses.

4. What are cyanobacteria?

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are a common and naturally-occurring component of many ecosystems, including fresh-, brackish and marine waters. In temperate and high latitudes, cyanobacterial populations show marked seasonal periodicities, with population maxima in the Summer-Autumn seasons and minima in the Winter/Spring. In subtropical to tropical latitudes, the growth season is greatly extended and may even be year-round. Their populations often increase due to excessive enrichment of such waters with nutrients (principally phosphorus and nitrogen). They can cause problems in the drinking water supply industry, such as water discolouration, taste, odour and blockage of filters. The extensive growths may lead to the formation of blooms, scums, biofilms or mats. These can be toxic to humans and to terrestrial and aquatic animals due to production of toxins.

5. What are cyanotoxins?

Cyanobacteria produce a vast range of small molecules, of which several are toxic to humans, other mammals, birds, fish , amphibia, simpler animals and to plants. The known cyanobacterial toxins include members causing liver and kidney damage, neurological damage, gastrointestinal illness, and skin and mucosal membrane irritation and damage. At the cellular level, cyanotoxins can interfere with fundamental and essential processes including cell structure, function, metabolism, growth and cell division. At the molecular level, some cyanotoxins can cause damage to genes and the regulation of normal cell development. With differences in molecular structure, over 100 variants of cyanotoxins are now described.

For more information please look on FAQs website links.

6. Why are cyanotoxins a potential problem water-users and consumers?

Cyanotoxins are now well-established as presenting hazards to health. They can present problems for water-used and consumers because: (a) they can be formed in high resource waterbodies which are used drinking water, recreation, aquaculture and irrigation; (b) they present risks to health at environmentally-occurring concentrations in waterbodies used for recreation, including bathing, and in water intended for drinking and specialist purposes (e.g. haemodialysis), unless adequately treated before use; (c) they can be retained within the cells which produced them, but also be released in soluble form into the surrounding water; (by persisting after cyanobacterial cell breakdown or removal, they can therefore be present in the absence of cyanobacterial cells); (d) they can be taken up at sublethal concentrations by aquatic animals and fish and be transferred along food chains.

For more information please look on FAQs website links.

7. Can I take part in the CYANONET programme?

We would appreciate whatever be help you may be able to give to this enterprise , particularly for data and information from your particular state or region. You may be able to provide scientific information on cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxins in your region, on associated health incidents, and/or on management actions or needs. Local knowledge, experience and practices will be welcomed. CYANONET will benefit from such individual contributions.

8. How do I find the person who is responsible for data collection from my Region?

First, you should contact the relevant Member of the International Steering Committee (ISC) by email. See Contact Points - International Steering Committee on CYANONET website. He/she will arrange for you to be contacted by the National Contact person for your country.