Technical and strategic approach for the control of cyanobacterial bloom in fresh waters = 담수수계에서 남조류 증식억제의 기술적, 전략적 접근

Abstract

Cyanobacteria(blue-green algae) are not only the first oxygenic organisms on earthbut also the foremost primary producers in aquatic environment. Massive growth of cyanobac-teria, in eutrophic waters, usually changes the water colour to green and is called as algal(cyano-bacterial) bloom or green tide. Cyanobacterial blooms are a result of high levels of primary pro-duction by certain species such as Microcystissp., Anabaenasp., Oscillatoriasp., Aphanizomenonsp. and Phormidiumsp. These cyanobacterial species can produce hepatotoxins or neurotoxins aswell as malodorous compounds like geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol(MIB). In order to solve thenationwide problem of hazardous cyanobacterial blooms in Korea, the following technically andstrategically sound approaches need to be developed. 1) As a long-term strategy, reduction of thenutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen in our water bodies to below permitted levels. 2) As ashort term strategy, field application of combination of already established bloom remediationtechniques. 3) Development of emerging convergence technologies based on information and com-munication technology(ICT), environmental technology(ET) and biotechnology(BT). 4) Finally,strengthening education and creating awareness among students, public and industry for effectivereduction of pollution discharge. Considering their ecological roles, a complete elimination ofcyanobacteria is not desirable. Hence a holistic approach mentioned above in combination toaddressing the issue from a social perspective with cooperation from public, government, industry,academic and research institutions is more pragmatic and desirable management strategy.