Uptake of the cyanobacterial toxin microcystin by crop plants irrigated with contaminated wastewater: a review

Abstract

Microcystin, a potent cyanobacterial toxin, poses a potential health risk to humans through exposure to recycled water used for food crop irrigation. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on microcystin uptake and accumulation in various food crops, assessing associated health risks based on reported toxin levels and tolerable daily intake values. The impact of wastewater irrigation on microcystin uptake is also evaluated. Our analysis reveals critical knowledge gaps, highlighting key research priorities for ensuring food safety and mitigating human exposure to microcystin. Future studies should address these gaps to inform evidence-based guidelines for safe recycled water use in agriculture.