Effect of Microcystis aeruginosa-Associated Microcystin-LR on the Survival of 2 Life Stages of Freshwater Mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea).

Microcystin-LR is a toxin commonly produced by the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. It is present in harmful algal blooms and is a concern for both human and environmental health in Canadian freshwater systems. Previous studies have investigated the toxicity of microcystin-LR to other organisms such as fish; however, it is important to assess its toxicity to native freshwater mussels (family Unionidae), which are considered imperiled.