Emerging Approach to Uncover Cyanotoxins in Aquatic Environment: A Concise Review

Abstract

The detection of cyanotoxins in aquatic environment is paramount due to its negative impact on aquatic biota. Various types of analytical techniques have been employed to qualify and quantify the presences of cyanotoxins in aquatic environment but most of these methods are not easily accessible. This mini-review concisely summarized the emerging approaches used to uncover cyanotoxins in aquatic environment. The methods of quantifying cyanotoxins in aquatic environment including bio-analytical methods, molecular methods and bioassay methods was compare with the efficiency of the use of analytical methods in the quantification of cyanotoxins from aquatic environment. The mini-review shows that although, analytical methods are highly effective in the determination of cyanotoxins in aquatic environment, these require a high-level laboratory skills and expertise whereas bio-analytical methods, molecular methods and bioassay method are highly sensitive, easily accessible and effective in the quantification of cyanotoxins in aquatic environment. These emerging techniques are important tools that can be used to prevent the toxicity associated with algae blooms because these methods have the capacity to detect the presences of micro quantity of these toxins in aquatic environment before algae blooms occur. These mini-review shows that bio-analytical methods, molecular methods and bioassay have limitations that make analytical methods the best option for the detection of cyanotoxins in aquatic environment despite the fact that high skills are needed to actualized the aim, it is thereby recommended that more research should be conducted to eradicate the challenges associated with the use of biological methods for the detection of cyanotoxins in aquatic environment.