Harmful Algal Blooms, Hypoxia, and Nutrients Research Webinar Series

Health Effects and Ecology of Anatoxin-Producing Cyanobacteria

Registration

1. HABs: Toxicity and Health Effects of Anatoxin-A

This presentation will provide a research update on anatoxin health effects in mice from a toxicokinetic study and a 5-day oral exposure. The endpoints for the 5-day study include neurobehavioral and ototoxicity screening, effects on sperm count and testicular histopathology, ELISA’s for muscle injury and a protein associated with hearing loss, and serum metabolomic analysis. It will also discuss samples of liver and brain, which have been submitted for RNA transcriptome analysis with results expected January 2025.

Presenter: Donna Hill, EPA Office of Research and Development

Donna Hill works in the Office of Research and Development at US EPA in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. For twelve years, she has been studying the health effects of cyanotoxins in mice which include projects with cylindrospermopsin, microcystins, and most currently, anatoxin-a. Donna practiced as a small animal veterinarian for 20 years before returning to her pre-veterinary school employer, EPA, where she had experience as a histologist for the neurotoxicology division, a research assistant in a neurophysiology lab, and a short stint in inhalation toxicology. Presently, Donna also serves on the Health Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at EPA.

2. Insights into Benthic Cyanobacteria Ecology and Anatoxin Production

This presentation will provide an overview of benthic cyanobacteria producers and their ecology. It will also describe outreach efforts towards spreading awareness about anatoxin in waters to protect the health and safety of communities and their pets.

Presenter: Susie Wood, Lincoln University, New Zealand

Susie Wood is co-director of the Waterways Centre, and a Professor at Lincoln University (New Zealand). She has worked for nearly two decades on both planktonic and benthic cyanobacteria ecology and toxin production.

Webinar Moderator: John Ravenscroft, EPA Office of Water

Attendees will have the option to receive a certificate of attendance. Acceptance is contingent on organization requirements—EPA cannot guarantee acceptance.