Several cyanobacterial species can produce powerful toxins that provide a serious threat for water quality, other aquatic organisms, and human health. These harmful cyanobacteria are especially prominent in freshwater ecosystems, and are a major concern for water managers.

From a scientific perspective, there are many recent advances in this research area:
- Owing to the scientific revolution in genomics, new molecular techniques have been developed that enable the detection of toxic cyanobacteria at a very early stage.
- New laboratory culture techniques have enabled eco-physiological studies of toxin production at a detailed scale that was beyond reach until recently.
- Remote sensing of freshwater cyanobacteria is a rapidly expanding field, owing to the increased spectral resolution of airborne data.
- New computational techniques have led to advanced models on the population dynamics of cyanobacteria.

From a management perspective, recognition of the toxins produced by harmful cyanobacteria has recently led to new environmental policies with respect to toxic cyanobacteria in many western countries.

The purpose of this work is to provide an up-to-date overview of the advances in our knowledge of harmful cyanobacteria. The work is directed towards graduate students and scientists in aquatic microbiology, aquatic ecology, environmental toxicology, and water management, and academic professionals in water management and environmental policy.

"This is an outstanding volume that should be a 'must-see' reference for all scientists and environmental professionals who are interested in cyanobacterial ecology and water quality management."Val H. Smith, University of Kansas, USA

Harmful Cyanobacteria: From mass mortalities to management measures.- Molecular Biology Of Cyanobacterial Toxins: Genetic basis of microcystin production.- Dynamics Of Cyanobacterial Toxins: Sources of variability in microcystin concentrations.- Nutrient Limitation Of Freshwater Cyanobacteria: Tools to monitor phosphorus limitation at the individual level.- Nutrient Limitation Of Marine Cyanobacteria: Molecular ecology of nitrogen limitation in an oligotrophic sea.- The Ecophysiology Of The Harmful Cyanobacterium Microcystis: Features explaining its success and measures for its control.- Population Dynamics Of Harmful Cyanobacteria: Factors affecting species composition.- Optical Detection Of Cyanobacterial Blooms: Shipboard observation and remote sensing.- Water Safety Plans: A better approach to prevent human exposure to harmful cyanobacteria.