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Blue-Green Algae in Surface Water: Problems and Opportunities

  • Water Pollution (G Toor and L Nghiem, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, are often seen as a problem. Their accumulation (bloom) in surface water can cause toxicity and aesthetic concerns. Efforts have been made in preventing and managing cyanobacterial blooms. By contrast, purposeful cultivation of cyanobacteria can create great opportunities in food, chemical and biofuel applications. This review summarises the current stage of research and the socio-economic impacts associated with both the problems and opportunities induced from the presence of cyanobacteria in surface water.

Recent Findings

Insightful knowledge of factors that trigger cyanobacterial blooms has allowed for the development of prevention and control strategies. Advanced technologies are utilised to detect, quantify and treat cyanobacterial biomass and cyanotoxins in a timely manner. Additionally, understanding of cyanobacterial biochemical properties enables their applications in food and health industry, agriculture and biofuel production. Researchers have been able to genetically modify several cyanobacterial strains to obtain a direct pathway for ethanol and hydrogen production.

Summary

Cyanobacterial blooms have been effectively addressed with advances technologies and cyanobacterial research. However, this review identified a knowledge gap regarding cyanotoxin synthesis and the relevant environmental triggers. This information is essential for developing measures to prevent cyanobacterial blooms. Additionally, this review affirms the promising opportunities that cyanobacteria offer in the food, cosmetics, pigments and agriculture. Biofuel production from cyanobacterial biomass presents an immense potential but is currently constrained by the cultivation process. Thus, future research should strive to achieve effective mass harvesting of cyanobacterial biomass and obtain a profound understanding of cyanotoxin production.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia

    Hang P. Vu, Luong N. Nguyen & Long D. Nghiem

  2. Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965, Poznan, Poland

    Jakub Zdarta

  3. Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, Hanoi, Vietnam

    Tran T. V. Nga

  4. NTT Institute of Hi-Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Long D. Nghiem

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Vu, H.P., Nguyen, L.N., Zdarta, J. et al. Blue-Green Algae in Surface Water: Problems and Opportunities. Curr Pollution Rep 6, 105–122 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40726-020-00140-w

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