Initial report on identification and toxicity of Microcystis in King Talal Reservoir, Jordan

The cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa forms extensive summer blooms in the King Talal Reservoir, the largest water body in Jordan. The occurrence of the blooms is a function of the water temperature, light intensity and nutrient concentration, with the nitrogen and phosphorus levels being critical factors. This initial study indicated that the time of the seasonal maximum and intensity of Microcystis blooms in the King Talal Reservoir vary significantly from month to month, with a peak reached in summer. The low nutrient concentrations were observed prior to the summer season. There was a rapid, extensive proliferation of M. aeruginosa during the summer of the same year, especially from 1–30 June to 30 November. The LD₅₀ of microcystin in Balb/c was found to be 50 µL kg^?1. Additional studies will provide further information on various aspects of the identification and toxicity of the selected cyanobacterial species.