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SEPG 2044 - Date Awarded 2002

Toxicological Diversity in Single Colonies of Cyanobacteria in UK Freshwaters 

Geoffrey A. Codd, Louise F. Morrison, Ana Vieira and Reyhan Akcaalan

Abstract

The production of microcystins (potent hepatotoxic and tumour-promoting cyclic heptapeptides) is common in bloom-forming cyanobacteria, particularly Microcystis, Anabaena and Planktothrix (Oscillatoria).  The toxins have caused human and animal deaths and illnesses, and present a range of freshwater health hazards. Microcystin production, though common, is variable, resulting in wide differences in toxicity between and within blooms.  This project aimed to determine whether variation in microcystin content occurs at the level of individual colonies of Microcystis.

Full report: SEPG2044

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