Metodi chimici per la rivelazione delle cianotossine.

Cyanobacteria are a ubiquitous group of photosynthetic procariota. Especially in eutrophic inland surface waters, they attain high densities and may form blooms and scums. Several cyanobacterial species produce, as secondary metabolites, cyanotoxins which can threat human health. On the basis of their toxicological properties they are grouped into: hepatotoxins, neurotoxins, cytotoxins, toxins with irritating potential, also acting on the gastrointestinal system. Humans may be exposed to cyanotoxins via the oral route, which is by far the most important, as a consequence of ingesting contaminated drinking water, food, some dietary supplements or water during recreational activities. High levels of cyanotoxins in drinking and bathing waters have been associated with acute and short-term toxic effects in humans. Some concern is raised also with respect to the chronic exposure to low cyanotoxin levels, whose effects remain a critical issue to be clarified. This report summarizes the ecological, chemical, methodological, toxicological and epidemiological information available on this issue, identifies the actual risky exposure scenarios, and, when possible, provides reference values.