Isolation and molecular identification of toxin producing cyanobacteria (Algae) from King Talal Dam and testing their toxin’s virulence against dominant fresh-water fish species
Jordan ranks as one of the world’s five poorest countries in terms of water resources. To overcome this issue Jordan has adopted alternatives to maximize the use of water, such as the building of King Talal dam (KTD). Providing a storage capacity of 86 MCM of water used for agricultural irrigation and generation of electric power. The last decades pollutants flow towards the dam water increased, adding organic material necessary for the growth of cyanobacteria (Algae) blooms in water, reducing water quality and negatively impacting agricultural and aquaculture activities depending on the dam’s water. Leading to ecological, economical and public health concerns. Some of the blooming cyanobacteria produce toxins, causing harm to aquatic and terrestrial animals, including humans, posing serious health concerns. Finding solutions for such health and economic risks are national priorities. To our knowledge, there are no ecologically effective procedures mitigating toxin production, nor studies on cyanobacterial toxic effect on fresh-water fishes in Jordan. This study focuses on isolating toxinproducing cyanobacteria, identification of cyanobacterial toxins using molecular techniques, and studying oxidative stress effect of the toxins on commercially important fish species growing in KTD. Increasing our understanding of the cyanobacterial-fish interaction, and suggesting potential methods for improving water quality.
 
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Marine Science Station-The University of Jordan & Yarmouk University

A distinguished research center in performing its role in scientific and technological development