Photo by Mauro Veronesi

In recent years, particularly in 2020 and 2023, the Ceresio (Lake Lugano) has been subject to blooms of Microcystis, a genus of cyanobacteria capable of producing cyanotoxins. Blooms in surface waters of this type of cyanobacterium cause major economic and ecological damage, including the non-swimming of waters.

Microcystis is particularly favoured by the nutrient supply in the lake and high temperatures. What is being done in Ticino to tackle it?
 
The topic will be addressed in a public evening from a scientific and management perspective.

Speakers at the event will include Camilla Capelli, researcher and head of the Freshwater ecology sector of the Institute of Earth Sciences (Department of Environment Constructions and Design SUPSI), Mauro Veronesi, head of the Office for Water Protection and Water Supply (Canton Ticino’s Department of territory) and Nicola Forrer, director of the Cantonal Laboratory (Canton Ticino’s Department of Health and Social Affairs).
 
The event, which is free of charge, is promoted by the Institute for Earth Sciences SUPSI in collaboration with the Ticino Natural Science Society.

Freshwater ecology sector SUPSI

It focuses on the study of lakes and rivers, addressing the challenges posed by human impact on these valuable ecosystems. Our approach combines traditional and innovative research methods to analyse the quality of surface waters and the organisms inhabiting them, such as plankton, macroinvertebrates, and fish.

Our research spans various regions and environments, from the equatorial belt to the Arctic, including the alpine zone. The group is also engaged locally through educational activities and consultancy services, contributing to the protection and preservation of these delicate ecosystems.