Microcystin, a widespread hepatotoxin, has been the topic of recent research in Alberta and it is suspected that certain communities may be exposed to this toxin because elevated levels have been...
Description
Microcystin, a widespread hepatotoxin, has been the topic of recent research in Alberta and it is suspected that certain communities may be exposed to this toxin because elevated levels have been measured in their raw water supplies. However, the total extent of microcystin in Alberta’s raw drinking water sources remains largely undetermined. Furthermore, it is unclear whether traditional drinking water treatment practices effectively remove microcystin. The objectives of this study were: to assess the prevalence of microcystin in selected municipal raw water sources; to determine if current water treatment practices adequately remove the toxin; and to determine the efficacy of an experimental bio-filtration process for the removal of microcystin.