Towards standardized molecular monitoring of HABs: A consensus guide to qPCR
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a growing concern in marine and freshwater ecosystems due to their adverse impacts on human health, aquatic ecosystem functioning, and economic activities. Conventional HAB monitoring based on morphological identification remains important but is often limited by time, resolution, and reliance on expert taxonomists. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR) techniques have emerged as powerful molecular tools for the specific, sensitive, high throughput and rapid detection of HAB species. This review, based on a consensus among experts in the field, aims to provide an accessible, practical guide for integrating qPCR and dPCR for current and future HAB monitoring frameworks. Building upon previously published literature reviews with a broader focus, we present the details and specifics of step-by-step approaches of assay design, validation, application in global and regional monitoring programmes, and recommendations for method standardization and future development. This consensus guide provides valuable information to benefit laboratory users, regulatory and monitoring agencies. Detailed information is provided for ∼175 qPCR assays directed at >70 marine and freshwater HAB taxa. Our goal is to bridge the gap between research and operational monitoring, provide a unique, shared perspective of the use of quantitative species-specific molecular methods across applications and world regions.
Related
- Elucidating molecular regulatory rules of nanoparticle biological identity via standardized deep proteomics
- Continuous monitoring of blood–interstitial fluid intercompartmental molecular kinetics in freely moving animals
- A cross-layer 2D photodetection framework for standardized readout and signal fusion
- A guide to transient absorption spectroscopy for porous crystalline materials in photocatalysis
- Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of (Photo)electrochemical Systems: A Practical Guide.
BibTeX
@article{john2026towards,
title = {{Towards standardized molecular monitoring of HABs: A consensus guide to qPCR}},
author = {Uwe John and Dave Clarke and Holly Bowers and Shauna Murray and Antonella Penna and Amna Ashfaq and Karl Blyth Andree and Mathiroopini Andipalagan and Elisa Berdalet and Silvia Casabianca and Catarina Churro and Anette Engesmo and Greta Gaiani and Haifeng Gu and Gonzalo Fuenzalida and Yuxuan Jiang and Bengt Karlson and Kerstin Klemm and Po Teen Lim and Chui Pin Leaw and Satoshi Nagai and Tae Gyu Park and Sirje Sildever and Kirsty Smith and Jacqui Stuart and Mark van Asten and Dedmer B. Van de Waal and Pengbin Wang and Raffaele Siano},
journal = {Harmful Algae},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1016/j.hal.2026.103148},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05854039v1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Towards standardized molecular monitoring of HABs: A consensus guide to qPCR
AU - Uwe John
AU - Dave Clarke
AU - Holly Bowers
AU - Shauna Murray
AU - Antonella Penna
AU - Amna Ashfaq
AU - Karl Blyth Andree
AU - Mathiroopini Andipalagan
AU - Elisa Berdalet
AU - Silvia Casabianca
AU - Catarina Churro
AU - Anette Engesmo
AU - Greta Gaiani
AU - Haifeng Gu
AU - Gonzalo Fuenzalida
AU - Yuxuan Jiang
AU - Bengt Karlson
AU - Kerstin Klemm
AU - Po Teen Lim
AU - Chui Pin Leaw
AU - Satoshi Nagai
AU - Tae Gyu Park
AU - Sirje Sildever
AU - Kirsty Smith
AU - Jacqui Stuart
AU - Mark van Asten
AU - Dedmer B. Van de Waal
AU - Pengbin Wang
AU - Raffaele Siano
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/05
JO - Harmful Algae
DO - 10.1016/j.hal.2026.103148
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05854039v1
AB - Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a growing concern in marine and freshwater ecosystems due to their adverse impacts on human health, aquatic ecosystem functioning, and economic activities. Conventional HAB monitoring based on morphological identification remains important but is often limited by time, resolution, and reliance on expert taxonomists. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR) techniques have emerged as powerful molecular tools for the specific, sensitive, high throughput and rapid detection of HAB species. This review, based on a consensus among experts in the field, aims to provide an accessible, practical guide for integrating qPCR and dPCR for current and future HAB monitoring frameworks. Building upon previously published literature reviews with a broader focus, we present the details and specifics of step-by-step approaches of assay design, validation, application in global and regional monitoring programmes, and recommendations for method standardization and future development. This consensus guide provides valuable information to benefit laboratory users, regulatory and monitoring agencies. Detailed information is provided for ∼175 qPCR assays directed at >70 marine and freshwater HAB taxa. Our goal is to bridge the gap between research and operational monitoring, provide a unique, shared perspective of the use of quantitative species-specific molecular methods across applications and world regions.
SN - 1568-9883
SN - 1878-1470
ER -