Accepted: 2 July 2024 / Published online: 19 July 2024 | Manogaran Lakshmikandan1,2 · Ming Li1,2 · Baozhu Pan1
The chapter discusses the increasing frequency and severity of cyanobacterial blooms (CyBs) in coastal and inland waters, driven by elevated nutrient levels, rising atmospheric CO$_2$ concentrations, and rising temperatures associated with climate change. These blooms pose significant health risks to humans and animals due to the production of cyanotoxins such as microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, and anatoxin-a. The negative impacts of CyBs extend beyond health risks to economic consequences, including lost tourism revenue and increased water treatment costs.
Recent advancements in physical, chemical, and biological methods have been developed to control CyBs. Physical methods include aeration and mixing to disrupt bloom formation, while chemical treatments use algacides and flocculants to reduce toxin levels. Biological methods involve using bacteria or other organisms to consume excess nutrients. However, each method has limitations and challenges, and the long-term effects on aquatic ecosystems remain a concern.
Recent technological advancements, such as satellite imaging, genetic engineering, drone surveillance, and ultrasonic technology, have improved detection and monitoring of CyBs, enabling the development of early warning systems and targeted remediation strategies. These technologies also promote the aggregation and settling of cyanobacteria, reducing their presence in water bodies.
Despite these advancements, many questions remain about the ecological importance, distribution patterns, and long-term impacts of CyBs. Understanding the mechanisms behind cyanobacterial growth and spread is crucial for predicting and preventing future outbreaks. The review aims to provide valuable insights for developing effective management plans to address the increasing threat of CyBs in surface water.The chapter discusses the increasing frequency and severity of cyanobacterial blooms (CyBs) in coastal and inland waters, driven by elevated nutrient levels, rising atmospheric CO$_2$ concentrations, and rising temperatures associated with climate change. These blooms pose significant health risks to humans and animals due to the production of cyanotoxins such as microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, and anatoxin-a. The negative impacts of CyBs extend beyond health risks to economic consequences, including lost tourism revenue and increased water treatment costs.
Recent advancements in physical, chemical, and biological methods have been developed to control CyBs. Physical methods include aeration and mixing to disrupt bloom formation, while chemical treatments use algacides and flocculants to reduce toxin levels. Biological methods involve using bacteria or other organisms to consume excess nutrients. However, each method has limitations and challenges, and the long-term effects on aquatic ecosystems remain a concern.
Recent technological advancements, such as satellite imaging, genetic engineering, drone surveillance, and ultrasonic technology, have improved detection and monitoring of CyBs, enabling the development of early warning systems and targeted remediation strategies. These technologies also promote the aggregation and settling of cyanobacteria, reducing their presence in water bodies.
Despite these advancements, many questions remain about the ecological importance, distribution patterns, and long-term impacts of CyBs. Understanding the mechanisms behind cyanobacterial growth and spread is crucial for predicting and preventing future outbreaks. The review aims to provide valuable insights for developing effective management plans to address the increasing threat of CyBs in surface water.