Interactions between cyanobacteria and emerging contaminants in aqueous environments

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Cyanobacteria are vital primary producers in aquatic ecosystems.
• Emerging contaminants (ECs) like antibiotics, EDCs, POPs, and MPs disrupt cyanobacterial physiology.
• Cyanobacteria serve as a model organism for environmental stressor impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the bidirectional interactions between cyanobacteria and ECs.
• To examine ECs' effects on cyanobacterial growth, morphology, and toxin production.
• To investigate cyanobacteria's influence on ECs via biosorption, biodegradation, and biotransformation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ECs' impact on cyanobacteria.
• Analysis of cyanobacteria's effects on ECs.
• Exploration of cyanobacterial toxin and ARGs production.
• Assessment of cyanobacterial secondary metabolites for EC remediation.

Main Results:

• ECs negatively affect cyanobacterial growth, morphology, and toxin production.
• Cyanobacteria can produce endocrine-disrupting toxins and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).
• Cyanobacteria can adsorb, biodegrade, and biotransform ECs through their secondary metabolites.

Conclusions:

• Cyanobacteria play a dual role in aquatic ecosystems concerning ECs.
• Understanding these bidirectional interactions is crucial for aquatic health.
• Cyanobacteria show potential as a sustainable solution for EC remediation.