Can phytoplankton blooming be harmful to benthic organisms? The toxic influence of Anabaena sp. and Chlorella sp. on Chironomus riparius larvae

Abstract Cyanobacteria and microalgae are abundant biota groups in eutrophic freshwater ecosystems, serving as a food source for many aquatic organisms, including the larvae of non-biting midges (Chironomidae). Many species of cyanobacteria are toxin producers, which can act as stressors to other organisms. The present study aimed to analyze and compare the effects of dietary exposure to the common toxic cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. and non-toxic microalgae Chlorella sp. in Chironomus riparius larvae. Microcystin was detected and quantified in the methanolic extract of Anabaena sp. using the HPLC-DAD technique, and it was identified as microcystin-LR. Both Anabaena sp. and Chlorella sp. were suitable food sources to enable the survival of C. riparius larvae in laboratory conditions, causing negligible mortality and significant differences in the larval mass (ANOVA and Post hoc LSD test; p