Objective Microcystins (MC) are potent cyclic heptapeptide toxins that are produced by many cyanobacterial genera e.g. Planktothrix, Microcystis. Human exposure occurs primarily during bloom events, via drinking or contact with contaminated water, food or aerosols. While food exposure and corresponding health effects are rare, exposure to high MC concentrations via drinking water has resulted in morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the level of MC exposure in humans when sub-chronically or chronically exposed via aerosols or drinking water as is the case in populations living within close proximity to water bodies experiencing toxic blooms, e.g. the population of San Roque dam, Argentina. To accurately determine human exposure, an in-depth understanding of the physical and physiological events governing toxic bloom formation and regulating MC production is critical. In this study we will (1) undertake a series of in-lake mesocosm studies to explore thresholds and triggers of up-regulation of MC. Samples will be analyzed using a suite of sensitive molecular (QPCR, RT-QPCR, metagenome analysis), immunological and chemical techniques in concert with physical and geochemical measurements , (2) undertake a series of field-experiments, incl. the San Roque location, in which we will monitor a range of physiochemical parameters, and in-lake and aerosolized MC levels, and (3) use a hydrodynamic model to define water movement coupled to an ecological model enabling predictions of toxins in aerosols and water. Laboratory techniques and questionnaires specifically developed to allow monitoring of human toxin exposure, will be used to assess health impacts of toxins and aerosols. The consortium represents aquatic ecologists, microbiologist, molecular biologist, modelers, toxicologists and medical staff. Exchanging staff will ensure increased understanding and implementation of technologies and lead to improved human risk assessment. Fields of science engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwater treatment processesdrinking water treatment processessocial sciencessociologydemographymortality Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IRSES - Marie Curie Action "International Research Staff Exchange Scheme" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IRSES See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IRSES - International research staff exchange scheme (IRSES) Coordinator UNIVERSITAT KONSTANZ EU contribution € 373 800,00 Address UNIVERSITATSSTRASSE 10 78464 Konstanz Germany See on map Region Baden-Württemberg Freiburg Konstanz Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Daniel Dietrich (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Participants (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all FOLKEHELSEINSTITUTTET Participation ended Norway EU contribution € 168 000,00 Address LOVISENBERGGATA 8 0456 Oslo See on map Region Norge Oslo og Viken Oslo Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Hans Utkilen (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data HOGSKOLEN I TELEMARK ORGANISASJONSLEDD Norway EU contribution No data Address KJOLNES RING 56 3918 PORSGRUNN See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Tone Jøran Oredalen (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data