INTERREG-SUDOE Cyaneau Project: Innovative systems for controlling cyanobacteria proliferation in water bodies of the Southwest

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria that produce toxins (cyanotoxins) harmful to humans and animals. When environmental conditions—light, water temperature, calm waters, stagnant water, and high nutrient levels—are favorable, they can proliferate massively, sometimes in just a few days, compromising water use for agriculture, drinking water supply, and recreational activities, and generally creating safety and health problems. Climate change (reduced water flow volumes, irregular rainfall, and increased temperatures and solar radiation) and human activities that release large quantities of nutrients into the environment are increasing the risk of cyanobacteria blooms, to the point that they represent a significant source of surface water pollution in the Southwest. Current strategies for managing these toxic organisms, often based solely on remediation, are becoming progressively more expensive and less effective as a result of climate change. This leads to increased risk for water users and aquatic ecosystems, as well as a growing challenge for water resource management entities.