Microcystins, cyclic heptapeptide toxins produced by cyanobacteria, possess tumor-promoting activity, which act through inhibition of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A. In this study, the variation in toxicity of microcystins from Microcystis aeruginosa during electrooxidation was assessed using bioassays. The microcystin-LR samples (MCLR) were prepared by crude extracts dissolved in electrolytes, e.g., 0.02 mol L(-1) Na(2)SO(4), 0.02 mol L(-1) Na(2)SO(4) containing 0.5 mmol L(-1) NaCl, and tap water. Electrooxidation was conducted at a current density of 4 mA cm(-2) at room temperature (20-26°C), using Ti/RuO(2) anodes. Toxicological profiles for acute toxic effects (Vibrio fischeri) and genotoxic effects (Vicia faba micronucleus assay and single cell gel electrophoresis assay of mice lymphocytes) were determined for both untreated and treated MCLR samples. Results showed that acute toxicity during treatment was caused mainly by residual oxidants from electrooxidation. The by-products from the degradation of MCLR samples showed very weak acute toxicity to V. fischeri. Before electrooxidation, MCLR samples could induce obvious cell damage to V. faba root tips and mice lymphocytes. Electrooxidation degradation significantly decreased the genotoxicity of MCLR samples until the final by-products showed no toxicity. Thus, electrooxidation can detoxify MCLR samples via degradation processes.