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Harmful algal blooms can affect drinking water sources, reservoirs, lakes, recreational waters, and environmental monitoring programs.
Microcystin testing helps organizations identify potential risks associated with cyanobacteria and algal toxin production before they impact public health, water quality, recreational use, or operational decisions.
PBR Laboratories provides microcystin and algal toxin testing services throughout Alberta, Western Canada, and Canada.
Microcystins are toxins produced by certain species of cyanobacteria, commonly referred to as blue-green algae.
Under favorable environmental conditions, cyanobacteria can form harmful algal blooms capable of producing toxins that affect water quality and public health.
Testing helps determine:
What Is Microcystin Testing? Microcystin testing evaluates water samples for toxins produced by cyanobacteria.
Why Is It Important? Supports decisions regarding drinking water source protection, reservoir management, recreational water use, and environmental monitoring.
Common Applications: Reservoirs, Lakes, Surface water systems, Drinking water sources.
What Is Cyanobacteria Monitoring? Cyanobacteria monitoring evaluates water systems for conditions associated with harmful algal bloom development.
Why Is It Important? Supports early detection programs, water quality monitoring, and source water assessments.
Common Applications: Reservoirs, Lakes, Surface water systems.
What Is Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring? Monitoring programs help evaluate bloom development, bloom persistence, and associated risks.
Why Is It Important? Supports proactive water management decisions before blooms significantly impact water quality.
What Is Source Water Monitoring? Source water monitoring evaluates water quality conditions that may affect treatment operations and drinking water systems.
Common Applications: Reservoirs, Surface water intakes, Source water protection programs.
What Is Recreational Water Monitoring? Monitoring supports water quality assessments for recreational areas and public-use water bodies.
Common Applications: Public beaches, Lakes, Recreational reservoirs.
Testing may be considered when:
Microcystin testing helps organizations:
Microcystins are toxins produced by certain cyanobacteria species during harmful algal bloom events.
Cyanobacteria are aquatic microorganisms commonly referred to as blue-green algae.
A harmful algal bloom occurs when algae or cyanobacteria grow rapidly and potentially affect water quality.
Municipalities, utilities, environmental consultants, reservoir operators, recreational water managers, and industrial facilities.
Reservoirs, lakes, surface waters, source waters, recreational waters, and drinking water sources.
Not necessarily. Laboratory testing helps determine whether algal toxins are present.
Testing may be performed during bloom events, routine monitoring programs, investigations, or source water assessments.
Yes. Testing is commonly used to support source water protection and drinking water monitoring programs.
PBR Laboratories provides microcystin testing, cyanobacteria monitoring, harmful algal bloom assessments, source water monitoring, and recreational water testing services throughout Alberta, Western Canada, and Canada.
Contact PBR to discuss reservoirs, lakes, drinking water sources, recreational waters, environmental monitoring projects, and water quality management objectives.