Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is a diverse group of cyanobacteria with both toxic and non-toxic[1][2] strains found in brackish and freshwater environments globally, including the Baltic Sea and the Great Lakes.

Recent genome sequencing efforts have identified 18 distinct varieties[3] of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, revealing its genetic complexity.

[8] The life cycle of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae depends on various environmental conditions such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen content, and pH.

These accumulated mats of biomass can grow due to the concentration of nutrients available in eutrophic ecosystems accompanied by high reproductive rates and water temperatures.

In addition to their odiferous presence, cyanobacterial blooms have been associated with lowered dissolved oxygen content, increased turbidity, and the accelerated release of nutrients from sediments.

[10] Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) includes both toxic and non-toxic strains found in various global freshwater sources, with different varieties producing diverse compounds.

[15] Ten of the eighteen samples exceeded the safety value of 1  microgram of microcystin per gram, with the authors stating that the "distribution and commercial sale of AFA products, whether pure or mixed formulations, for human consumption appear highly questionable.