Microcystin-LF is a toxic compound produced by certain strains of freshwater cyanobacteria, commonly found in algal blooms. Due to its high toxicity, it is primarily studied in environmental and public health contexts to assess water safety. It serves as a biomarker for cyanobacterial contamination in drinking water, recreational waters, and aquatic ecosystems. Monitoring for Microcystin-LF helps regulatory agencies set safety limits and issue warnings to prevent human and animal exposure. It is also used in laboratory research to study the mechanisms of liver toxicity and cellular damage, particularly its inhibition of protein phosphatases, which can lead to hepatocyte disruption and potential tumor promotion. Because of its stability and potency, it plays a role in validating detection methods such as ELISA, PCR, and mass spectrometry for toxin screening in environmental samples.