Harmful algal blooms are becoming more frequent worldwide, driven by climate change and pollution. These events release potent toxins into water systems, raising concerns for both human and environmental health.

A new review suggests that current research may be overlooking a critical part of the problem. While most studies focus on human health, aquatic toxins can also disrupt entire ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and food webs in ways that are still not fully understood.

The authors highlight important knowledge gaps, particularly regarding long-term and low-level exposure effects, as well as the need for better monitoring tools. Emerging approaches, such as biomarker-based methods, could help detect early signs of toxin presence and impact.

The study calls for a broader perspective on risk assessment, emphasising the need to better integrate ecological data into environmental health policies.

Read full paper here.