Cylindrospermopsin degradation in sediments – The role of temperature, redox conditions, and dissolved organic carbon

One possible consequence of increasing water temperatures due to global warming in middle Europe is the proliferation of cylindrospermopsin-producing species from warmer regions. This may lead to more frequent and increased cylindrospermopsin (CYN) concentrations in surface waters. Hence, efficient elimination of CYN is important where contaminated surface waters are used as a resource for drinking water production via sediment passage. Sediments are often characterized by a lack of oxygen and low temperature (i.e. approx. 10 °C). The presence of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is not only known to enhance but also to retard contaminant degradation by influencing the extent of lag phases. So far CYN degradation has only been investigated under oxic conditions and at room temperature. Therefore, the aim of our experiments was to understand CYN degradation, focusing on the effects of i) anoxic conditions, ii) low temperature (i.e. 10 °C) in comparison to room temperature (23 ± 4 °C) and iii) DOC on lag phases. We used two natural sandy sediments (virgin and preconditioned) and surface water to conduct closed-loop column experiments. Anoxic conditions either inhibited CYN degradation completely or retarded CYN breakdown in comparison to oxic conditions (T1/2 (oxic) = 2.4 days, T1/2 (anoxic) = 23.6 days). A decrease in temperature from 20 °C to 10 °C slowed down degradation rates by a factor of 10. The presence of DOC shortened lag phases in virgin sediments at room temperature but induced a lag phase in preconditioned sediments at 10 °C, indicating potential substrate competition. These results show that information on physico-chemical conditions in sediments is crucial to assess the risk of CYN breakthrough.

► A temperature decrease from 20 °C to 10 °C slows down CYN degradation by a factor of 10.
► CYN degradation in sediments is retarded or inhibited under anoxic conditions.
► DOC may both shorten and induce lag phases.
► At 10 °C, DOC has no effect on CYN degradation rate.