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A STATUS REPORT ON PLANKTONIC CYANOBACTERIA (BLUE-GREEN ALGAE) AND THEIR TOXINS
Citation:
Carmichael, W. A STATUS REPORT ON PLANKTONIC CYANOBACTERIA (BLUE-GREEN ALGAE) AND THEIR TOXINS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-92/079.
Description:
Toxic blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) continue to be agents of certain waterbased toxicoses. heir presence is now being acknowledged in many of the world's fresh and brackish waters with eutrophication status of meso to hypereutrophic. ense surface scums called waterblooms will occur for a few days, weeks or months when temperature, nutrient and stratification status of these water bodies is appropriate. t is during these waterblooms that the concentration of toxins exceeds a level such that any animal can ingest an acutely lethal dose of toxic cells or toxins. aboratory studies, using subacute levels of the main blue-green toxin group, have shown them to be a potent promoter of liver tumors. t is the continued presence of these toxins in water suppliers, plus a new understanding of the toxins' structure and function, that has prompted this status report. his report summarizes the present understanding on toxic blue-green algae and their toxins. his information can be used to define directions for research and bring about those areas of concern for public health studies.