ABSTRACT
In many parts of the world, surface waters are used for the drinking water supply. The quality of these surface waters is very variable both within and between countries. In developed countries, this water is treated through purification processes; in less developed areas, many people have to rely on untreated water. Toxic cyanobacteria are a normal part of the phytoplankton of surface waters and therefore can present a hazard to consumers if they are present in sufficient numbers. The toxins from cyanobacteria are resistant to boiling and can also pass through conventional water treatment plants. The understanding of cyanobacteria and their toxins and measures for the control of both has expanded greatly in recent years. This volume aims to provide a current account of present knowledge of the two potentially most damaging cyanobacterial toxins in drinking water: cylindrospermopsin and microcystin.
