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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Early Detection of Cyanobacterial Blooms and Associated Cyanotoxins using Fast Detection Strategy
Published on: February 25, 2021
PCR-based detection of microcystin-producing cyanobacterial blooms from Central India
Shubhro Kamal Ghosh1, Palash Kumar Das, Suvendra Nath Bagchi
1Department of Biological Sciences, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur 482001, India.
Abstract:
Microcystin synthetase-gene-specific primers were used to identify hepatotoxic microcystin producing genotypes in six Microcystis spp.-dominant water blooms. Four blooms gave positive PCR reaction. They produced microcystin-RR and -LR amounting to 0.037 to 0.095% of the dry mass.
Insights
Hepatotoxic microcystin-producing genotypes were identified in four of six Microcystis water blooms using specific gene primers. These blooms produced microcystin-RR and microcystin-LR toxins.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Toxicology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Microcystis species are common in freshwater blooms and can produce potent toxins.
- Hepatotoxic microcystins pose risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify microcystin-producing genotypes within Microcystis spp. water blooms.
- To quantify the production of specific microcystins (microcystin-RR and -LR).
Main Methods:
- Utilized microcystin synthetase (mcy) gene-specific primers for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
- Analyzed six water bloom samples dominated by Microcystis species.
- Quantified microcystin-RR and -LR content relative to dry mass.
Main Results:
- Positive PCR results were obtained for four out of six analyzed blooms.
- Identified genotypes capable of producing hepatotoxic microcystins.
- Detected microcystin-RR and microcystin-LR at concentrations ranging from 0.037% to 0.095% of dry mass.
Conclusions:
- Confirms the presence of microcystin-producing Microcystis genotypes in natural water blooms.
- Highlights the potential for microcystin contamination in affected water bodies.
- Provides quantitative data on toxin production levels.
