Limnetica 34

Global changes comprehend a series of changes in populations, climate, economy, atmospheric and oceanic circulations, water cycle, pollution, biodiversity among many others that have significant impacts in the eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems and consequently on the occurrence of bloom forming toxic cyanobacteria and on their toxins. The development of sensitive and specific techniques together with an increased effort in the research related to cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins has contributed to a significant increase on the knowledge of these toxins.  The understanding of the dynamics of cyanotoxins along food chains and about their biological activity allows us to estimate environmental and human health risks. Nevertheless, there is still much to do in what concerns with effective management measures and risk communication concerning cyanotoxins. Scientists, environmental and health technicians as also politicians and common population should all be involved so as to minimize animal and humans intoxications due to cyanotoxins. In this paper we discuss also the challenges for the scientists working on cyanotoxins and also the future needs in terms of research so as to minimize risks.