Cyanobacteria are a group of bacteria that can photosynthesise like true algae. Some species are benthic and grow on the beds of rivers and lakes while others live suspended in the water column. Unlike freshwater algae, some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins and some are able to convert nitrogen gas to plant nutrients.
View factsheets on Algae and cyanobacteria in lakes for ecosystem health, and Toxic algae for recreational water quality.