Toxic algal blooms – Implications of climate change on frequency and prevention in water systems

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Student panel speakers

Ellen S. Cameron, PhD Candidate, Biology

Timothy Shardlow, MSc Candidate, Biology

Elyse Batista, MASc Candidate and Research Technician, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Webinar details

Water is a vital resource to human life, but water quality is often threatened due to toxic algae, more specifically, cyanobacteria. These photosynthetic bacteria are found globally in aquatic ecosystems and are capable of producing potent toxins and chemical compounds associated with taste and odour problems in drinking water sources. Cyanobacteria blooms are predicted to increase in frequency, severity, and duration as a result of changing environmental conditions directly and indirectly linked to climate change. Increased occurrences of cyanobacteria blooms will impact aquatic ecosystem health, structure and function and will have subsequent impacts on water quality management and drinking water treatment.

Join us for an overview on the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystem structure and health, cyanobacteria bloom dynamics and the implementation of modern molecular techniques in understanding the risk of toxin production in cyanobacteria populations and assessment of water quality.

This webinar will include a brief overview of the following themes discussing the impacts of climate change on:

  1. Aquatic ecosystem structure,
  2. Toxic cyanobacteria blooms, and
  3. Water quality monitoring and drinking water treatment.

Following the theme overviews, a panel discussion on key topics will be held to help audience members develop a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding on cyanobacteria populations in a changing climate. The session will conclude with an audience Q and A period.

Location: WebEx

Register.


This event is part of ourIdeas to shape the future: Student Leaders in Climate Action and Research webinar series, presented by the Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change (IC3) and Faculty of Health. Follow us on IC3 on Twitter to stay up-to-date on upcoming student webinars and other IC3 events and programming.