Cyanobacteria diversity and ecological roles: insights into cyanobacterial adaptations and environmental implications

Abstract Cyanobacteria play a fundamental role in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, driving global biogeochemical cycles through primary production, nitrogen fixation, and carbon cycling. The synthesis of secondary metabolites like cyanotoxins that aid in survival under stress, nitrogen-fixing abilities, exopolysaccharide production for desiccation tolerance, and phycobiliprotein pigments for improved light capture are some of the adaptations that have allowed them to succeed in a variety of habitats. Their quick growth, however, can result in hazardous algal blooms (HABs) in eutrophic environments, endangering biodiversity, public health, and water quality. Understanding the ecological significance and adaptive strategies of cyanobacteria is crucial for mitigating their impact on ecosystem stability. The ecological importance, adaptation mechanisms, and environmental effects of cyanobacteria are highlighted in this study, with an emphasis on striking a balance between the threats posed by HABs in a changing climate and their advantageous functions in ecosystem functioning.