Perubahan Iklim dan Kejadian Ledakan Alga Berbahaya dan Implikasinya terhadap Kesihatan Manusia: Tinjauan Sistematik

Abstract

Introduction:

Climate change is a driving factor behind the increase in harmful algal blooms (HABs). HAB is a phenomenon that involves the growth of phytoplankton that produce toxins, adversely affecting humans, animals, and aquatic ecosystems. In Malaysia, HAB has been reported since the 1970s and is becoming more frequent, especially in coastal areas. This study aims to analyse the distribution of HABs in Malaysia, their relationship to climate change, and their impact on human health.

Methods:

This review uses selected keywords to gather evidence from major databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS). Article selection was guided by specific research themes and based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results:

Twenty articles were selected, comprising 15 original research papers and 5 review articles published between 2000 and 2024. The findings show that HAB is often associated with climate change factors such as increased water temperature, severity and frequency of rainfall, ocean stratification, and surface runoff that carry nutrients to coastal areas, accelerating eutrophication. Climate change exacerbates HAB events by prolonging the duration of marine heat waves and increasing heavy rainfall that alters water salinity. HAB in Malaysia has been linked to seafood poisoning, including serious cases such as paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), which threatens public health.

Conclusions:

The intensification of HABs in Malaysia's coastal waters demands urgent action through enhanced public health surveillance, robust forecasting systems, and strict regulatory enforcement of agricultural and industrial waste discharge. Furthermore, there is a critical need to strengthen educational programs and public awareness to mitigate the recurring threats posed by HABs in a warming climate.