Investigation of Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins in the Piracicaba River: Identification and Analysis of Microcystins in Low-Flow Areas.

• Grant number: 24/22206-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy
• Principal Investigator: Ernani Pinto Junior
• Grantee: Ana Luiza Fazanaro Moretti
• Host Institution: Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms in water sources and the release of cyanotoxins, such as microcystins, pose a significant public health risk, especially in low-flow river regions where water becomes more stagnant. This project aims to investigate the presence of cyanobacteria and toxins in the Piracicaba River, focusing on low-flow areas and periods following the opening of the Salto Grande dam floodgates. Activities include water collection at predefined sites, microscopic identification of cyanobacteria, isolation and laboratory cultivation of viable species, and molecular identification to determine genera and species. Additionally, an LC-MS analysis will be conducted to characterize the cyanotoxins present and correlate toxin presence in water samples with the isolated cyanobacteria. This study will contribute to understanding the distribution and toxicity of these toxins and provide support for water quality monitoring and control actions.