Harmful algal blooms in inland waters

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms can produce toxins that pose threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. In this Review, we outline the global trends in harmful algal bloom occurrence and explore the drivers, future trajectories and potential mitigation strategies. Globally, harmful algal bloom occurrence has risen since the 1980s, including a 44% increase from the 2000s to 2010s, especially in Asia and Africa. Enhanced nutrient pollution owing to urbanization, wastewater discharge and agricultural expansion are key drivers of these increases. In contrast, changes have been less substantial in high-income regions such as North America, Europe and Oceania, where policies to mitigate nutrient pollution have stabilized bloom occurrences since the 1970s. However, since the 1990s, climate warming and legacy nutrient pollution have driven a resurgence in toxic algal blooms in some US and European lakes, highlighting the inherent challenges in mitigating harmful blooms in a warming climate. Indeed, advancing research on harmful algal bloom dynamics and projections largely depends on effectively using data from multiple sources to understand environmental interactions and enhance modelling techniques. Integrated monitoring networks across various spatiotemporal scales and data-sharing frameworks are essential for improving harmful algal bloom forecasting and mitigation. Harmful algal blooms degrade inland aquatic ecosystems and pose a risk to water security. This Review explores the underlying drivers of hotspots and global trends in harmful algal blooms, and identifies potential solutions for bloom monitoring and mitigation.