Co-Occurrence of Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins with Other Environmental Health Hazards: Impacts and Implications

Toxins (Basel). 2020 Oct 1;12(10):629. doi: 10.3390/toxins12100629.

Abstract

Toxin-producing cyanobacteria in aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial environments can occur alongside a wide range of additional health hazards including biological agents and synthetic materials. Cases of intoxications involving cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, with exposure to additional hazards, are discussed. Examples of the co-occurrence of cyanobacteria in such combinations are reviewed, including cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins plus algal toxins, microbial pathogens and fecal indicator bacteria, metals, pesticides, and microplastics. Toxicity assessments of cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, and these additional agents, where investigated in bioassays and in defined combinations, are discussed and further research needs are identified.

Keywords: biocide; co-occurrence; cyanobacteria; metals; plastics; toxicity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacterial Toxins / metabolism
  • Bacterial Toxins / toxicity*
  • Cyanobacteria / growth & development
  • Cyanobacteria / metabolism*
  • Cyanobacteria Toxins
  • Environmental Exposure*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Harmful Algal Bloom
  • Humans
  • Marine Toxins / metabolism
  • Marine Toxins / toxicity*
  • Microcystins / metabolism
  • Microcystins / toxicity*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Water Microbiology

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Cyanobacteria Toxins
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Marine Toxins
  • Microcystins