CQUniversity's Associate Professor Larelle Fabbro is in demand on the media and conference circuits, as word spreads about her team's research revealing a number of cyanobacterial species which produce novel toxic impacts.

These cyanobacteria had not previously been on the radar of authorities.

Associate Professor Larelle Fabbro

Years of study of the Fitzroy River catchment and laboratory scrutiny has culminated in fresh knowledge about a potentially toxic cyanobacteria. The common term for cyanobacteria is blue-green algae although they are similar to bacteria rather than algae in terms of their cell structure.

While the material under review has the potential to modify the way cells divide, Dr Fabbro says there's no need for panic.

She says modern water treatment processes should be able to eliminate the risk to human health.

However, the findings do mean those dealing with untreated water such as farm dams or camping grounds will need to be careful if these organisms are present.

That's why Dr Fabbro is now part of a national group which will compare water tests across Australia, to understand the extent of the issue.

She presented her findings at the 2^nd National Cyanobacteria Workshop in Melbourne on Tuesday (August 3) before preparing for international conferences in the Czech Republic and Turkey in coming weeks.

Associate Professor Fabbro handles media interest

The International Conference on Toxic Cyanobacteria in Turkey will be the first to hear the detailed toxicity results of the collaborative ACARP-funded (Australian Coal Association Research Program) research between CQUniversity and the AWQC (Australian Water Quality Centre).