Toxic Benthic Filamentous Cyanobacteria in Lakes and Rivers of South-Central Quebec, Canada

Abstract

Toxic cyanobacteria are a present and growing threat to ecosystems and public health worldwide. However, most research and regulatory measures have focussed on the planktonic forms of cyanobacteria, with consequently little information available concerning potentially toxic benthic filamentous forms. Through a regional study of ten lake and river sites, including some which are sources of municipal drinking water, this investigation confirms for the first time the widespread presence of potentially toxic benthic filamentous cyanobacteria in south-central Quebec. These findings indicate that water quality monitoring programs in this region need to consider benthic cyanobacteria as a potential source of toxins.