Bioaccumulation and depuration of brevetoxins in the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and the northern quahog (= hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria)

Mesocosm study of PAC-modified clay effects on Karenia brevis cells and toxins, chemical dynamics, and benthic invertebrate physiology

Modified clay compounds are used globally as a method of controlling harmful algal blooms, and their use is currently under consideration to control Karenia brevis blooms in Florida, USA. In 1400 L mesocosm tanks, chemical dynamics and lethal and sublethal impacts of MC II, a polyaluminum chloride (PAC)-modified kaolinite clay, were evaluated over 72 h on a benthic community representative of Sarasota Bay, which included blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), sea urchin (Lytechinus variegatus), and hard clam (Mercenaria campechiensis). In this experiment, MC II was dosed at 0.2 g L-1 to treat bloom-level densities of K. brevis at 1 × 106 cells L-1. Cell removal in MC II-treated tanks was 57% after 8 h and 95% after 48 h. In the water column, brevetoxin analogs BTx-1 and BTx-2 were found to be significantly higher in untreated tanks at 24 and 48 h, while in MC II-treated tanks, BTx-3 was found to be higher at 48 h and BTx-B5 was found to be higher at 24 and 48 h. In MC II floc, we found no significant differences in BTx-1 or BTx-2 between treatments for any time point, while BTx-3 was found to be significantly higher in the MC II-treated tanks at 48 and 72 h, and BTx-B5 was higher in MC II-treated tanks at 24 and 72 h. Among various chemical dynamics observed, it was notable that dissolved phosphorus was consistently significantly lower in MC II tanks after 2 h, and that turbidity in MC II tanks returned to control levels 48 h after treatment. Dissolved inorganic carbon and total seawater alkalinity were significantly reduced in MC II tanks, and partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) was significantly higher in the MC II-only treatment after 2 h. In MC II floc, particulate phosphorus was found to be significantly higher in MC II tanks after 24 h. In animals, lethal and sublethal responses to MC II-treated K. brevis did not differ from untreated K. brevis for either of our three species at any time point, suggesting MC II treatment at this dosage has negligible impacts to these species within 72 h of exposure. These results appear promising in terms of the environmental safety of MC II as a potential bloom control option, and we recommend scaling up MC II experiments to field trials in order to gain deeper understanding of MC II performance and dynamics in natural waters.

Precautions for seafood consumers: An updated review of toxicity, bioaccumulation, and rapid detection methods of marine biotoxins

Seafood products are globally consumed, and there is an increasing demand for the quality and safety of these products among consumers. Some seafoods are easily contaminated by marine biotoxins in natural environments or cultured farming processes. When humans ingest different toxins accumulated in seafood, they may exhibit different poisoning symptoms. According to the investigations, marine toxins produced by harmful algal blooms and various other marine organisms mainly accumulate in the body organs such as liver and digestive tract of seafood animals. Several regions around the world have reported incidents of seafood poisoning by biotoxins, posing a threat to human health. Thus, most countries have legislated to specify the permissible levels of these biotoxins in seafood. Therefore, it is necessary for seafood producers and suppliers to conduct necessary testing of toxins in seafood before and after harvesting to prohibit excessive toxins containing seafood from entering the market, which therefore can reduce the occurrence of seafood poisoning incidents. In recent years, some technologies which can quickly, conveniently, and sensitively detect biological toxins in seafood, have been developed and validated, these technologies have the potential to help seafood producers, suppliers and regulatory authorities. This article reviews the seafood toxins sources and types, mechanism of action and bioaccumulation of marine toxins, as well as legislation and rapid detection technologies for biotoxins in seafood for official and fishermen supervision.

Hepatotoxic shellfish poisoning: Accumulation of microcystins in Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) exposed to wild and cultured populations of the harmful cyanobacteria, Microcystis

The Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) and eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) are important resource bivalves found in and downstream of waterways afflicted with cyanobacterial harmful algae blooms (CHABs), respectively. This study examined the potential for C. fluminea and C. virginica to become vectors of the hepatotoxin, microcystin, from the CHAB Microcystis. Laboratory experiments were performed to quantify clearance rates, particle selection, and accumulation of the hepatotoxin, microcystin, using a microcystin-producing Microcystis culture isolated from Lake Erie (strain LE-3) and field experiments were performed with water from Microcystis blooms in Lake Agawam, NY, USA. Clearance rates of Microcystis were faster (p<0.05) than those of Raphidocelis for C. fluminea, while C. virginica cleared Microcystis and Tisochrysis at similar rates. For both bivalves, clearance rates of bloom water were slower than cultures and clams displayed significantly greater electivity for green algae compared to wild populations of cyanobacteria in field experiments while oysters did not. In experiments with cultured Microcystis comprised of single and double cells, both bivalves accumulated >3 µg microcystins g ^- 1 (wet weight) in 24 - 72 h, several orders of magnitude beyond California guidance value (10 ng g ^- 1) but accumulated only up to 2 ng microcystins g ^- 1 when fed bloom water dominated by large Microcystis colonies for four days. For Asian clams, clearance rates and tissue microcystin content decreased when exposed to toxic Microcystis for 3 - 4 days. In contrast, eastern oysters did not depurate microcystin over 3 - 4-day exposures and accumulated an order of magnitude more microcystin than clams. This contrast suggests Asian clams are likely to accumulate minor amounts of microcystin by reducing clearance rates during blooms of Microcystis, selectively feeding on green algae, and depurating microcystin whereas oysters are more likely to accumulate microcystins and thus are more likely to be a vector for hepatotoxic shellfish poisoning in estuaries downstream of Microcystis blooms.

Harmful algal blooms and shellfish in the marine environment: an overview of the main molluscan responses, toxin dynamics, and risks for human health

Besides human health risks, phycotoxins may cause physiological injuries on molluscan shellfish and, consequently, damages to marine ecosystems and global fisheries production. In this way, this review aimed to present an overview of HABs impacts on marine shellfish by evaluating the effects of cultivated molluscs exposure to microalgae and cyanobacteria that form blooms and/or synthesize toxins. More specifically, it was assessed the main molluscan shellfish responses to harmful algae, trophic transfer and dynamics of phycotoxins, and the risks for human health. Of the 2420 results obtained from literature search, 150 scientific publications were selected after thorough inspections for subject adherence. In total, 70 molluscan species and 37 taxa of harmful algae were assessed from retrieved scientific publications. A significant positive correlation was found between the marine production of molluscs and the number of available studies by molluscan category. Molluscan responses to HABs and phycotoxins were categorized and discussed in three sub-sections: effects on grazing and behavior, metabolic and physiological reactions, and fitness consequences. The main histopathological injuries and toxin concentrations in molluscan tissues were also compiled and discussed. Bivalves often accumulate more toxins than gastropods and cephalopods, occasionally exceeding recommended levels for safe consumption, representing a risk for human health. Harmful algae impact on molluscan shellfish are complex to trace and predict; however, considering the perspective of increase in the occurrence and intensity of HABs, the intensification of efforts to expand the knowledge about HABs impacts on marine molluscs is crucial to mitigate the damages on economy and human health.

Impacts of exposure to the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis on reproduction of the northern quahog, Mercenaria mercenaria

The Gulf of Mexico, including the southwest Florida coast, USA, experience recurrent blooms of the brevetoxin (PbTx)-producing dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis. Northern quahogs (hard clams) Mercenaria mercenaria, are an important commercial species in this region. This study examined the effects of field and laboratory exposure of adult clams to K. brevis during their reproductive period, and effects on their subsequently produced offspring. Ripe adult clams were collected from a site which had been exposed to an eight-month natural bloom of K. brevis and an unaffected reference site. Ripe adult clams were also exposed to bloom concentrations of K. brevis for 10 days in the laboratory. Clams exposed to K. brevis accumulated PbTx at concentrations of 1508 (field exposure), 1444 (1000 cells mL^-1 laboratory treatment) and 5229 ng g^-1 PbTx-3 eq (5000 cells mL^-1 laboratory treatment). Field-exposed clams showed histopathological effects: a significantly higher prevalence of mucus in the stomach/ intestine (23.3%), edema in gill tissues (30%) and presence of the cestode parasite, Tylocephalum spp. in whole tissue (40%), compared to non-exposed clams (0, 3.3 and 6.7% respectively). These clams also showed reduced gonadal allocation (23% gonadal area) and a higher prevalence of clams of undetermined sex (20%) compared to those sampled from the non-exposed site (43% and 0%, respectively). It is hypothesized that less energy may be channeled into reproduction as more is allocated for homeostasis or tissue repair. The fertilization success of gametes obtained from both field and laboratory-exposed adults was significantly lower in clams that had been exposed to K. brevis and development of these offspring was negatively affected at Days 1 and 4 post-fertilization (in field- and laboratory-exposed clams at the higher K. brevis concentration and in laboratory-exposed clams at the higher K. brevis concentration, respectively). Negative effects may be due to toxin accumulation in the gametes of field-exposed clams (244 ± 50 ng PbTx g^-1 and 470 ± 82 ng g^-1 wet weight in oocytes and sperm, respectively). Adverse effects in M. mercenaria are compared to those previously reported in oysters, Crassostrea virginica, under similar conditions of exposure. This study provides further evidence of the impacts of K. brevis and its associated toxins on the adults and offspring of exposed shellfish. Site-selection for the collection of broodstock and aquaculture grow-out efforts should therefore consider the local occurrence of K. brevis blooms.

Effects of field and laboratory exposure to the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis on the reproduction of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, and subsequent development of offspring

Blooms of the brevetoxin-producing dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis, are a recurrent and sometimes devastating phenomenon in the Gulf of Mexico. The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is exposed regularly to these blooms, yet little is known about the impacts of K. brevis upon this important species. The present study considered the effects of exposure to both a natural bloom and cultured K. brevis on the reproductive development of C. virginica. Oysters had been exposed to a bloom of K. brevis that occurred in Lee County, Florida, from September 2012 through May 2013, during a period of gametogenesis and gamete ripening. Ripe adult oysters were collected from this bloom-exposed site and from a site 200 miles north which was not exposed to any bloom. In addition, responses to two 10-day laboratory exposures of either unripe or ripe adult oysters to whole cells of K. brevis at high bloom concentrations (1000 and 5000cellsmL^-1) were determined. Both field- and laboratory-exposed adult oysters accumulated PbTx (attaining ∼22×10³ngg^-1 and 922ngg^-1 PbTx-3 equivalents in the laboratory and the field, respectively), and significant mucal, edematous, and inflammatory features, indicative of a defense response, were recorded in adult tissues in direct contact with K. brevis cells. Laboratory-exposed oysters also showed an increase in the total number of circulating hemocytes suggesting that: (1) new hemocytes may be moving to sites of tissue inflammation, or, (2) hemocytes are released into the circulatory system from inflamed tissues where they may be produced. The area of oyster tissue occupied by gonad (representative of reproductive effort) and reactive oxygen species production in the spermatozoa of oysters exposed to the natural bloom of K. brevis were significantly lower compared to oysters that were not exposed to K. brevis. Additionally, following 10-day exposure of ripe oysters, a significant, 46% reduction in the prevalence of individuals with ripe gametes was obtained in the 5000cellsmL^-1K. brevis treatment. Brevetoxin (PbTx) was recorded within the spermatozoa and oocytes of naturally exposed oysters and was estimated to be 18 and 26% of the adult PbTx load, respectively. Larvae derived from gametes containing PbTx showed significantly higher mortalities and attained a smaller larval size for the first 6 days post-fertilization. These negative effects on larval development may be due to the presence of PbTx in the lipid droplets of the oocytes, which is mobilized by the larvae during embryonic and lecithotrophic larval development. Provision of a non-contaminated food source to larvae however, appeared to mitigate the early negative effects of this neonatal PbTx exposure. Results herein show that adult eastern oysters and their offspring are susceptible to exposure to K. brevis. Caution should therefore be exercised when identifying oyster reef restoration areas and in efforts to establish aquaculture in areas prone to red tides.

Chemical ecology of marine plankton

Covering: January 2013 to online publication December 2014This review summarizes recent research in the chemical ecology of marine pelagic ecosystems, and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of advances in the field in the time period covered. In order to highlight the role of chemical cues and toxins in plankton ecology this review has been organized by ecological interaction types starting with intraspecific interactions, then interspecific interactions (including facilitation and mutualism, host-parasite, allelopathy, and predator-prey), and finally community and ecosystem-wide interactions.

Uptake and elimination of brevetoxin in the invasive green mussel, Perna viridis, during natural Karenia brevis blooms in southwest Florida

Perna viridis is a recently introduced species to US coastal waters and have vigorously spread throughout the southeastern seaboard since their invasion. Little information regarding their response to local environmental factors has been reported including responses to the local HAB species, Karenia brevis. This study monitored the tissue toxin concentration of brevetoxins in P. viridis from existing populations throughout two consecutive natural K. brevis blooms. The results showed P. viridis to rapidly accumulate PbTx upon exposure to the bloom, far exceeding the peak tissue concentrations of oysters, Crassostrea virginica, sampled during the same period, 57,653 ± 15,937 and 33,462 ± 10,391 ng g(-1) PbTx-3 equivalent, respectively. Further, P. viridis retained high PbTx concentrations in their tissues post bloom remaining above the regulatory limit for human consumption for 4-5 months, significantly longer than the depuration time of 2-8 weeks for native oyster and clam species. In the second year, the bloom persisted at high cell concentrations resulting in prolonged exposure and higher PbTx tissue concentrations indicating increased bioaccumulation in green mussels. While this species is not currently harvested for human consumption, the threat for post bloom trophic transfer could pose negative impacts on other important fisheries and higher food web implications.

Risk assessment of shellfish toxins

Complex secondary metabolites, some of which are highly toxic to mammals, are produced by many marine organisms. Some of these organisms are important food sources for marine animals and, when ingested, the toxins that they produce may be absorbed and stored in the tissues of the predators, which then become toxic to animals higher up the food chain. This is a particular problem with shellfish, and many cases of poisoning are reported in shellfish consumers each year. At present, there is no practicable means of preventing uptake of the toxins by shellfish or of removing them after harvesting. Assessment of the risk posed by such toxins is therefore required in order to determine levels that are unlikely to cause adverse effects in humans and to permit the establishment of regulatory limits in shellfish for human consumption. In the present review, the basic principles of risk assessment are described, and the progress made toward robust risk assessment of seafood toxins is discussed. While good progress has been made, it is clear that further toxicological studies are required before this goal is fully achieved.