Understanding the Risks of Diffusion of Cyanobacteria Toxins in Rivers, Lakes, and Potable Water

Abstract

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, may be prevalent in our rivers and tap water. These minuscule bacteria can grow swiftly and form blooms in warm, nutrient-rich water. Toxins produced by cyanobacteria can pollute rivers and streams and harm the liver and nervous system in humans. This review highlights the properties of 25 toxin types produced by 12 different cyanobacteria genera. The review also covered strategies for reducing and controlling cyanobacteria issues. These include using physical or chemical treatments, cutting back on fertilizer input, algal lawn scrubbers, and antagonistic microorganisms for biocontrol. Micro-, nano- and ultrafiltration techniques could be used for the removal of internal and extracellular cyanotoxins, in addition to powdered or granular activated carbon, ozonation, sedimentation, ultraviolet radiation, potassium permanganate, free chlorine, and pre-treatment oxidation techniques. The efficiency of treatment techniques for removing intracellular and extracellular cyanotoxins is also demonstrated. These approaches aim to lessen the risks of cyanobacterial blooms and associated toxins. Effective management of cyanobacteria in water systems depends on early detection and quick action. Cyanobacteria cells and their toxins can be detected using microscopy, molecular methods, chromatography, and spectroscopy. Understanding the causes of blooms and the many ways for their detection and elimination will help the management of this crucial environmental issue.

Metabarcoding Analysis of Microorganisms Inside Household Washing Machines in Shanghai, China

“…Tap water and washing machines were sampled from 22 households in Shanghai, and the microorganisms in the washing machine environment were analyzed. Although it is reported that one of the most significant concerns with tap water is the presence of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites [ 36 , 37 ], quantitative analysis revealed a significantly higher number of microorganisms in the water samples from washing machines compared to tap water. This indicates that tap water is not the main source of microbial contamination in washing machines.…”

Toward a Brighter Future: Enhanced Sustainable Methods for Preventing Algal Blooms and Improving Water Quality

“…This includes evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of using phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, microorganisms, aquatic plants, fish, and allelochemicals, integrating findings from relevant studies. The exploration of innovative technologies, such as remote sensing, DNA sequencing, and machine learning, for early detection and prevention of HABs is discussed, highlighting their potential for real-time monitoring and prediction across various types of aquatic infrastructure [170][171][172][173][174][175]. This review of biological methods for controlling HABs underscores the importance of assessing potential benefits and impacts on native communities and potential toxicity within different infrastructure settings.…”

Flow velocity and light intensity combination is important for Microcystis aeruginosa physical suppression

“…Various strategies, including chemical, biological, and hydrodynamic approaches, are utilized in the management of cyanobacteria blooms (Huh & Ahn, 2017; Mitrovic et al, 2011; Senavirathna et al, 2021). However, chemical approaches may introduce new pollutants; biological methods carry risks of species invasion and difficulties in long‐term monitoring (Thawabteh et al, 2023). Consequently, from an environmental and ecological standpoint, hydrodynamic methods emerge as a more sustainable option.…”