Analysis, levels and seasonal variation of cyanotoxins in freshwater ecosystems

Nutrient over-enrichment in freshwater environments, together with the on-going climate change, favour the toxin-producing cyanobacteria bloom. Human health hazard may arise from drinking contaminated water. Additionally, cyanobacterial blooms affect other economic areas such as tourism, recreation, commercial fishery, water management and monitoring. Nowadays there is a scarcity of information on seasonal variations of cyanotoxins in various regions. Understanding of historical trends and seasonal variation patters is a foundation for forecasting and will help to develop effective water management strategies. This review gives an overview of cyanotoxins' analysis and levels in freshwater environments with particular emphasis on seasonal variations in Europe. Recent analytical approaches are discussed and the seasonal patterns for three major European climate zones (Mediterranean, continental, and Atlantic) were distinguished. Additionally, data from multi-year studies showed a tendency of increasing cyanotoxins' levels.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 722493 (NaToxAq); and by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Consolidated Research Groups “2017 SGR 1404 - Water and Soil Quality Unit” and “2017 SGR310 – Analytical Chemistry, Analysis of Contaminants”) Generalitat de Catalunya.

Peer reviewed