Toxin Producing Cyanobacteria in Labugama, Kalatuwawa Drinking Water Reservoirs

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria found naturally in lakes, streams, ponds, and reservoirs. Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena sp., Nostoc sp., Oscillatoria sp. are some harmful cyanobacteria that produce cyanotoxins. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is the dominant type of cyanotoxin produced by these cyanobacteria. MC-LR causes hepatotoxic effect on human beings and are harmful to animals as well. Therefore, World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended a guideline value of less than 1 µg/l of MC-LR should be present in drinking water. The present study assesed the presence of toxin producing cyanobacteria and quantifies MC-LR in Labugama and Kalatuwawa drinking water reservoirs, from June to December 2014. Water samples were collected from five sampling locations of both water bodies and plankton samples were collected using 5 µrn plankton net. Filtered water samples were fixed in acidified lugols' solution at a final concentration of 1%. Following natural sedimentation, identification of cyanobacteria was carried out. Quantification of MCLR was done using photodiode array-high pressure liquid chromatography method (PDA-HPLC). M. aeruginosa (54.6±0.17%) was the dominant cyanobacteria whereas Pediastrum duplex (30.4± 1.89%), Coelastrum sp. (12±0.19%) and Ankistrodesmus sp. (3±0.02%) were the non-toxic algae strains present in Labugama reservoir. M aeruginosa (68.2±0.09%) and Anabaena sp. (16.2±0.12%) were the toxic cyanobacteria present in Kalatuwawa reservoir whereas P. duplex (7.3±0.08%), Coelastrum sp. (5.6±0.24%), Staurastrum sp. (1.2±0.05%) and Scenedesmus sp. (1.5±0.004%) were found as non-toxic algae species. MC-LR concentration of Labugama and Kalatuwawa reservoirs ranged between 0-1.27±0.04 µg/rnl and 0.76±0.00 1-1.45±0.02 µg/rnl respectively. Based on the results of the present study, both reservoirs were contaminated with MC-LR and responsible cyanobacteria strains would be M. aeruginosa and Anabaena sp. Thus, continuous monitoring is essential in order to assess the suitability of these two water bodies for human drinking purpose.