Managing Cyanobacteria Biomass in Coastal Ecosystems

The project addresses the significant threat posed by harmful algae blooms (HABs) to coastal ecosystems and human health, exacerbated by cultural eutrophication and climate change. The focus is on managing toxic cyanobacteria biomass, particularly from Microcystis aeruginosa, through anaerobic digestion to produce biofuels and other valuable products. The project aims to determine the sensitivity of anaerobic digestion to microcystin, a common toxin, and assess the process’s efficiency in reducing toxicity. The methodology involves setting up anaerobic digesters with varying toxin levels and monitoring methane production and toxin reduction. The expected impact includes developing a technology for converting toxic biomass into non-toxic, useful products, enhancing the economic and logistical feasibility of HAB mitigation.