Microbial Bioactives
Microbial Bioactives | Online ISSN 2209-2161
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Volume 9 Number 1 2026
REVIEWS (Open Access)
Microcystins in Agricultural Systems: Environmental Pathways, Plant Toxicity, and Human Health Risks—A Systematic Review
Md Shafiqur Rahman 1*, Md. Fakruddin 2*
Microbial Bioactives 9 (1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/microbbioacts.9110632
Submitted: 16 January 2026 Revised: 12 March 2026 Accepted: 22 March 2026 Published: 24 March 2026
Abstract
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms are increasingly recognized as a global environmental challenge, largely driven by nutrient enrichment and eutrophication of freshwater systems. Among the toxins produced during these blooms, microcystins—particularly microcystin-LR—have attracted considerable scientific attention due to their persistence in aquatic environments and their potential impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesize evidence from 35 experimental and observational studies to evaluate the ecological and human health consequences of microcystin exposure across plant systems, microbial communities, and human populations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases following PRISMA guidelines, and quantitative data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis models. The results reveal consistent inhibitory effects of microcystins on plant growth and physiology, including reductions in biomass, root development, and photosynthetic performance. Leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach appear particularly sensitive, while cereal crops including rice and wheat also show measurable physiological stress under toxin exposure. Beyond plant toxicity, microcystins significantly alter microbial community structure, reducing diversity and disrupting nutrient-cycling functions essential for ecosystem stability. Evidence of human exposure was also identified, with detectable microcystin concentrations reported in serum samples from populations exposed to contaminated water sources. Dose–response analyses further demonstrate that ecological and physiological effects intensify with increasing toxin concentrations. Overall, this synthesis highlights the interconnected ecological and public health risks associated with microcystin contamination. The findings underscore the importance of integrated monitoring, improved water management practices, and interdisciplinary research to mitigate the impacts of cyanobacterial toxins in agricultural landscapes and food production systems.
Keywords: microcystin-LR, cyanotoxins, plant physiology, microbial diversity, human exposure, systematic review
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