Freshwater ecosystems: eutrophication and cyanobacteria

Eutrophication of surface waters on the African continent is accelerating, due to the cumulative effect of population growth and associated anthropogenic pollution, and climate change risks further amplifying this phenomenon. As a direct consequence of eutrophication, the proliferation of cyanobacteria is a real danger for populations that consume water.

In a context of growing tension around water resources, this book on eutrophication and cyanobacteria presents current knowledge and addresses threats and pressures to freshwater ecosystems. In response to the challenges, it allows a better understanding of the phenomena but also guides communities, operators and decision-makers in monitoring water bodies used for drinking water production.

This work was carried out as part of the WaSAf (Monitoring and management of surface water sources in Africa) project, supported by FFEM in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) and coordinated by the Paris Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences.