Abstract
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) forming massive water blooms and surface scums in eutrophic waters produce wide range of toxins (the cyanotoxins), among them hepatotoxic and tumour promoting microcystins and neurotoxic alkaloids. This article reviews both physico-chemical and biological methods for detection of the cyanotoxins. Although instrumental analytical methods allow sensitive detection of known cyanotoxins, bioassays should be used as an preliminary/additional step (screening or the verification of biological activity). The results of both chemical and biological tests provide complex information on real cyanobacterial toxicity potential. Short overview of the most often reported modifications of HPLC and GC methods for the cyanobacterial toxins is provided. Since chemical analyses do not describe the real toxicity of the sample, biological methods are used as an addition. Various types of biotests for assessment of cyanobacterial toxicity, as well as enzyme inhibition tests and ELISAs methods allowing quantification of the cyanotoxins are also reviewed.
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