Early Detection of Cyanobacterial Toxins Using Genetic Methods. 2008. 131 p. Paper bd.

Examines the use of DNA - detection technology, in particular, real -time chain reaction (PCR), as a means of detecting toxic cyanobacteriain freshwaters. Toxic cyanobacteria present a real and persistentproblem to the water industry, promarily due to the adverse healtheffects associated with consumption or exposure to water contaminatedwith cyanotoxins. Research and development are geared toward thedelivery of a technology solution for the water industry that wouldcomplement current approaches There are two basic measures for toxiccyanobacteria: cell counts (by microscopy) and toxicity (using anin vivo system or advanced analytical chemistry), both of which havelimitations. DNA - detection technology was anticipated to be able tocover some shortcomings of current monitoring technologies.