The Walkerton Clean Water Centre works with leading experts to develop and deliver training for the water treatment industry. Environment Canada’s Dr. Susan Watson was invited to present Algae in Source Water: Taste, Odour and Toxins at a recent training event that was
attended by operators, managers, engineers, scientists, and drinking water regulatory agents from across the province of Ontario.  Dr. Watson presented an overview of the biological sources, chemistry, and consequences of, and countermeasures to, some of the more frequently occurring harmful bloom metabolites.

Participants heard that while algae, and in particular cyanobacteria, produce a diverse array of bioactive metabolites, the majority of concern is centred on “harmful bloom metabolites,” the compounds that directly affect human health and well being. These metabolites fall under two functional categories, toxic and malodorous (organoleptic) compounds, and can also threaten animal/livestock health, drinking and recreational waters, tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic ecosystems. Extensive research has advanced our understanding of the chemicals and organisms involved, of their toxicological and organoleptic properties, and of how to treat and remove them from drinking water supplies. However, our ability to predict and control harmful bloom metabolite outbreaks is currently limited by inadequate knowledge of the processes regulating their production, distribution, and fate in the environment.

Contact: Sue Watson, 905-336-4759, Sue.Watson@ec.gc.ca, Aquatic Ecosystem Management Research