Dark side of cyanobacteria: searching for strategies to blooms control

Cyanobacteria are ecologically one of the most prolific groups of photosynthetic prokaryotes in marine and freshwater habitats. They are primary producer microorganisms and are involved in the production of important secondary metabolites, including toxic compounds such as cyanotoxins. Environmental conditions promote massive growth of these microbes, causing blooms that can have critical ecological and public health implications. In this highlight, we discuss some of the approaches being addressed to prevent these blooms, such as control of nutrient loading, treatments to minimize growth or monitoring interactions with other species.

Automated summary

Cyanobacteria are important photosynthetic prokaryotes in marine and freshwater habitats, producing secondary metabolites including toxins. Preventative measures against harmful algal blooms include controlling nutrient loading, minimizing growth, and monitoring interactions with other species.