What are cyanobacteria?
Cyanobacteria is a modern term used to describe a group of bacteria that, in the same manner as algae and plants, convert sunlight and nutrients into energy required for growth and reproduction. Because they share many similarities in overall appearance, nutrient requirements and habitat with algae, cyanobacteria were historically classified as algae and are still commonly referred to as blue-green algae. More than 100 species of cyanobacteria have been recorded in Alberta. Like algae, some species of cyanobacteria are suspended in water, while others grow attached to submerged substrates. Some are microscopic, single-celled organisms and others form large colonies easily seen in the water. Although they coexist with algae, cyanobacteria possess adaptations, such as the ability to use atmospheric nitrogen for growth, that often allow them to overtake algae populations. This gives cyanobacteria a competitive advantage in nitrogen-poor lakes. Most species also have the ability to regulat
