Cyanophage-cyanobacterial interactions for sustainable aquatic environment

Cyanobacteria are a type of bloom-forming phytoplankton that cause environmental problems in aquatic eco-systems worldwide. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHAB) often produce cyanotoxins that affect public health by contaminating surface waters and drinking water reservoirs. Conventional drinking water treatment plants are ineffective in treating cyanotoxins, even though some treatment methods are available. Therefore, innovative and advanced treatment methods are required to control cyanoHABs and their cyano-toxins. The goal of this review paper is to provide insight into the use of cyanophages as an effective form of biological control method for the removal of cyanoHABs in aquatic systems. Moreover, the review contains information on cyanobacterial blooms, cyanophage-cyanobacteria interactions, including infection mechanisms, as well as examples of different types of cyanobacteria and cyanophages. Moreover, the real-life application of cyanophages in marine and freshwater environments and the mode of action of cyanophages were compiled.

Automated summary

Cyanobacteria are a type of bacteria that cause environmental problems worldwide and produce toxins that contaminate surface waters and drinking water reservoirs. Conventional treatment methods are ineffective in removing these toxins, requiring innovative and advanced treatment methods. This review paper aims to provide insight into using cyanophages as an effective form of biological control to address cyanobacterial problems in aquatic systems.