Comprehensive Insights into the Impact of Microcystis on Aquaculture: Challenges and Future Perspectives
Keywords:
Microcystis aeruginosa, Microcystins, Bloom, Toxicity, Fish, ShrimpAbstract
The occurrence of harmful blue-green algae blooms is becoming more frequent worldwide. In recent years, the incidence has increased globally in frequency, severity, and duration. Many cyanobacteria species produce a group of toxins known as microcystins. The species most commonly associated with microcystin production is Microcystis aeruginosa. Succession of toxic cyanobacterial species and fluctuation in biomass, which is influenced by seasonal changes in various environmental factors including nutrients, grazing, light and temperature, is believed to affect the concentration of microcystin in the field. More than 200 Microcystin variants have been identified in cyanobacteria blooms and cultures, among which microcystin-LR, RR, and YR are the most common. Microcystins can cause liver damage that can lead to death in dogs and livestock. No known deaths have been reported in humans from the ingestion of microcystins. Regardless of species, the mechanism of action is the same, the inhibition of protein phosphatase which causes primarily liver damage, but also affects other organs. Cyanotoxins cause serious poisoning in aquatic species and humans. Ingestion of Microcystins cells has negative consequences in a variety of aquatic species. In the case of fish, the toxic effects induced disruptions in the primary development processes, making the early life stages more vulnerable to microcystin. Microcystin has great toxic effect on shrimps. High dose of M. aeruginosa cells would exert great mortality in shrimps, and low dose depressed the immunity of shrimp, including antioxidant, detoxification and antimicrobial activity. Hence, a comprehensive review on impact of microcystins, water quality dynamics and practical management of aquaculture ponds is very important and provide tangible benefits to fish and shrimp producers. In order to minimize the unnecessary losses in the aquaculture sector, an effective approach for aquaculture monitoring must be developed.
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