Description

Abstract: Microcystins (MC) are secondary metabolites of toxic cyanobacteria. The algae and metabolites

often combine to cause strong discoloration of the water, accumulation at the surface in discrete scums and sometimes emit a strong odor (Figure 1, Figure 2A, Cai et al. 1997, Liang et al. 2001, Zurawell et al. 2005). MC belong to a family of extremely toxic compounds and are a health hazard to aquatic animals and even humans (Ding et al. 1998, 1999, Falconer 1991, Hernandez et al., 2000, Lawton et al. 1994). Researchers have identified blooms of cyanobacteria from eutrophic freshwater bodies in many parts of the world, and their occurrence can create a major water quality problem. For example, massive fish kills occasionally have been related to severe cyanobacterial blooms. Chromic damages, such as development of liver tumors may arise from long-term exposure to low concentrations of MC (Chen et al. 2006, Ding et al. 1998, 1999, Ibelings and Chorus 2007, Lankoff et al. 2004, Li et al. 2007, Shen et al. 2003, Smith and Haney 2006, Zimba et al. 2006).