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Mitigation of HABs by Dinoflagellate Cyst Inhibition using Modified Biochar

Principal Investigator: Toufiq Reza, Spencer Fire, and Vincent Lovko, PhD
Institution: Florida Institute of Technology and Mote Marine Laboratory
Project Period: September 2026-August 2027
Project Summary: Many bloom-forming species, like Alexandrium sp. and Pyrodinum sp., are capable of forming dormant, non-motile cysts that can persist in sediment for years and form vast, high-abundance cyst beds and are equipped with structural and physiological adaptations that enable survival under extreme conditions. While identification and mapping of cyst beds can be useful in predicting blooms, there is a lack of research into technologies that aim to control HABs by impacting the cyst bed by either destroying cysts or inhibiting cyst germination. In previous work conducted by this team, they have synthesized modified biochar that can attach to and remove cells from the water column, with apparent destruction of the algal cell and adsorption of released toxins. In this project, they will test the ability of this modified biochar to reduce germination of natural cysts of Pyrodinium bahamense and Alexandrium catenella using a series of tiered studies that will examine 1) the direct interaction of modified biochar with individual isolated natural cysts, 2) the effect of added modified biochar to isolated natural cyst populations in an artificial sediment, and 3) the effect on natural cyst populations in natural sediment. The results will be used in the development of a machine learning model with the goal of evaluating the correlation of environmental parameters and engineering parameters (biochar type, size, dosage, and duration) on inhibition of cyst germination.

Efficacy of Liposomal-based Delivery of Curcumin to Three HAB Species and Non-Target Phytoplankton Communities

Principal Investigator: Emily Hall and Cynthia Heil, PhD
Institution: Mote Marine Laboratory
Project Period: September 2026-August 2027
Project Summary: Natural pesticide products are commonly regarded as safe alternatives to synthetic chemicals for harmful algal bloom (HAB) mitigation. One promising natural product is curcumin, the primary bioactive compound found in turmeric. Curcumin has been established as an effective mitigation compound against dinoflagellates and some diatoms. The remaining challenge to the use of curcumin as an effective in situ mitigation compound lies with its solubility, and the resulting implications for permitting. To address this, we have investigated alternative ‘carrier systems’ for the delivery of curcumin to HAB cells in seawater. One such alternative delivery system is lecithin-based liposomes, which have many advantages, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, enhanced solubility and stability, the ability to carry both water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds, and likelihood to be taken up by many HAB species. In this project, they will 1) Establish the efficacy of liposomal delivery of curcumin in Tier 1 laboratory experiments against both cells and toxins of 3 HAB species (Karenia brevis, Alexandrium monilatum, and Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries), and 2) Test the impacts of liposomal curcumin on natural phytoplankton community composition and abundance. Optimization of application methodology and assessment of potential non-target impacts are the final steps prior to in situ testing and deployment of curcumin as a HAB mitigation tool.

High-throughput screening to identify algicidal bacteria and compounds active against dinoflagellate cysts

Principal Investigator: Kirstie Francis, PhD
Institution: Mote Marine Laboratory
Project Period: September 2026-August 2027
Project Summary: The Mote Microbial Library contains a diverse collection of microorganisms from deep sea sediments and microbial interactions with marine macroorganisms. This biodiversity translates to chemical diversity, captured within the pre-fractionated library of microbial extracts, and represents a rich source of molecular scaffolds to mine for algicidal activity. Some HAB species, like the dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense, form cysts as part of their life cycle that can act to reseed blooms during favorable conditions. An algicide that interferes with cyst dynamics could be a valuable tool for HAB mitigation used alone or in combination with other algicide techniques. The goals of this project are to conduct a high-throughput screening of 1) the Mote Microbial Library to identify bacteria and 2) the pre-fractionated extract library to identify microbial compounds that can kill cells in their cyst form and/or bring them out of cyst stage so they are more susceptible to other treatments. This study stands to create new leads for the field of HAB control technologies.

Maximizing the Protection of Aquaculture against Harmful Algal Blooms via cultivatable seaweeds and Bubble Barriers

Principal Investigator: Christopher Gobler, PhD
Institution: Stony Brook University
Project Period: September 2026-August 2027
Project Summary: Recurrent harmful algal blooms (HABs) in coastal zones present a significant threat to the burgeoning $4 billion US aquaculture industry, causing significant economic damage through mortality, growth inhibition, and toxin contamination of products. This project will explore a sustainable, multi-barrier defense system that utilizes native seaweeds and macrobubble aeration—solutions that are both proven to be safe and targeted, and are already standard components of modern aquaculture infrastructure globally. This project will conduct a four-tiered experimental progression designed to optimize the deployment of seaweeds and macrobubble aeration to protect aquaculture from three prominent HABs in the US: Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries, Dinophysis acuminata, and Margalefidinium polykrikoides. By identifying the precise seaweed species, deployment densities, and macrobubble applications that maximally reduce HAB densities and toxin accumulation in bivalves, this initiative—that features the first assessment of bubble curtains for HAB control—will provide aquaculture farmers with a science-based, environmentally friendly, revenue-generating methodology to protect their harvests.

The critical role of the extracellular polymeric substance layer in designing technologies for flocculation and settling of Microcystis aeruginosa

Principal Investigator: Vijay John and Vincent Lovko, Ph.D
Institution: Tulane University and Mote Marine Laboratory
Project Period: September 2026-August 2027
Project Summary: Clays such as kaolinite and modified clays have been studied extensively as mitigation agents of HABs. A recent discovery found that the nano-clay, laponite, is effective in sinking cells of MC even at relatively low concentrations of 10 mg/L. This project will integrate laponite and calcium peroxide (CaO2) mixtures into metal phenolic networks (MPNs), to facilitate flocculation, sinking and destruction of the cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa. The experiments will range from small scale bench top experiments to 80L mesocosm tanks.

Species-specific optimization of clay constituents for flocculation and removal of cells and toxins of Alexandrium catenella and Pseudo-nitzschia spp.

Principal Investigator: Don Anderson and Colleen Hansel, PhD, and Keith Ervin
Institution: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and K E Technologies LLC
Project Period: September 2026-August 2027
Project Summary: Clay flocculation is the most widely used harmful algal bloom (HAB) control technology worldwide, but it is still experimental in the US. Previously, this group has tested multiple clay formulations in laboratory and mesocosm studies to identify the most promising for removal of Florida red tide (Karenia brevis) cells and toxins within the significant constraints of federal regulations for pesticides. These efforts have been successful, and an identified product will be used in Tier 3 field trials later this year. Motivated by the need to apply this technology to other important HAB species, this group will test modifications of their clay formulations on toxic cultures of Alexandrium, Pyrodinium and Pseudo-nitzschia. They will also study oxidation dynamics during these treatments to better understand the role of oxidants in destroying cells and toxins. Together, these studies will set the stage for subsequent projects that will transition the products to field trials and ultimately to full scale bloom control efforts.

From Benchtop Testing to Larger Scale Evaluation of an Organic, FIFRA-Exempt Algaecide for Freshwater and Marine Algal Control

Principal Investigator: Raphael Kudela, PhD
Institution: University of California Santa Cruz
Project Period: September 2025-August 2026
Project Summary: For many potential algicides, development and testing can be hampered or even blocked because of permitting requirements under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This is leading to exploration of more algicides that are based on natural products and therefore exempt from FIFRA requirements. This project investigates Anjon AG company’s product C71X on 7 HAB species at benchtop and moderate sized (200L) outdoor mesocosms. Additionally, the group will assess the mode of action, impacts on non-HAB algae and zooplankton, as well as the timescale of C71X breakdown in ambient conditions.

Laser-Based Plasma Treatment for Harmful Algal Bloom Cyst Bed Mitigation

Principal Investigator: Cynthia Heil, Ph.D
Institution: Mote Marine Laboratory
Project Period: September 2025-August 2026
Project Summary: Dr. Heil (Mote) and Dr. Mangum (Southwest Research Institute) will investigate the efficacy of laser-induced plasma for treating dinoflagellate cyst beds of Alexandrium fundyense and Pyrodinium bahamense in simulated marine sediments. A novel two-stage approach that combines subsurface bubble injection with a targeted laser-plasma treatment will be tested on laboratory cultures in cyst stage and cyst beds collected from the field. The proposed technology could offer significant advantages over traditional cyst mitigation approaches like dredging or chemical treatments, including minimal ecosystem disruption, absence of chemical residues, precise targeting capabilities, and potential for large-scale deployment using autonomous underwater vehicles or research vessels.

Evaluation of a novel family of hybrid materials for the mitigation of Karenia brevis in seawater

Principal Investigator: Ioannis Spanopoulos, Ph.D
Institution: University of South Florida
Project Period: September 2025-August 2026
Project Summary: This group has recently developed a new family of hybrid materials, namely porous metal halide semiconductors (PMHS), which feature a unique combination of advantageous attributes for K. brevis inhibition. PMHS compounds exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, are composed of abundant, inexpensive, and biocompatible elements, are water-insoluble and reusable, and can be activated with visible light to generate biocidal reactive oxygen species (ROS). This project will evaluate the efficacy of PMHS on Karenia brevis removal without causing indirect impacts on other phytoplankton. The objectives of this project are to 1. Synthesize and characterize PMHS materials, 2. Identify minimum inhibitory concentration of the PMHS materials on various initial algal concentrations, 3. Determine the selectivity of PMHS against the target algae and non-target organisms, and 4. Evaluate the recyclability of PMHS by recovering the material and reutilizing it to determine how many times it can be applied before its activity deteriorates. If successful, the generated data will set the foundation for future Tier 2 (mesocosm studies) and Tier 3 (canal deployment) studies.

High-throughput screening to identify algicidal bacteria and compounds active against Karenia brevis and Microcystis aeruginosa

Principal Investigator: Kirstie Francis, Ph.D
Institution: Mote Marine Laboratory
Project Period: September 2025-August 2026
Project Summary: The Mote Microbial Library contains a diverse collection of microorganisms sampled from deep sea sediments and microbial interactions with marine macroorganisms. This biodiversity translates to chemical diversity, captured within the pre-fractionated library of microbial extracts, and represents a rich source of molecular scaffolds to mine for bioactivity. The goals of this project are to conduct a high-throughput screening of 1) the Mote Microbial Library to identify bacteria capable of direct algicidal activity and 2) the pre-fractionated extract library to identify indirect algicidal activity against HAB species Karenia brevis and Microcystis aeruginosa. Through screening in both Karenia brevis and Microcystis aeruginosa, algicide specificity will be determined, which is beneficial for determining the applicability of a future treatment in the field. This study stands to create new leads for the field of HAB Control Technologies.

Large Molecular Weight Polyphenol Based Materials to Flocculate Harmful Algal Blooms as an alternative to Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC)

Principal Investigator: Vijay John, PhD
Institution: Tulane University
Project Period: September 2025-August 2026
Project Summary: This project will test the use of metal phenolic complexes (MPN) created with chitosan and tannic acid in flocculating Microcystis aeruginosa.The objectives of this project are to: 1. To test the removal efficiency of cells using varying concentrations of chitosan and tannic acid complexes, 2. To improve the chemistry for chitosan and tannic acid complexes, and 3. To understand microcystin generation in MPN flocs. It will involve fundamental experimental aspects of imaging and spectroscopy and mechanical characterization of the complexes together with cell viability measurements and analysis of toxin generation at a small, laboratory scale.

Efficacy and Scale-up of Engineered Phages to Mitigate Microcystis aeruginosa Production of Microcystin Toxin

Principal Investigator: Scott Hamilton-Brehm, Ph.D.
Institution: Southern Illinois University
Project Period: September 2025-August 2026
Project Summary: During a previously US HAB-CTI funded project, this group has demonstrated a novel approach to control the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa, using an engineered bacteriophage as a specific molecular vehicle to inhibit microcystin toxin production. This project builds on this initial success to work and make this technology more scalable, environmentally friendly and cost-effective by 1) increasing the effectiveness of engineered phage’s ability to suppress microcystin toxin, 2) creating cocktails of engineered cyanophages that recognize diverse M. aeruginosa strains found in natural waters, 3) scaling to large scale aquariums to test cocktail efficiencies, generating the data needed for economic cost-benefit evaluations assessments of this technology against current methods; and 4) expanding off-target analyses with cocktails of engineered phages using daphnia and algae as the models for evaluating potential impact upon environmental health.

The Use of Cultivatable Seaweeds to Mitigate HABs Caused by Alexandrium and Pseudo-nitzschia and Minimize the Accumulation of Toxins in Bivalves

Principal Investigator: Dr. Chris Gobler, Ph.D.
Institution: Stony Brook University
Project Period: September 2024-August 2025
Project Summary: This project investigates how native US seaweeds—Saccharina Latissima, Ulva spp., and Gracilaria tikvahiae— can be used to restrict two common marine harmful algal blooms (HABs), Alexandrium and Pseudo-nitzschia, and reduce toxin levels in bivalves. Experiments will be conducted in 300 L mesocosms and1,500 L flow-through raceways, to evaluate how seaweed concentrations and water exchange rates impact HAB proliferation and toxin accumulation in blue mussels. Researchers hope these large-scale experiments will provide a better understanding of how this approach would work in a marine ecosystem. Given that seaweeds are a bourgeoning aquaculture crop in the US, this HAB control technology has the potential to be revenue-generating while concurrently protecting aquacultured shellfish against HABs and their toxins.

Turmeric Triumph: Unveiling Curcumin’s Power in Controlling Alexandrium and Pseudo-nitzschia and Their Toxins

Principal Investigators: Cynthia Heil, Ph.D., Emily Hall, Ph.D.
Institution: Mote Marine Laboratory
Project Period: September 2024-August 2025
Project Summary: Mote Marine Laboratory aims to investigate the phenolic pigment Curcumin, derived from turmeric, as a potential tool for removal of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium spp. and the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia spp. and their associated toxins. Curcumin has been successfully shown to mitigate both cells and toxins of the Florida red tide dinoflagellate Karenia brevis in previous studies conducted at Mote Marine Laboratory. The goals of these bench-top scale experiments are 1. to assess Curcumin’s ability to minimize these species cell concentrations along with their associated toxins, 2. determine the optimal dosing of Curcumin in algal-affected water for maximum cell and toxin reduction, and 3. to determine the impact of Curcumin on water quality using standardized methods to measure pH, oxygen concentration, and nutrient concentrations.

High-throughput Screening to Identify Algicidal Bacteria and Compounds Active Against Alexandrium

Principal Investigator: Kirstie Francis, Ph.D.
Institution: Mote Marine Laboratory
Project Period: September 2024-August 2025
Project Summary: This project aims to identify Marine Natural Products (MNPs) capable of algicidal activity using the Mote Microbial Library. High-throughput screening techniques will be used to identify algicidal agents capable of reducing harmful algal blooms (HABs). The project specifically targets the dinoflagellate Alexandrium spp. as they pose significant threats to marine life along the East and West coasts of North America. The goals of this project are to conduct a high-throughput screening of 1) the Mote Microbial Library to identify bacteria capable of direct algicidal activity and 2) the pre-fractionated extract library to identify MNPs from bacteria with algicidal activity against harmful algae species Alexandrium. Bacterial strains and pre-fractionated extracts which reduce algal cell counts by ≥ 50% will be further investigated to identify the strain using 16S sequencing or determine the compound responsible for activity via bioassay guided fractionation. Researchers hope this will provide more insight into potential biological control mechanisms for these HABs, paving the way for further research

Evaluation of TAML®/Hydrogen Peroxide Catalysis for Microcystis aeruginosa Control

Principal Investigator: Terrence Collins, Ph.D.
Institution: Carnegie Mellon University
Project Period: September 2024-August 2025
Project Summary: Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by Microcystis spp., express potent toxins that present significant threats to aquatic life and ecological health overall. In search of an economical and environmentally sustainable solution, this study aims to assess the efficacy of TAML® activators combined with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as an algicidal compound. TAML activators are bioinspired, small-molecule peroxidase mimics that activate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), down to single digit ppm concentrations, to oxidatively degrade organics in water. This study has three primary goals utilizing tiered research approaches: 1) Tier 1 will identify the optimal dosage of TAML®/H₂O₂ to lower M. aeruginosa cell count/toxin levels at pH values conducive to algal blooms,, 2) Tier 2 will assess the effectiveness of TAML®/H₂O₂ catalysis to reduce naturally sourced blooms in mesocosm-scale assays to better understand the potential effects on an environmental scale, and 3) will evaluate the effect of TAML®/H₂O₂ on multicellular freshwater species Ceriodaphnia dubia (water flea) and Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) to observe non-target effects.

Remediation of Alexandrium, Pyrodinium, and Karenia along with their Toxins by PAC-Modified Biochar

Principal Investigator: Toufiq Reza, Ph.D.
Institution: Florida Institute of Technology
Project Period: September 2024-August 2025
Project Summary: This study aims to use biochar modified with poly-aluminum chloride (PAC) to flocculate HAB cells, Alexandrium, Pyrodinium, and Karenia, and absorb their associated toxins. Previous studies have shown PAC-modified clay to be effective in flocculating HAB cells, and biochar to adsorb HAB toxins. This research will synthesize modified biochars with PAC in various methods and will test their efficacies for simultaneous flocculation of various HAB cells and associated toxins. The objectives of this study are: 1) identify the best way to combine these two products so that both HABs and their toxins can be removed from water systems, 2) Determine the optimal concentrations for removal of HAB species Alexandrium, Pyrodinium, and Karenia using benchtop experiments, 3) conduct 80L vertical tank assays to better assess HAB cell abundance, toxin concentration, and photo-physiological response on a large scale. If successful, this research study could revolutionize HAB mitigation techniques and benefit marine ecosystems on a large scale.

Optimizing Clay Formulations for HAB Treatment Efficacy and Regulatory Approval

Principal Investigators: Donald M. Anderson, Ph.D.; Keith Ervin; Cynthia Ann Smith
Institutions: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, K E Technologies LLC, Conn & Smith, Inc.
Project Period: September 2024-August 2025
Project Summary: Clay flocculation is a widely studied technique used to combat HABs. China and Korea have successfully implemented clay flocculation on large scales. This project aims to analyze two clay types, ingredient combinations, and costs to develop the most effective clay formulations that will be compliant with United States Federal regulations. A matrix of clay formulations will be developed to test effectiveness against Karenia brevis cells and associated toxins after active ingredients have undergone regulatory evaluations and efficacy assessments. After the clays and ingredients have been narrowed down to those with the simplest and most promising regulatory pathways, that subset of clays and ingredients will be combined and tested against Karenia brevis cells and associated toxins . Based on lab results and regulatory limitations, researchers will then draft pre-submission consultation request documents to the EPA for the optimal formulation and ingredients.

Nanobubbles-enabled foam fractionation for efficient removal of algae and algogenic pollutants

Project Principal Investigator: Wen Zhang, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE
Institution: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Project Period: November 2023 - October 2024
Project Summary: This project will evaluate and validate the technical and economic viability of foam fractionation for removing freshwater algae using air nanobubbles to produce bubble foam (a foamy structure of tiny bubbles usually stabilized by surfactants or surface-active agents and thus exhibits high surface areas and stability in water). The produced foam will adsorb water pollutants including harmful algal cells and their toxic metabolites via a foam fractionation separation process. There are only a few limited studies that report the use of nanobubbles in foam fractionation for algal separation and algogenic pollutant removal, despite the studies for other pollution remediation (e.g., PFAS) and biomolecular separation. The goals of this project are 1. To investigate different variables including surfactant types, on the effectiveness of algal separation, 2. Compare the algal separation efficiencies of nano-bubbles with and without surfactants on algogenic pollutants and 3. Investigate the separation mechanisms and optimization of removal kinetics. This project will support Ph.D. student, Yihan Zhang, and a postdoc researcher to work with the PI, Dr. Wen Zhang.

Developing a highly selective molecular tool for Microcystis aeruginosa to inhibit the production of microcystin from harmful algal blooms

Project Principal Investigator: Scott Hamilton-Brehm, Ph.D.
Institution: Southern Illinois University
Project Period: November 2023 - October 2024
Project Summary: Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology can be leveraged for targeted knockdown of undesirable mRNA gene products, with limited environmental disturbance. The use of exogenous ASOs has been well described in model prokaryotic organisms such as E. coli, S. aureus, and Pseudomonas sp., but ASO effectiveness on cyanobacteria is unknown. This project will study the use of ASOs to target and stop the production of the toxin microcystin by cyanobacteria at the molecular level. The objectives of this study are: 1. Develop an enhanced molecular delivery system for ASO’s that selectively targets Microcystis aeruginosa, 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the molecular delivery system into M. aeruginosa cells in scaling culture volumes, 3. Evaluate environmental impact of the molecular delivery system on microbial, phytoplankton, and zooplankton communities.

Effective treatment concentrations of TAML®/H2O2 on Karenia brevis and brevetoxin removal

Project Principal Investigator: Terrence Collins, Ph.D.
Institution: Carnegie Mellon University
Project Period: November 2023 - October 2024
Project Summary: TAML®/H2O2 has already been shown to degrade a wide variety of persistent water contaminants, including cyanotoxins and other micropollutants (MPs). Additionally, TAML®/H2O2 decays in use and does not induce adverse effects on zebrafish and mice. It is hypothesized that TAML®/H2O2 will inactivate Karenia brevis cells as well as destroy waterborne brevetoxins as both are vulnerable to oxidation. This project aims to perform Tier 1 and Tier 2 testing to determine if TAML®/H2O2 is effective for controlling K. brevis cells and associated brevetoxins and if treatment is ecologically safe for marine and estuarine species. The objectives are: 1. Determine the effective treatment concentrations and conditions using 2.8 L Fernbach flasks, 2. Find the relationship between treatment concentration and duration to cell number and toxin concentration, 3. Test the chosen treatment condition at a larger scale, using 2,000 L mesocosms, 4. Run EPA-certified acute toxicity tests using chosen treatment conditions at Marinco Bioassay Laboratory.

Targeted Destruction of Harmful Algal Blooms using Hybrid Materials for Flocculation, Sinking and Toxin Mitigation

Project Principal Investigator: Vijay John, Ph.D.
Institution: Tulane University
Project Period: November 2023 - October 2024
Project Summary: Modified clay is a well-established technology of flocculation and sinking of HABs and activated carbon is known to remove toxins from the water column. This project proposes to encapsulate algaecide into widely available natural clay nanotubes known as halloysites and coat the halloysites in carbon. This targeted destruction with flocculate and kill HABs, while also reducing toxin exposure to off target organisms. The halloysites have been shown to flocculate and sink Karenia brevis from the water column through previously funded research. This work will expand to add the carbon and algaecide to the technology and test this technology on the freshwater HAB species, Microcystis aeruginosa. The objectives of this study are: 1. Develop the hybrid system of HNT nanotubes with attached algaecide and a coating of carbon, 2. Identify the effective dose of the algaecide filled nanotubes on M. aeruginosa and K. brevis by conducting flocculation and settling studies, scaling up from 20 ml, 1-L, to 80-L systems, 3. Assess the efficacy of the material for removal and degradation of the algae and toxins by measuring toxins (ELISA), measuring photosynthetic efficiency (PAM fluorometry), cell abundance/morphology (microscope/FlowCam), and cell viability (Sytox/Neutral red assay), and 4. Test the technology on field samples of a Microcystis bloom. This system will involve flocculation, sinking and targeted destruction of harmful algae with minimal off-target impact potentially generated by both the algaecide and the generated toxin.

Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms and Breakdown of Microcystin Using Electric Fields: Mesoscale Validation and Demonstration

Project Principal Investigator: Sudhir Sastry, Ph.D.
Institution: The Ohio State University
Project Period: November 2023 - October 2024
Project Summary: Moderate Electric Field (MEF) technology has a history in food processing as it uses less than 1,000 volts per centimeter to inactivate bacteria by causing pores in their cell membranes. This project will test the efficacy and scalability of using MEF combined with microcystin-degrading bacteria, Sphingomonas sp. to a) inactivate cyanobacteria; and b) to degrade microcystin. The combined technology will be tested using mesocosms of bloom-affected lake water. Additionally, the microbial community will be analyzed pre and post-treatment to assess how the technology affects non-targeted species.

NeroPure BNE against Microcystis aeruginosa

Industry: NeroPure LLC
Project Period: November 2023 - October 2024
Project Summary: NeroPure LLC. will be conducting mesocosm trials with Mote Marine Laboratory to study the efficacy of their proprietary liquid all-natural water restoration solution, NeroPure BNE. The study will consist of product application to sourced water with high cyanobacteria populations and toxins present to measure the product's impact in improving the overall ecology of the water system as well as the product's ability to manage high nutrient loads. The mesocosm trials will measure the cyanobacteria concentrations, toxins, and nutrients after NeroPure BNE application. The mode of action of NeroPure BNE on the microbial community composition will also be studied. The replicate trial experiment will help validate NeroPure BNE as an all-natural alternative solution to manage adverse impacts of eutrophication and the detrimental effects of high concentration cyanobacteria blooms.