AWWA WQTC71346

This powerpoint presentation begins by providing a brief overview of the issue of cyanobacteria in Canada and Australia. The study objective was the oxidation of Anabaena circinalis cells and Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) by chlorine in order to: determine the extent of cell lysis and toxin release in natural water; assess the rates of oxidation of total PSP by free chlorine; and, estimate apparent rate constants for PSP oxidation in ultrapure and natural waters. Experimental materials and methods included the following: oxidation of Anabaena circinalis cells and PSP release and degradation by chlorine; and, oxidation of dissolved PSP by chlorine. Study conclusions indicate the following: low chlorine doses resulted in the quick release and subsequent oxidation of PSP from a toxic strain of A. circinalis; efficient toxin treatment may occur without complete cell lysis; and, the chlorination of PSP in cell-free extract and cellular suspensions of A. circinalis followed the same trend. Includes tables, figures.