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madpiano t1_jaiipuz wrote

Reply to comment by Sylvurphlame in German scientists show a commercially feasible method for cyanobacteria to extract 17 rare earth elements from low-concentration sources. Currently, most of the world's supply of these elements is mined in China. by lughnasadh

Are they not toxic because of the stuff they extract from the water?

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Sylvurphlame t1_jaije1j wrote

I don’t know the exact mechanism. I just know that certain Cyanobacteria species produce neurotoxins. Either defensively or as a metabolic byproduct. Been a while since my last biology course.

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madpiano t1_jaijk70 wrote

All I know about the stuff is that it is awful in fish tanks and was the bane of my life when I had one.

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Jayr0d t1_jajlm27 wrote

Yep but not just cyanobacteria, dinoflagellets produce toxins that build up in shellfish and some marine daitoms can do the same.

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Sylvurphlame t1_jajm1oh wrote

Dinoflagellates are the cause of the Gulf of Mexico Red Tide, if I recall correctly?

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