Factors influencing the increase in the proportion of toxigenic cyanobacteria of the genus Microcystis (Chroococcales, Cyanobacteria) in water supply sources
https://doi.org/10.35885/1684-7318-2025-4-437-451
Abstract
The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the factors influencing the toxigenicity of cyanobacteria of the genus Microcystis and their ability to synthesize hepatotoxic peptides known as microcystins. Environmental factors affecting the ratio of toxigenic to nontoxigenic strains in aquatic ecosystems, as well as the expression levels of genes responsible for microcystin biosynthesis, are analyzed. Particular attention is given to the roles of temperature, light intensity, eutrophication, oxidative stress, and the availability of trace elements. Methods for monitoring toxigenic populations, including molecular biological approaches such as PCR and RT-PCR, are also discussed. Understanding the environmental drivers of toxigenic Microcystis proliferation may contribute to predicting the occurrence of microcystins in drinking water sources and determining optimal sampling periods for toxin monitoring in source waters.
About the Authors
A. N. Mikerov
Saratov Hygiene Medical Research Center of the Federal Budget Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies”;
Saratov State Medical University named after V. I. Razumovsky
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anatoly N. Mikerov
1A, Unit 1 Zarechnaya St., Saratov 410022,
;112 Bolshaya Kazachya St., Saratov 410012
E. I. Tikhomirova
Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elena I. Tikhomirova
Politekhnicheskaya St., Saratov 410054
E. M. Moiseeva
Saratov Hygiene Medical Research Center of the Federal Budget Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies”
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elizaveta M. Moiseeva
Laboratory of Chemical and Biological Monitoring of Water Quality
1A, Unit 1 Zarechnaya St., Saratov 410022
D. A. Kuzyanov
Saratov Hygiene Medical Research Center of the Federal Budget Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies”
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Dmitriy A. Kuzyanov
1A, Unit 1 Zarechnaya St., Saratov 410022
E. M. Telesheva
Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elizaveta M. Telesheva
77 Politekhnicheskaya St., Saratov 410054
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For citations:
Mikerov A.N., Tikhomirova E.I., Moiseeva E.M., Kuzyanov D.A., Telesheva E.M. Factors influencing the increase in the proportion of toxigenic cyanobacteria of the genus Microcystis (Chroococcales, Cyanobacteria) in water supply sources. Povolzhskiy Journal of Ecology. 2025;(4):437-451. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.35885/1684-7318-2025-4-437-451
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