The MISSION project seeks to contribute to the monitoring of the freshwater systems’ status with respect to Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs) by developing novel miniaturized sensing screening tools for rapid and sensitive detection of two groups of cyanotoxins, microcystins (MCs) and saxitoxins (STXs). Screening tools will be designed to be more portable and cost-efficient compared to the currently available analytical methodologies for freshwater quality and adaptable for use outside of laboratory settings by operators without specialized training. The proposed sensing tools are expected to advance the understanding of the status of ecosystem services by providing early warning of cyanotoxin risk by providing data of their presence in surface waters with high spatial and temporal resolution. Sensing tool outputs will complement currently measured indirect indicators of CyanoHABs, such as chlorophyll-a concentration and microscope cell counting, and, thus, contribute to a more efficient and timely management of freshwater waterbodies.
This project proposes the development of electrochemical and (bio)chemical sensors or sensor array integrated into a microfluidic network of channels and chambers, facilitating manipulation of sample and reagents that is required by the detection method and applicational settings. Upon introduction of sample and reagents in a sequence optimized for target cyanotoxins into the microfluidic channel, sensor system will produce a response as a function of both type and concentration of toxins under examination. The MISSION project addresses an important niche – detection of two major groups of cyanotoxins highly relevant for all European countries. The screening test proposed by MISSION will contribute to improved monitoring and assessment of the ecosystem services’ status in the context of a changing world and valuation of ecosystem services and the assessment of the effect of anthropogenic pressures.
