Our Research & Publications
Envirometrics International Ltd invests in cutting-edge environmental research to develop better monitoring methodologies, analytical frameworks, and policy-relevant insights that benefit our clients and the broader scientific community.
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Nucleic Acid-Based Rapid Detection of Plant-Associated Cyanobacteria
Simon Okomo Aloo , Denish Obiero Aloo , Selvakumar Vijayalakshmi, Deog-Hwan Oh
Plant-associated cyanobacteria play pivotal roles in diverse ecosystems, impacting plant health, nitrogen fixation, and overall ecosystem dynamics. The rapid and accurate detection of cyanobacteria within plant environments is crucial for understanding their ecological roles and managing associated risks. This chapter provides an overview of nucleic acid-based methods for the rapid detection of cyanobacteria associated with plants. Four distinct techniques, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and metagenomic sequencing are discussed. Each technique’s stepwise procedures, associated materials, and reagents are explained. By employing these techniques, the study aims to expedite the identification and characterization of plant-associated cyanobacteria, contributing to advancements in understanding their role in plant health and ecosystem dynamics.
Identification of Toxic Blooms of Cyanobacteria in Marine Water Habitat
Simon Okomo Aloo, Denish Obiero Aloo, Selvakumar Vijayalakshmi, Deog-Hwan Oh
Cyanobacteria are a diverse group of photosynthetic bacteria found in various environments, including marine habitats. They play a vital role in marine ecosystems, and some species produce bioactive compounds with biotechnological applications. However, cyanobacteria can also produce toxins called cyanotoxins, which can be harmful to human health and the environment. Cyanobacterial blooms that produce these toxins have been responsible for numerous cases of illness and death in humans and animals. Therefore, it is important to monitor and manage cyanobacterial blooms to minimize risks associated with these toxins. This chapter outlines the methods used to identify toxic blooms of cyanobacteria in marine water habitats, including visual inspection, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The procedures for sample collection, examination under a microscope, DNA amplification using PCR, and detection of specific toxins using ELISA are described. A combination of these methods can provide a comprehensive understanding of the distribution, toxicity, and potential impacts of toxic cyanobacteria blooms on the ecosystem and public health.