Abstract: Due to global warming and eutrophication, Pseudanabaena sp. has become the main dominant species of cyanobacterial blooms in many water bodies around the world. During the growth of Pseudanabaenasp., a large amount of 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) is produced, which severely degrades the aquatic environment and threatens the safety of drinking water. Here, we provide an up-to-date review ofPseudanabaenasp., including its taxonomic rank, morphological features, global distribution, growth and physiological characteristics, as well as the production and removal of its metabolite 2-MIB. Pseudanabaenasp. could adapt to a wide range of temperature, pH and phosphorus concentration, which may explain its wide distribution in the world and its dominant status in many water bodies. In addition, we introduced the synthesis of 2-MIB in Pseudanabaenasp. and pointed out the controversy on the relationship between the growth of Pseudanabaenasp. and its production of 2-MIB. We also compared the removal efficiency of Pseudanabaenasp. and 2-MIB resulted from different drinking water treatments, and summarized the advantages and disadvantages of current technologies. Based on the current state of Pseudanabaena sp. research, we proposed the potential advancement of basic science research and technical development in this field. This review provides reference for future studies on the effective control and removal of Pseudanabaenasp. and 2-MIB.

Key words: Pseudanabaena sp., 2-methylisoborneol, drinking water, removal.