Cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) are an ancient group of photosynthetic microbes that occur in most inland waters and that can have major effects on the water quality and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. They include about 2000 species in 150 genera, with a wide range of shapes and sizes. Cyanobacteria have a variety of cell types, cellular structures, and physiological strategies that contribute to their ecological success in the plankton, metaphyton, or periphyton. They are of special interest to water quality managers because many produce taste and odor compounds, several types of toxins, and noxious blooms. [...] Several inland water species of cyanobacteria are harvested or cultivated as food sources, animal feeds, fertilizers, and health products.

Vincent, W.F., 2009, Encyclopedia of Inland Waters, Academic Press, Pages 226-232, ISBN 9780123706263, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012370626-3.00127-7

Source category: Scientific & Technical Literature

Also called blue-green algae, comprise photosynthetic prokaryotic organisms similar to bacteria. They constitute the largest, most diverse, and most widely distributed group of photosynthetic prokaryotes.

Richmond, A., 2004, Handbook of Microalgal Culture: Biotechnology and Applied Phycology, Amos Richmond (editor), 588 pp, Wiley-Blackwell

Source category: Scientific & Technical Literature