Cyanobacteria: health and research possibilities

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are a subset of prokaryotic bacteria (also known as blue-green algae) possessing a cell wall and chlorophyll A, contributing about 35% of global photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria are found on all continents in soils and fresh, brackish and salt water, living independently or in symbiosis. As cyanobacteria are found in all water bodies, they have the potential to affect the quality of drinking and recreational water and pose a potential health risk to the public.