Abstract

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.