Predicting harmful algal toxin risks in coastal waters and seafood
Predicting Cyanotoxin Risks under Current and Future Climate along the Freshwater-to-Marine Continuum
This project builds computer models to predict when and where algal toxins may contaminate coastal water and oysters so coastal communities and seafood consumers can stay safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11371090 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team will combine water monitoring and oyster testing with computer modeling that uses weather, salinity, nutrients, and sunlight to predict toxin levels across coastal areas. The models use a probabilistic (Bayesian) approach so they can give risk estimates even when only some data are available. Predictions will estimate toxin amounts in water and in oyster tissue and flag when levels might exceed health advisory thresholds. The goal is to give local health officials and the public better information to prevent exposures from contaminated water or seafood in North Carolina coastal areas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live, work, or spend recreation time along the North Carolina coast and regular consumers of locally harvested seafood are the most directly relevant groups.
Not a fit: People who live far inland and do not use coastal waters or eat local seafood are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could give earlier warnings and clearer guidance to prevent illness from contaminated coastal water and seafood.
How similar studies have performed: Related modeling approaches have been used successfully in freshwater lake systems, but applying them to coastal waters and seafood is newer and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Obenour, Daniel — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Obenour, Daniel
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.