MICRОCYSTIS AЕRUGINОSA AS A SОURCЕ ОF BIОLОGICAL HAZARDS IN WATЕR RЕSЕRVОIRS ОF UKRAINЕ

Abstract

Introduction. Phytoplankton, including cyanobacteria, is ubiquitous in various types of reservoirs, and it plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. Among phytoplankton, cyanobacteria, considered one of the most primitive chlorophyll-containing organisms, have a significant presence in both standing freshwater lakes and seawater. Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa), a common cyanobacterial species, is known for forming harmful “water blooms” that pose serious ecological and health risks. The rise of urbanization in Ukraine and the consequences of the war has intensified the eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms in drinking water sources, necessitating improved detection and prevention strategies.
 The aim of this study was to develop modern and effective methods for diagnosing microcystin-containing cyanobacteria, particularly M. aeruginosa, to address biological hazards in Ukrainian water reservoirs.
 Materials and methods. Water samples were collected from a stagnant town lake in the Ivano-Frankivsk region during both summer and winter seasons to account for seasonal fluctuations in cyanobacteria content. Cyanobacteria were isolated from water samples and subjected to DNA extraction. PCR analysis using specific oligonucleotide primers targeted the 16S rRNA gene of M. aeruginosa.
 The results revealed the presence of 16S rRNA products in all water samples, irrespective of the season, indicating a consistent distribution of M. aeruginosa in the lake throughout the year.
 Discussion. We found cyanobacteria in all water samples regardless of the season. This indirectly suggests the presence of anthropogenic pollution, which helps maintain a consistent concentration of cyanobacteria throughout the year.
 In conclusion, the developed PCR-based method offers a sensitive and specific means of detecting M. aeruginosa, enabling comprehensive investigations across various water reservoirs. The presence of cyanobacteria in water bodies, while natural, can serve as an indicator of anthropogenic pollution, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. This methodology holds promise for safeguarding Ukraine's drinking water sources and managing the impact of anthropogenic pollution, ultimately ensuring public health through effective planning and preventive measures.