- Cyanobacteria are ancient. According to the University of California Museum of Paleontology, the oldest known fossils in existence are cyanobacteria, found in Archaean rocks 3.5 billion years old. This is especially remarkable since the oldest known rocks are 3.8 billion years old (University of California Museum of Paleontology, n.d.).
- It is believed that cyanobacteria are responsible for forming the oxygen atmosphere we have today. In addition, some oil deposits have been credited to activity of cyanobacteria. They are also an important part of the nitrogen cycle, capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen into nitrate, a form usable by plants (University of California Museum of Paleontology, n.d.).
- Though some species of cyanobacteria have been marketed as "super foods" there is very little scientific basis to these claims. University of California Berkeley states that the "few nutrients in blue green algae are more plentiful and cheaper in foods" (University of California Berkeley, 2009). Also, blue green algae blooms can be toxic to humans and pets. They can cause irritation to skin, eyes, nose, and throat, as well as have effects on the liver and nervous system (New York State Department of Health, 2003).
- Blue green algae supplements containing the variety Aphanizomenon flos-aquae should not be given to children due to their high potential of contamination by microcystins and heavy metals (University of California Berkeley, 2009). People should neither swim in nor allow their pets to drink from waters that have floating scum or appear paint like (New York State Department of Health, 2003).
- Despite being called "blue green" many species of cyanobacteria are red, brown or yellow. In fact, the Red Sea gets its name from frequent blooms of a red species of cyanobacteria (Lenntech Water Treatment and Air Purification, 2008).
