Yap showing the on-site rapid toolkit called MicStrip for citizen scientists to test the presence of microcystin in aquatic bodies.
A RECENT six-month study has revealed the presence of harmful algal bloom toxins at the lake in Taman Aman, Petaling Jaya in Selangor.
Researchers from Universiti Malaya (UM) and Monash University Malaysia found four types of toxins, namely microcystin LR, microcystin RR, cylindrospermopsin and nodularin in Tasik Aman.
“While microcystin LR and RR were found in significant quantities, cylindrospermopsin and nodularin were present in negligible amounts,” Monash School of Science lecturer Dr Michelle Yap Khai Khun told StarMetro at the High Impact Research Building in UM.
Citing the World Health Organization (WHO) provisional guidelines, she said the microcystin levels in the lake water were within permissible levels for recreational purposes.
“But, we strongly advise lake users and visitors not to carry out any fishing activities or consume aquatic food and water sources from the lake.
“This is because the toxin levels in the lake are not within safe consumption as determined by WHO.
“We have been seeing people fishing and putting fishing traps, but we don’t know if they eat the fish.
The public is advised not to consume anything from the lake in Taman Aman, Petaling Jaya.
“Do not consume any food and water from this lake.
“The microcystins are known to cause liver failure,” she said.
There are signs put up by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) warning the public not to fish at the lake.
If someone accidentally fell into the water, Yap said, the person might suffer from itchy skin and skin irritation.
Yap is part of the research team led by project leaders from UM Research Management Department and UM Centre for Civilisational Dialogue (UMCCD).
The centre and fellow research officer Chang Lee Wei had secured the Petaling Jaya Social, Environment and Economy Development (SEED) grant, funded by MBPJ last year.
Their project seeks to enhance sustainable water systems and bolster ecosystem resilience in Klang Valley.
A StarMetro report on May 24 highlighted the researchers’ collaboration on gathering data from Tasik Aman to find the reason for its decline, after microalgae invaded the lake.
Yap said at present, the detection and measurement of these toxins were generally lab-based.
For timely detection of the toxins, they are developing an in situ and on-site rapid toolkit called MicStrip for citizen scientists to test the presence of microcystin.
She said key features of the testing kit included portability for field use, user-friendly interface and timely monitoring, while it did not require specialised equipment.
She said the kit would be bundled with personal protective equipment (PPE) and user guide, but at the moment, it was in prototype form.
Yap expects to start field testing using the kits by mid-October this year.
Chang said the project had received positive feedback from MBPJ.
“The city council has agreed to come on board to organise a mini exhibition about water quality at the end of November in Taman Aman,” he said.
Friends of Taman Aman (Fota) chairman R. Thayakugan welcomed the collaboration from researchers.
“The exhibition will allow our members and the public to learn how to do water testing using the kit.
“This is a good effort. It will ease the work of MBPJ as the public will also be able to assist them,” he said.
