Unraveling the Mysteries of Cyanobacterial Toxins: Implications for Water Safety

By: Stephanie Herrera

This figure illustrates production and partition of cyanoginosin during photoautotrophic batch culture of Microcystis aeruginosa strain PCC 7820. a) growth was estimated as absorbance at 600 nm measured with an OR1 filter in an EEL colorimeter. b) toxicity was measured by mouse bioassay of samples removed from the culture at the times shown. One mouse unit is the amount of lyophilized cells or extracellular dry material needed to kill a 20 g mouse. ●-●, cellular toxin; O-O extracellular (released) toxin.

In the research article “Cyanobacterial toxins in water,” the enigmatic world of cyanobacterial toxins is unveiled, shedding light on their significance in water safety. These toxins, produced by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), have long been known to be harmful to animals, yet their impact on human health remained elusive until recently. This study reveals that toxic cyanobacteria are more prevalent in water bodies than previously believed, raising concerns about drinking water safety worldwide. The research highlights the diverse range of symptoms in animals and humans, emphasizing the urgency for increased awareness and monitoring. The scientists also explored factors influencing toxin formation, offering crucial insights into the regulation of these harmful compounds. This study is a vital step toward safeguarding public health and necessitates further research to develop strategies for toxin detection and removal, ensuring the purity of our water sources. As society grapples with water scarcity and increasing demand, this research holds paramount importance for policymakers, environmental scientists, and health professionals, guiding future practices to preserve our most precious resource, clean water.

Original article: 

Codd, G. A., Bell, S. G., & Brooks, W. P. (1989). Cyanobacterial toxins in water. Water Science and Technology, 21(3), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.1989.0071