Toxic cyanobacterial blooms and lake water safety
Project-002
Researchers are studying the many toxins and chemical mixes made by harmful algal blooms to help keep people who use lakes and drinking water safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11364999 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As someone who swims in or drinks water from lakes, this project looks at the full mix of chemicals produced by cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms, not just the best-known toxins. The team will collect bloom samples, identify microbes and metabolites, and run lab tests to see which compounds cause biological harm. They will combine those data into a toxin-forecasting model and improve detection and surveillance methods. The project also includes community outreach to turn findings into clearer warnings and local water-safety actions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people who live near or use lakes and waterways prone to cyanobacterial blooms, including recreational swimmers and communities relying on affected water sources.
Not a fit: People with health issues unrelated to waterborne algal toxins, or who do not live near or use affected waters, are unlikely to see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to better water testing, earlier warnings, and policies that reduce people's exposure to harmful algal toxins.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has successfully characterized microcystin toxins, but exploring the broader mix of cyanobacterial metabolites and their links to liver, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative effects is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dick, Gregory James — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Dick, Gregory James
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.