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 (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering water treatment processes drinking water treatment processes
- social sciences sociology demography mortality
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IRSES
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MC-IRSES - International research staff exchange scheme (IRSES)
Coordinator
78464 Konstanz
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.