Review on Cyanobacterial Studies in Portugal: Current Impacts and Research Needs

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Moreira, C (Author) Other; Alexandre Campos (Author) FCUP; Martins, JC (Author) Other; Vitor Vasconcelos (Author) FCUP; Agostinho Antunes (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Applied Sciences

Vol. 11

Final page: 4355

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-WN4

DOI: 10.3390/app11104355

Abstract (EN): Cyanobacteria have long been associated with harmful effects on humans, animals and aquatic biota. Cyanotoxins are their most toxic metabolite. This review summarizes the current research, impacts and future needs in cyanobacterial studies undertaken in Portugal, the southernmost country of Europe, and with a recent multiplication of cyanotoxicity due to climate change events. Microcystins are still the most prevalent, studied and the only regulated cyanotoxins in Portuguese freshwater systems much like most European countries. With the development of some tools, particularly in molecular studies, the recent discovery of cylindrospermopsins, anatoxins and saxitoxins, both genes and toxins, in North and Center ecosystems of our country highlight current impacts that overall communities are facing with increased risks of exposure and uptake to cyanotoxins. Research needs encompass the expansion of studies at all aspects due to the uprising of these cyanotoxins and reinforces the urgent need of increasing the frequency of surveillance to achieve tangible effects of cyanotoxins in Portugal to ultimately implement regulations on cylindrospermopsins, anatoxins and saxitoxins worldwide.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14