Harmful Algal Blooms in Waters: Characterization, Monitoring and Management

Dear Colleagues,

The rising prevalence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) poses significant threats to environmental and public health. These blooms, fueled by nutrient input and climate change, contribute to water quality degradation, and the cyanotoxins produced by certain cyanobacteria can contaminate water sources. HABs are therefore jeopardizing aquatic ecosystems, for instance, by causing fish kills and adversely affecting human health when consumed or during recreational activities. The diversity of cyanobacterial species and their variable toxin production under different circumstances poses a multifaceted challenge. The diversity of cyanotoxins, their extensive structural variability and the lack of knowledge about their environmental fate highlights the need for accurate detection and characterization methods. The unpredictability of cyanotoxin occurrence necessitates the continuous monitoring and adaptability of response strategies for water management. This Special Issue invites research articles and reviews that explore original methodologies for characterizing toxic cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins and secondary metabolites, as well as studying their diversity and environmental fate for improved monitoring strategies. Studies on predictive models for the occurrence of cyanobacteria and the production of cyanotoxins, along with the exploration of effective water treatment methodologies and the study of residual by-product toxicity for better management are also welcome in this Special Issue.

Dr. Audrey Roy-Lachapelle
Guest Editor

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