Detection and Adsorption of Cyanotoxins in Waters

A Special Issue of Toxins (ISSN 2072-6651) belonging to the section "Marine and Freshwater Toxins".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 1754

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Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Aspendale Gardens, VIC 3800, Australia
Interests: monitoring microorganisms in water and wastewater; supervised and knowledge-guided machine learning identification; cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins; advanced oxidation; hydrogen economy based advanced treatment
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue presents recent advances in the detection and adsorption of cyanotoxins and other co-occurring contaminants within aquatic systems, addressing escalating risks associated with harmful algal blooms in drinking, recycled, and recreational waters. Contributions highlight cutting-edge analytical approaches, including high-resolution mass spectrometry; biosensing platforms; and molecular tools capable of rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of diverse cyanotoxins in complex matrices. Several studies explore machine learning-assisted interpretation to enhance early warning capability. In parallel, the Special Issue showcases innovative adsorption strategies using functionalized nanomaterials, bio-adsorbents, and engineered porous media for effective removal of microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, and related toxins. Mechanistic evaluations of adsorption kinetics, surface interactions, and field-scale validation demonstrate practical applicability. Importantly, emerging nature-based solutions—such as constructed wetlands, biofiltration systems, and eco-engineered material and substrates—are examined as sustainable pre-treatment barriers and as treatment options for recreational waters. Collectively, these contributions advance integrated monitoring and treatment frameworks to protect public health and strengthen resilient water management strategies.

Dr. Arash Zamyadi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Cyanobacteria
  • toxins
  • advanced detection
  • enhanced treatment
  • adsorption
  • AI-driven management

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

27 pages, 4280 KB  
Article
Tracking Toxins: A Pilot Investigation of Cyanotoxins in North-Central Tennessee’s Surface Waters and Wells
by Kristi L. Hill, Andrea C. Jaegge, Devin M. Moore and Thomas D. Byl
Toxins 2026, 18(6), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins18060239 - 22 May 2026
Viewed by 1443
Abstract
Cyanobacterial toxins (cyanotoxins) threaten aquatic ecosystems and human health, yet the factors influencing their production and distribution in freshwater remain unclear. In north-central Tennessee, nutrient-rich runoff from agricultural and urban areas, combined with a karst landscape that supports drinking and recreational water use, [...] Read more.
Cyanobacterial toxins (cyanotoxins) threaten aquatic ecosystems and human health, yet the factors influencing their production and distribution in freshwater remain unclear. In north-central Tennessee, nutrient-rich runoff from agricultural and urban areas, combined with a karst landscape that supports drinking and recreational water use, heightens the need to understand cyanotoxin behavior. To examine cyanotoxin patterns, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation monitored 18 sites, including two wells under the influence of surface water, every two weeks from September 2022 to November 2024. At least one cyanotoxin was detected at all sites, with the highest concentrations in deep reservoirs and lower levels in shallow systems. Most detections occurred during summer and fall, aligning with high temperatures and rapid-onset drought. Statistical analysis indicated that increased specific conductivity and pH raised the likelihood of detecting total microcystin, likely resulting from drought conditions and nutrient-laden runoff. Additionally, dissolved microcystin showed an inverse relationship with Cumberland River water levels, and principal component analysis showed that Secchi depth, chlorophyll a, pH, temperature, and conductivity explained most water quality variability. These results help increase understanding of cyanotoxin distribution and associated water quality conditions during detections to guide future freshwater cyanotoxin monitoring studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Adsorption of Cyanotoxins in Waters)
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