Adsorption of Microcystin LR by Activated Carbon Fibers

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Blooms of toxic microorganisms are commonly found in freshwater in several areas of the world. Freshwater poisonings are mainly caused by species of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. 1,2 They develop in eutrophic water wherever proper conditions for their growth are found, including a mild wind, a water temperature between 15 and 30 o C, a neutral or alkaline pH and a rather high level of mineral nutrients. As a consequence of the extended use of nitrates and phosphates, blooms occur more and more frequently. 3 There is a risk that these blooms contaminate water supplies that are used as recreational areas or as drinking water reservoirs. This is a serious water quality problem because many of the cyanobaterial species are able to produce potent toxins. The most frequently reported toxins are hepatotoxins. They are classified as microcystins and nodularins, the former representing the largest group. All microcystins have a common cyclic heptapeptide structure consisting of (-D-Ala-L-X-D-MeAsp-L-Z-Adda-D-Glu-Mdha), where MeAsp stands for erythro-β-methylaspartic acid, Mdha for N-