Analysis of cyanobacterial toxins by physicochemical and biochemical methods

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) produce a wide range of low molecular weig ht metabolites that include potent neurotoxins, hepatotoxins, and cytotoxin s. The accumulation of such toxins in freshwaters, and in brackish and mari ne waters presents hazards to human and animal health by a range of exposur e routes. A review is presented of developments in the detection and analys is of cyanobacterial toxins, other than bioassays, including application of physicochemical, immunoassays, and enzyme-based methods. Analytical requir ements are considered with reference to recently derived guideline levels f or the protection of health and to the availability, or otherwise, of purif ied, quantitative cyanobacterial toxin standards.