The role of genus Bacillus in biodegradation of microcystins: Implications for the removal of cyanotoxins from tropical freshwaters

• DOI: 10.1002/aws2.70005
• Publication Date: 2024-11-12T02:38:32Z
• Authors: Madhuni Madhushik...; Kanaji Masakorala; Widana Gamage Shi...
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences

Abstract The proliferation of harmful cyanobacterial blooms poses a threat to the ecosystem and human health. Microcystins (MCs) are most frequently detected cyanotoxin released by cyanobacteria, including Microcystis sp. Our study aimed isolate potential MC‐degrading bacteria in Sri Lankan freshwater determine their possible MC‐degradation pathways. Twenty‐two morphologically distinct bacterial strains from 13 bodies were isolated following enrichment assay. MC‐biodegradation assays further confirmed 21 strains, with Bacillus being predominant genus. strain altitudinis BL1, Beira Lake, showed highest efficiency cell lysis (80%) (87%). PCR assay results absence mlr ABCD genes all indicating presence uncharacterized alternative mechanisms that require exploration. dual functions support developing efficient bacteria‐mediated strategies remediate microcystins eradicate ‐blooms tropical freshwaters.