Cyanobacteria are a growing One Health challenge

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are among the oldest organisms on Earth. They are believed to be responsible for the planet’s oxygenation and the development of photosynthesis in plants. Today, cyanobacteria are ubiquitous and perform many ecosystem services. The concept of One Health is the understanding that the health of animals, the environment, and humans are interdependent. Cyanobacteria can become a One Health challenge when they negatively impact the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. In freshwater lakes, cyanobacteria can pose a threat when they produce dangerous cyanotoxins or multiply rapidly, forming blooms. Such blooms can cause hypoxic water conditions, which sometimes result in wildlife mortality and plant die-off due to ultraviolet radiation blocking. Blooms have substantial economic consequences when they impact fisheries, tourism, or livestock. Cyanotoxins are also a significant challenge for drinking water, because toxins may persist after conventional treatment (e.g., chlorination, filtration), different toxins require different treatments, and certain treatments can increase the release of toxins.

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