An overview on cyanobacterial blooms and toxins production: their occurrence and influencing factors

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria inhabiting water surface. They can increase to form a mass large enough, termed as cyanobacterial bloom. Cyanobacterial blooms can generate an array of harmful toxins, which may disturb water sources, subsequently posing frightful health threat to living organisms. The occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms and cyanobacterial toxins are globally reported, mainly trigged by eutrophic conditions and climate change. The aim of this review was to provide the current knowledge on cyanobacterial blooms and toxins production; their occurrence and influencing factors. In addition this paper suggests some measures to ensure toxic blooms minimization.