M.R. Suseela, Algology Department, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226 001, INDIA. Email: suseela_mr@hotmail.com

Abstract

India is a sub-tropical country with number of fresh water bodies. Phytoplankton are the dominant flora of these waters. Among the hundreds of algal species few taxa cause harm due to the potent toxin they produce in their blooms. Impact of these algal toxins may range from mild ill-health to lethal not only to the fish and livestock but also to humans. Our studies concentrated mainly on blue-green algae of these planktons. The dominant alga is Microcystis aeruginosa , which is found as blooms in slow flowing nutrient rich waters, usually in warmer months of the year. In most parts of India, humans and livestock, who come in contact with these waters, develop tumours on their nostrils, ears etc. Other potent toxic blue green algae are Anabaena, Anacystis, Cylindrospermum, Hapalosiphon, Lyngbya, Nostoc, Phormidium and Oscillatoria which produce significant amount of toxins which are very dangerous and cause a range of health problems. Stimulation and increase of these harmful algal forms is mainly due to eutrophication and other anthropogenic activities. Human population explosion leads to the industrial development, which in turn release their effluents into the natural water bodies and cause eutrophication. Lack of public awareness is one of the main reasons for these consequences. Therefore public education and awareness to control eutrophication and the release of other pollutants into the water bodies and the control of harmful algae are discussed in detail in the present paper.