<abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Cyanobacterial blooms in freshwaters represent a major ecological and human health problem worldwide. This paper briefly summarizes information on major cyanobacterial toxins (hepatotoxins, neurotoxins etc.) with special attention to microcystins - cyclic heptapeptides with high acute and chronic toxicities. Besides discussion of human health risks, microcystin ecotoxicology and consequent ecological risks are also highlighted. Although significant research attention has been paid to microcystins, cyanobacteria produce a wide range of currently unknown toxins, which will require research attention. Further research should also address possible additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects among different classes of cyanobacterial metabolites, as well as interactions with other toxic stressors such as metals or persistent organic pollutants.</p></abstract>

Cyanobacterial blooms in freshwaters represent a major ecological and human health problem worldwide. This paper briefly summarizes information on major cyanobacterial toxins (hepatotoxins, neurotoxins etc.) with special attention to microcystins - cyclic heptapeptides with high acute and chronic toxicities. Besides discussion of human health risks, microcystin ecotoxicology and consequent ecological risks are also highlighted. Although significant research attention has been paid to microcystins, cyanobacteria produce a wide range of currently unknown toxins, which will require research attention. Further research should also address possible additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects among different classes of cyanobacterial metabolites, as well as interactions with other toxic stressors such as metals or persistent organic pollutants.

Toxins produced in cyanobacterial water blooms - toxicity and risks

Centre for Cyanobacteria and their Toxins, Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences & Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Brno, Czech Republic

Interdisciplinary Toxicology

{"article-title":"Toxins produced in cyanobacterial water blooms - toxicity and risks"}

Cyanobacterial blooms in freshwaters represent a major ecological and human health problem worldwide. This paper briefly summarizes information on major...

Toxins produced in cyanobacterial water blooms - toxicity and risks

Published Online: Jun 19, 2009

Page range: 36 - 41

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10102-009-0006-2

Keywords
microcystin, tumor promotion, peptide toxins, cylindrospermopsin, ecotoxicology

This content is open access.

Toxins produced in cyanobacterial water blooms - toxicity and risks

Published Online: Jun 19, 2009

Page range: 36 - 41

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10102-009-0006-2

Keywordsmicrocystin, tumor promotion, peptide toxins, cylindrospermopsin, ecotoxicology

This content is open access.

Keywords
microcystin, tumor promotion, peptide toxins, cylindrospermopsin, ecotoxicology