Cyanobacterium found in clean lakes shows little toxic potential
Gloeotrichia echinulata is a type of cyanobacterium that draws scrutiny because it tends to bloom in clear lakes, forming thick mats of visible green or white puffballs in otherwise clean water.
Gloeotrichia echinulata is a type of cyanobacterium that draws scrutiny because it tends to bloom in clear lakes, forming thick mats of visible green or white puffballs in otherwise clean water.
The short version
- Because of the slew of toxic compounds cyanobacteria can produce, blooms (historically called "blue-green algae") are of growing global concern.
- Yet, a new study by researchers at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and Oregon State University suggests this particular species might not deserve its maligned reputation.
- This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies .
What happened
Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The team assembled the first complete genomes of Gloeotrichia echinulata, comparing DNA samples from lakes on the West Coast and in the Northeast. They found no evidence of the machinery required to produce the toxins commonly associated with cyanobacteria, according to the new study recently published in Harmful Algae .
Why it matters
Gloeotrichia can still pose a nuisance, though: The samples possessed genes for producing geosmin, a compound that can affect the taste of water and warrant additional treatment.
Summary by Nerd News Network. Read the full article at Phys.org via the links above and below.