Cyanobacterial toxins: an emerging threat in South African irrigation water

Abstract

The deterioration of water quality is a serious concern for a water scarce‐country like South Africa (SA). This article looks at the risks posed by the common practice of using surface waters to irrigate crops, as these are usually contaminated with harmful cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins which can be bio‐accumulated by plants. In addition to cyanotoxins, SA waters are also heavily impacted by other pollutants such as toxic metals, salts and high electrical conductivity. The consumption of food contaminated with cyanotoxins is a growing human health concern for countries like SA which are faced with surface water eutrophication‐related challenges. The country also lacks research on human exposure to cyanotoxins via irrigated crops and regulations to manage cyanotoxins in irrigation water. Such lack of data and policies thus prompts an urgent need for local evidence‐based research to guide policies and guidelines on cyanotoxins in irrigation water, food plants and water used for livestock.

Evaluating the Application of Chitosan-Based Sorbents for the Solid-Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking of Microcystins in Irrigation Water

“…[4]. Toxic blooms present a threat to the South African population, since water derived from the impacted reservoirs is mainly used for drinking [3] and irrigation purposes [5].…”