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Variability in Paralytic Shellfish Toxin Profiles and Dinoflagellate Diversity in Mussels and Seawater Collected during Spring in Korean Coastal Seawater

Variability in Paralytic Shellfish Toxin Profiles and Dinoflagellate Diversity in Mussels and Seawater Collected during Spring in Korean Coastal Seawater

Authors :
Dong Han Choi
Wonseok Yang
Young-Eun Kim
Bum Soo Park
Jiyeon Sung
Jaeho Choi
Jung-Rae Rho
Young Seok Han
Yeonjung Lee
Source :
Toxins, Vol 16, Iss 8, p 338 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) are potent neurotoxins produced by certain microalgae, particularly dinoflagellates, and they can accumulate in shellfish in coastal seawater and thus pose significant health risks to humans. To explore the relationship between toxicity and PST profiles in seawater and mussels, the spatiotemporal variations in PST concentrations and profiles were investigated along the southern coast of Korea under peak PST levels during spring. Seawater and mussel samples were collected biweekly from multiple stations, and the toxin concentrations in the samples were measured. Moreover, the dinoflagellate community composition was analyzed using next-generation sequencing to identify potential PST-producing species. The PST concentrations and toxin profiles showed substantial spatiotemporal variability, with GTX1 and GTX4 representing the dominant toxins in both samples, and C1/2 tending to be higher in seawater. Alexandrium species were identified as the primary sources of PSTs. Environmental factors such as water temperature and salinity influenced PST production. This study demonstrates that variability in the amount and composition of PSTs is due to intricate ecological interactions. To mitigate shellfish poisoning, continuous monitoring must be conducted to gain a deeper understanding of these interactions.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20726651
Volume :
16
Issue :
8
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Toxins
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.b81151e3e12147a18b80cb18792c3bbf
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins16080338