Toxic cyanobacteria in water - Second edition

Overview

Cyanobacterial toxins are among the most hazardous substances, widely found in waterbodies. They occur naturally, but human activity influences the extent to which toxic cyanobacteria proliferate. Therefore, management of lakes, reservoirs and rivers to prevent cyanobacterial blooms is critical to protect human health.

This second edition presents the current state of knowledge on the occurrence of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, as well as their impacts on health through water-related exposure pathways, chiefly drinking-water and recreational activity. It provides technical background information to support hazard identification and the assessment, prioritisation and management of the risks posed by cyanobacteria and their toxins at each step of the water-use system. It also includes practical considerations for developing management strategies, and designing monitoring programmes for cyanobacteria management.

This revised edition is intended for those working on toxic cyanobacteria with a specific focus on public health protection, and aims to empower professionals from different disciplines to communicate and cooperate for the sustainable management of toxic cyanobacteria in water.