[en] The B-BLOOMS2 project aimed to deepen knowledge of cyanobacterial blooms in Belgium, improve the modelling for prediction and early-warning, develop operational monitoring structures and tools, and propose strategies to reduce the impact of cyanobacterial blooms.
From a scientific point of view, the research programme focused on:
- Collection of physical, chemical, biological and meteorological data on selected reference waterbodies plagued by toxic cyanobacterial blooms in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia;
- Identification and study of the toxigenic cyanobacteria present in the Belgian samples using molecular tools on samples and strains, including genetic diversity and factors regulating their population dynamics;
- Measurement of the major cyanotoxins present in the blooms and water samples by analytical methods;
- Development and test of management scenarios for control or mitigation of cyanobacterial blooms in one reservoir using integrated watershed models;
- Development of a statistical predictive model for a series of urban ponds.
From a practical and science policy point of view, B-BLOOMS2 aimed to:
- Implement a network of samplers based on existing monitoring programmes of surface waters or on collaboration with health authorities or environmental organisations (BLOOMNET);
- Transfer knowledge about methods of monitoring and analysis of blooms to the water/health authorities and environmental organisations by hands-on courses in our laboratories and field sites;
- Reinforce the communication to and with authorities and the general population, to raise public awareness, contribute to future guidelines and risk assessment procedures, and improve monitoring and management.
Research center :
Aquapôle - AQUAPOLE FOCUS - Freshwater and OCeanic science Unit of reSearch - ULiège PeGIRE - Planification et Gestion Intégrée des Ressources en Eaux
