Impact of global warming on water toxicity: cyanotoxins

Microalgal blooms are predicted to intensify in frequency and duration with global warming and increased eutrophication. Cyanobacteria typically thrive in warmer, nutrient-rich environments and can form harmful algal blooms (HABs) coupled with the presence of potent endotoxins and exotoxins. Thus far, 23 classes of cyanotoxins containing hundreds of diverse metabolites have been identified with a wide range of bioactivities; these compounds pose serious threats to wildlife and water supplies. Furthermore, irrigation water containing cyanotoxins presents risks to the growth and development of crop plants and to the health of downstream consumers. These concerns call for stricter regulations to mitigate further warming, as well as the development of rapid detection methods and strategies to protect water safety and food resources.