Abstract
Cyanobacteria are ecologically one of the most prolific groups of phototrophic prokaryotes in both marine and freshwater habitats. Both the beneficial and detrimental aspects of cyanobacteria are of considerable significance. They are important primary producers as well as an immense source of several secondary products, including an array of toxic compounds known as cyanotoxins. Abundant growth of cyanobacteria in freshwater, estuarine, and coastal ecosystems due to increased anthropogenic eutrophication and global climate change has created serious concern toward harmful bloom formation and surface water contamination all over the world. Cyanobacterial blooms and the accumulation of several cyanotoxins in water bodies pose severe ecological consequences with high risk to aquatic organisms and global public health. The proper management for mitigating the worldwide incidence of toxic cyanobacterial blooms is crucial for maintenance and sustainable development of functional ecosystems. Here, we emphasize the emerging information on the cyanobacterial bloom dynamics, toxicology of major groups of cyanotoxins, as well as a perspective and integrative approach to their management.
Highlights
Cyanobacteria are considered the most primitive groups of photosynthetic prokaryotes (Bullerjahn and Post, 2014) and possibly appeared on the Earth about 3.5 billion years ago (Tomitani et al, 2006)
We summarize the recent advances on bloom dynamics, cyanotoxin production, and mitigation strategies as well as their consequences on environmental health perspectives
Eutrophication and global climate change is the key factors for the occurrence of cyanoblooms all over the world
Summary
Cyanobacteria are considered the most primitive groups of photosynthetic prokaryotes (Bullerjahn and Post, 2014) and possibly appeared on the Earth about 3.5 billion years ago (Tomitani et al, 2006). They are ubiquitous in nature and thrive in a variety of ecological niches ranging from desert to hot springs and ice-cold water. A range of toxic secondary compounds, called cyanotoxins, have been reported from cyanobacteria inhabiting freshwater and marine ecosystems. These toxic compounds are highly detrimental for survival of several aquatic
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