Oxidation of the cyanobacterial hepatotoxin microcystin-LR by chlorine dioxide: influence of natural organic matter.

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are known producers of cytotoxic, hepatotoxic, and neurotoxic compounds with severe acute and chronic effects on vertebrates. Successful removal of these toxins in drinking water treatment is therefore of importance for public health. In the present work the oxidation of the cyanobacterial hepatotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) by chlorine dioxide (ClO2) was studied at natural microcystin concentrations (10 microg L(-1)) and normal ClO2 dosages (1 mg L(-1)) in the absence and presence of natural organic matter (NOM).

Oxidation of the cyanobacterial hepatotoxin microcystin-LR by chlorine dioxide: reaction kinetics, characterization, and toxicity of reaction products.

Cyanobacteria are known producers of cytotoxins, hepatotoxins, and neurotoxins. The main toxins are microcystins, cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxins, produced by strains of several cyanobacterial genera frequently found in eutrophied freshwaters. Due to the acute and chronic toxicity of microcystins, successful removal of these toxins in drinking water treatment processes is of increasing concern.