CYANOBACTERIAL TOXINS

Cyanobacteria are evidently found in almost all reports of algal poiso ning. The toxins include potent neurotoxins, hepatotoxins and more sel ective cytotoxins. Researches on cyanobacterial toxins have largely be en neglected because the impact on human health was less severe compar ed to the other water-borne diseases. Notwithstanding, toxins and tumo r promoters, being constantly released in recreational waters, might b e causing unforeseen health hazards. New toxins will be discovered as more and more cyanobacteria are screened for. Study of the structures and function of these compounds will form part of the challenging rese arch in this area for years to come.