Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria testing via qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) is a valuable tool for monitoring the presence of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin genes in water systems. The benefits of this type of testing are numerous, including:

1. Early detection: qPCR testing allows for early detection of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin genes in water systems, which can help prevent harmful algal blooms (HABs) and mitigate the risk of exposure to toxins.
2. Increased accuracy: qPCR testing is highly sensitive and specific, which means, it can detect even low levels of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin genes with high accuracy and precision.
3. Reduced risk to public health: Cyanotoxins can cause a variety of health problems, including liver damage, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal issues. Testing for the presence of cyanotoxin genes in addition to cyanobacteria can help identify potential health hazards and reduce the risk of exposure to these toxins.
4. Improved management strategies: qPCR testing can provide valuable information on the distribution, abundance, and diversity of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin genes, which can inform management strategies and help prevent HABs from occurring in the future.