Background  In recent years, the escalation of global warming and the exacerbation of eutrophication in aquatic environments have precipitated a widespread predicament: algal blooms instigated by the rampant proliferation of algae. This phenomenon transcends localities, evolving into a formidable global issue with profound ramifications for ecosystems and public welfare.

Progress  Algicidal bacteria, emerging as potent biological agents for mitigating detrimental algal overgrowth, have emerged as focal points within scholarly discourse. Notably, substantial strides have been made in unraveling the algicidal mechanisms, both in theoretical inquiry and practical implementation. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the contemporary advancements in algicidal bacteria research, encompassing the spectrum of strain diversity, algicidal mechanisms, activity characteristics, and the bioactive compounds they generate, alongside the deployment of algicidal bacterial agents. Special emphasis is placed on elucidating the tripartite algicidal modalities, including indirect, direct, and synergistic approaches, which adopted by these bacteria, and scrutinizing the varied impacts of algicidal substances on algal proliferation. Lastly, this paper delineates future research prospects, advocating for deeper exploration into the molecular underpinnings of algicidal bacteria and intensified studies on algicidal compounds’ isolation.

Significance By shedding light on prospective research trajectories, this endeavor aims to enrich our comprehension of algicidal mechanisms, furnishing a theoretical scaffold for algal bloom mitigation and the preservation of aquatic ecosystem vitality.