*»EPA

United States
Environmental Protection
Agency

Genus Specific Detection of Toxic Cyanobacteria

Inventors: Jingrang Lu
US Patent Application 16/142,319
TRL 3

Context

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can appear in water bodies across the country during
warm weather months, are an indicator of poor water quality and can potentially cause serious environmental
concerns, including human and aquatic health effects. When cyanobacterial HABs occur in recreational waters
or source waters used for drinking, the toxins that may be released can cause respiratory or skin irritation and
even illness in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Historically, monitoring these blooms has been labor
intensive and limited due to cost, time, and logistical constraints.

Summary

EPA inventor Jingrang Lu created a technology that will help water officials monitor the toxic cyanobacterial
level in recreation and drinking water sources. Called "Genus Specific Detection of Toxic Cyanobacteria," this
technology will help water officials quickly and accurately determine when specific toxin-producing
cyanobacteria are beginning to grow too rapidly for safety. Specifically, water officials using the Genus
Specific Detection of Toxic Cyanobacterial technology will be able to detect and quantify the amount of
microcystin producing cyanobacteria through qPCR and RT-qPCR. This is important because exposure to this
toxin can potentially lead to the development of gastrointestinal, neurological, and liver disorders. The
technology is portable, easy to use, and improves on existing field technology by quantifying the level of
cyanobacteria. By using this technology, water officials will be better empowered to keep our recreation and
drinking water sources clean and safe for all.

Potential Applications

•	Site Remediation

•	Emergency Management

•	Water Purification

Contact

Meghan Sheehan, JD, CLP

Federal Technology Transfer Act (FTTA) Specialist

www.epa.gov/ftta

FTTA Home Page

I U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

I Office of Research and Development

-------