Aphanizomenon flos-aquae

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is a diverse group of cyanobacteria with both toxic and non-toxic strains found in brackish and freshwater environments globally, including the Baltic Sea and the Great Lakes.

Cyanobacteria were the first organisms to achieve photosynthesis. Chlorophyll and phycocyanine—two pigments contained in cyanobacteria—allow the vegetative cells to absorb light and transform it into nutrients.