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Vejerano EP, Ahn J, Scott GI. Aerosolized algal bloom toxins are not inert. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: ATMOSPHERES 2024; 4:1113-1128. [PMID: 39169920 PMCID: PMC11331395 DOI: 10.1039/d4ea00078a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are projected to become increasingly prevalent, extending over longer periods and wider geographic regions due to the warming surface ocean water and other environmental factors, including but not limited to nutrient concentrations and runoff for marine and freshwater environments. Incidents of respiratory distress linked to the inhalation of marine aerosols containing HAB toxins have been documented, though the risk is typically associated with the original toxins. However, aerosolized toxins in micrometer and submicrometer particles are vulnerable to atmospheric processing. This processing can potentially degrade HAB toxins and produce byproducts with varying potencies compared to the parent toxins. The inhalation of aerosolized HAB toxins, especially in conjunction with co-morbid factors such as exposure to air pollutants from increased commercial activities in ports, may represent a significant exposure pathway for a considerable portion of the global population. Understanding the chemistry behind the transformation of these toxins can enhance public protection by improving the existing HAB alert systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P Vejerano
- Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk, Department of Environmental Health Sciences USA +1-803-777-6360
| | - Jeonghyeon Ahn
- Center for Oceans and Human Health on Climate Change Interactions, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina Columbia 29208 USA
| | - Geoffrey I Scott
- Center for Oceans and Human Health on Climate Change Interactions, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina Columbia 29208 USA
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Bloch RA, Beuhler MC, Hilborn ED, Faulkner G, Rhea S. Epidemiologic and clinical features of cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom exposures reported to the National Poison Data System, United States, 2010-2022: a descriptive analysis. Environ Health 2024; 23:80. [PMID: 39369221 PMCID: PMC11453011 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01121-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Harmful algal bloom occurrences have been increasingly reported globally and over time. Exposure to the variety of toxins and co-contaminants that may be present in harmful algal blooms can cause illness and even death. Poison control data is a valuable public health information source that has been used to characterize many types of toxin exposures, including harmful algal blooms. Prior studies have been limited by location and time, and knowledge gaps remain regarding cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom (cyanoHAB) exposure circumstances, and the breadth and severity of associated clinical effect. METHODS The objective of this study was to characterize epidemiologic and clinical features of cyanoHAB exposure cases reported to 55 US poison control centers and available in the National Poison Data System (NPDS). We identified 4260 NPDS cyanoHAB exposure cases reported from 2010 to 2022, including symptomatic exposure cases with and without clinical effects related to the exposure and asymptomatic exposure cases. We assessed demographics; exposure routes, locations, chronicity; clinical effects; and medical outcomes. We calculated case rates annually and 13-year case rates by US geographic division. RESULTS Over half of cyanoHAB exposure cases were children < 20 years old (n = 2175). Most cyanoHABs exposures occurred in a "public area" (n = 2902, 68.1%); most were acute (≤ 8 h) (n = 3824, 89.8%). Dermal and ingestion routes and gastrointestinal effects predominated. 2% (n = 102) of cases experienced a moderate or major medical outcome; no deaths were reported. National rates increased from 0.4 cases/1 million (1 M) person-years in 2010 to 1.4 cases/1 M person-years in 2022. The Mountain division had the highest 13-year rate (7.8 cases/1 M person-years). CONCLUSIONS CyanoHAB exposure case rates increased 2010-2022, despite a decrease in all-cause exposure cases during the same period. NPDS data provide valuable public health information for characterization of cyanoHAB exposures, an emerging public health challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Bloch
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Michael C Beuhler
- North Carolina Poison Control, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, 28208, USA
- School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Atrium Health , Charlotte, United States
| | - Elizabeth D Hilborn
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
| | - Grace Faulkner
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Sarah Rhea
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA.
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3
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Cyanotoxins and the Nervous System. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13090660. [PMID: 34564664 PMCID: PMC8472772 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13090660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are capable of producing a wide range of bioactive compounds with many considered to be toxins. Although there are a number of toxicological outcomes with respect to cyanobacterial exposure, this review aims to examine those which affect the central nervous system (CNS) or have neurotoxicological properties. Such exposures can be acute or chronic, and we detail issues concerning CNS entry, detection and remediation. Exposure can occur through a variety of media but, increasingly, exposure through air via inhalation may have greater significance and requires further investigation. Even though cyanobacterial toxins have traditionally been classified based on their primary mode of toxicity, increasing evidence suggests that some also possess neurotoxic properties and include known cyanotoxins and unknown compounds. Furthermore, chronic long-term exposure to these compounds is increasingly being identified as adversely affecting human health.
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Electrochemical Biosensors for Tracing Cyanotoxins in Food and Environmental Matrices. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2021; 11:bios11090315. [PMID: 34562905 PMCID: PMC8468299 DOI: 10.3390/bios11090315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The adoption of electrochemical principles to realize on-field analytical tools for detecting pollutants represents a great possibility for food safety and environmental applications. With respect to the existing transduction mechanisms, i.e., colorimetric, fluorescence, piezoelectric etc., electrochemical mechanisms offer the tremendous advantage of being easily miniaturized, connected with low cost (commercially available) readers and unaffected by the color/turbidity of real matrices. In particular, their versatility represents a powerful approach for detecting traces of emerging pollutants such as cyanotoxins. The combination of electrochemical platforms with nanomaterials, synthetic receptors and microfabrication makes electroanalysis a strong starting point towards decentralized monitoring of toxins in diverse matrices. This review gives an overview of the electrochemical biosensors that have been developed to detect four common cyanotoxins, namely microcystin-LR, anatoxin-a, saxitoxin and cylindrospermopsin. The manuscript provides the readers a quick guide to understand the main electrochemical platforms that have been realized so far, and the presence of a comprehensive table provides a perspective at a glance.
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Arman T, Clarke JD. Microcystin Toxicokinetics, Molecular Toxicology, and Pathophysiology in Preclinical Rodent Models and Humans. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13080537. [PMID: 34437407 PMCID: PMC8402503 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcystins are ubiquitous toxins produced by photoautotrophic cyanobacteria. Human exposures to microcystins occur through the consumption of contaminated drinking water, fish and shellfish, vegetables, and algal dietary supplements and through recreational activities. Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MCLR) is the prototypical microcystin because it is reported to be the most common and toxic variant and is the only microcystin with an established tolerable daily intake of 0.04 µg/kg. Microcystin toxicokinetics is characterized by low intestinal absorption, rapid and specific distribution to the liver, moderate metabolism to glutathione and cysteinyl conjugates, and low urinary and fecal excretion. Molecular toxicology involves covalent binding to and inhibition of protein phosphatases, oxidative stress, cell death (autophagy, apoptosis, necrosis), and cytoskeleton disruption. These molecular and cellular effects are interconnected and are commonly observed together. The main target organs for microcystin toxicity are the intestine, liver, and kidney. Preclinical data indicate microcystins may also have nervous, pulmonary, cardiac, and reproductive system toxicities. Recent evidence suggests that exposure to other hepatotoxic insults could potentiate microcystin toxicity and increase the risk for chronic diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge for microcystin toxicokinetics, molecular toxicology, and pathophysiology in preclinical rodent models and humans. More research is needed to better understand human toxicokinetics and how multifactorial exposures contribute to disease pathogenesis and progression.
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Algal Toxic Compounds and Their Aeroterrestrial, Airborne and other Extremophilic Producers with Attention to Soil and Plant Contamination: A Review. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13050322. [PMID: 33946968 PMCID: PMC8145420 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The review summarizes the available knowledge on toxins and their producers from rather disparate algal assemblages of aeroterrestrial, airborne and other versatile extreme environments (hot springs, deserts, ice, snow, caves, etc.) and on phycotoxins as contaminants of emergent concern in soil and plants. There is a growing body of evidence that algal toxins and their producers occur in all general types of extreme habitats, and cyanobacteria/cyanoprokaryotes dominate in most of them. Altogether, 55 toxigenic algal genera (47 cyanoprokaryotes) were enlisted, and our analysis showed that besides the “standard” toxins, routinely known from different waterbodies (microcystins, nodularins, anatoxins, saxitoxins, cylindrospermopsins, BMAA, etc.), they can produce some specific toxic compounds. Whether the toxic biomolecules are related with the harsh conditions on which algae have to thrive and what is their functional role may be answered by future studies. Therefore, we outline the gaps in knowledge and provide ideas for further research, considering, from one side, the health risk from phycotoxins on the background of the global warming and eutrophication and, from the other side, the current surge of interest which phycotoxins provoke due to their potential as novel compounds in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetics, bioremediation, agriculture and all aspects of biotechnological implications in human life.
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Plaas HE, Paerl HW. Toxic Cyanobacteria: A Growing Threat to Water and Air Quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:44-64. [PMID: 33334098 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The global expansion of harmful cyanobacterial blooms (CyanoHABs) poses an increasing threat to public health. CyanoHABs are characterized by the production of toxic metabolites known as cyanotoxins. Human exposure to cyanotoxins is challenging to forecast, and perhaps the least understood exposure route is via inhalation. While the aerosolization of toxins from marine harmful algal blooms (HABs) has been well documented, the aerosolization of cyanotoxins in freshwater systems remains understudied. In recent years, spray aerosol (SA) produced in the airshed of the Laurentian Great Lakes (United States and Canada) has been characterized, suggesting that freshwater systems may impact atmospheric aerosol loading more than previously understood. Therefore, further investigation regarding the impact of CyanoHABs on human respiratory health is warranted. This review examines current research on the incorporation of cyanobacterial cells and cyanotoxins into SA of aquatic ecosystems which experience HABs. We present an overview of cyanotoxin fate in the environment, biological incorporation into SA, existing data on cyanotoxins in SA, relevant collection methods, and adverse health outcomes associated with cyanotoxin inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley E Plaas
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, NC 28557, United States
| | - Hans W Paerl
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, NC 28557, United States
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8
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Acuña S, Baxa D, Lehman P, Teh F, Deng D, Teh S. Determining the Exposure Pathway and Impacts of Microcystis on Threadfin Shad, Dorosoma petenense, in San Francisco Estuary. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:787-798. [PMID: 31900949 PMCID: PMC7155034 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Blooms of the cyanobacterium Microcystis spp. could affect fish health through the ingestion of colonies as well as exposure to dissolved microcystins in the water column. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the dietary exposure pathway through which Microcystis spp. blooms may affect liver function and nutritional status using a novel approach involving multiple analytical methods to assess the potential risk. Our study was conducted using threadfin shad, Dorosoma petenense, which is a pelagic fish commonly exposed to Microcystis spp. blooms in the upper San Francisco Estuary. The approach incorporated published and optimized methods that offer multiple lines of evidence including in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, histopathology, condition factor indices, and nutritional profiles. Measurements of threadfin shad health and tissue condition were conducted at sites where Microcystis was present or absent during the 2007 bloom season. The results showed that dietary exposure to fish from Microcystis blooms resulted in the accumulation of microcystin in the gut and liver tissues of threadfin shad collected from the sites with blooms. Although toxicity endpoints were likely confounded by antecedent conditions, our findings demonstrate dietary exposure of Microcystis toxins to fish using a novel approach with multiple lines of evidence. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:787-798. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Acuña
- Metropolitan Water District of Southern CaliforniaSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Dolores Baxa
- University of California, DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Peggy Lehman
- California Department of Water ResourcesWest SacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | - Swee Teh
- University of California, DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
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9
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Roegner A, Truong L, Weirich C, Pírez-Schirmer M, Brena B, Miller TR, Tanguay R. Combined Danio rerio embryo morbidity, mortality and photomotor response assay: A tool for developmental risk assessment from chronic cyanoHAB exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 697:134210. [PMID: 32380631 PMCID: PMC7111134 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater harmful algal blooms produce a broad array of bioactive compounds, with variable polarity. Acute exposure to cyanotoxins can impact the liver, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and immune function. Increasing evidence suggests chronic effects from low-level exposures of cyanotoxins and other associated bioactive metabolites of cyanobacterial origin. These sundry compounds persist in drinking and recreational waters and challenge resource managers in detection and removal. A systematic approach to assess the developmental toxicity of cyanobacterial metabolite standards was employed utilizing a robust and high throughput developmental Danio rerio embryo platform that incorporated a neurobehavioral endpoint, photomotor response. Subsequently, we applied the platform to cyanobacterial bloom surface water samples taken from temperate recreational beaches and tropical lake subsistence drinking water sources as a model approach. Dechorionated Danio rerio embryos were statically immersed beginning at four to six hours post fertilization at environmentally relevant concentrations, and then assessed at 24 h and 5 days for morbidity, morphological changes, and photomotor response. At least one assessed endpoint deviated significantly for exposed embryos for 22 out of 25 metabolites examined. Notably, the alkaloid lyngbyatoxin-a resulted in profound, dose-dependent morbidity and mortality beginning at 5 μg/L. In addition, hydrophobic components of extracts from beach monitoring resulted in potent morbidity and mortality despite only trace cyanotoxins detected. The hydrophilic extracts with several order of magnitude higher concentrations of microcystins resulted in no morbidity or mortality. Developmental photomotor response was consistently altered in environmental bloom samples, independent of the presence or concentration of toxins detected in extracts. While limited with respect to more polar compounds, this novel screening approach complements specific fingerprinting of acutely toxic metabolites with robust assessment of developmental toxicity, critical for chronic exposure scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Roegner
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Lisa Truong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA; Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, 28645 East Highway 34, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Chelsea Weirich
- Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Macarena Pírez-Schirmer
- Departamento de Biociencias, Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Instituto de Higiene, A. Navarro 3051, 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Beatriz Brena
- Departamento de Biociencias, Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Instituto de Higiene, A. Navarro 3051, 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay; Departamento de Biociencias, Cátedra de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores 2124, 11800 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Todd R Miller
- Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Robert Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA; Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, 28645 East Highway 34, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
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10
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Hachim MY, Hachim IY, Elemam NM, Hamoudi RA. Toxicogenomic analysis of publicly available transcriptomic data can predict food, drugs, and chemical-induced asthma. PHARMACOGENOMICS & PERSONALIZED MEDICINE 2019; 12:181-199. [PMID: 31692590 PMCID: PMC6717055 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s217535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background : With the increasing incidence of asthma, more attention is focused on the diverse and complex nutritional and environmental triggers of asthma exacerbations. Currently, there are no established risk assessment tools to evaluate asthma triggering potentials of most of the nutritional and environmental triggers encountered by asthmatic patients. Purpose The objective of this study is to devise a reliable workflow, capable of estimating the toxicogenomic effect of such factors on key player genes in asthma pathogenesis. Methods Gene expression extracted from publicly available datasets of asthmatic bronchial epithelium were subjected to a comprehensive analysis of differential gene expression to identify significant genes involved in asthma development and progression. The identified genes were subjected to Gene Set Enrichment Analysis using a total of 31,826 gene sets related to chemical, toxins, and drugs to identify common agents that share similar asthma-related targets genes and signaling pathways. Results Our analysis identified 225 differentially expressed genes between severe asthmatic and healthy bronchial epithelium. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of the identified genes showed that they are involved in response to toxic substances and organic cyclic compounds and are targeted by 41 specific diets, plants products, and plants related toxins (eg adenine, arachidonic acid, baicalein, caffeic acid, corilagin, curcumin, ellagic acid, luteolin, microcystin-RR, phytoestrogens, protoporphyrin IX, purpurogallin, rottlerin, and salazinic acid). Moreover, the identified chemicals share interesting inflammation-related pathways like NF-κB. Conclusion Our analysis was able to explain and predict the toxicity in terms of stimulating the differentially expressed genes between severe asthmatic and healthy epithelium. Such an approach can pave the way to generate a cost-effective and reliable source for asthma-specific toxigenic reports thus allowing the asthmatic patients, physicians, and medical researchers to be aware of the potential triggering factors with fatal consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Yaseen Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim Yaseen Hachim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noha M Elemam
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rifat A Hamoudi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.,Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
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Birbeck JA, Westrick JA, O'Neill GM, Spies B, Szlag DC. Comparative Analysis of Microcystin Prevalence in Michigan Lakes by Online Concentration LC/MS/MS and ELISA. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E13. [PMID: 30609666 PMCID: PMC6356304 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast and reliable workflows are needed to quantitate microcystins (MCs), a ubiquitous class of hepatotoxic cyanotoxins, so that the impact of human and environmental exposure is assessed quickly and minimized. Our goal was to develop a high-throughput online concentration liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) workflow to quantitate the 12 commercially available MCs and nodularin in surface and drinking waters. The method run time was 8.5 min with detection limits in the low ng/L range and minimum reporting levels between 5 and 10 ng/L. This workflow was benchmarked by determining the prevalence of MCs and comparing the Adda-ELISA quantitation to our new workflow from 122 samples representing 31 waterbodies throughout Michigan. The frequency of MC occurrence was MC-LA > LR > RR > D-Asp³-LR > YR > HilR > WR > D-Asp³-RR > HtyR > LY = LW = LF, while MC-RR had the highest concentrations. MCs were detected in 33 samples and 13 of these samples had more than 20% of their total MC concentration from MCs not present in US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Method 544. Furthermore, seasonal deviations between the LC/MS/MS and Adda-ELISA data suggest Adda-ELISA cross-reacts with MC degradation products. This workflow provides less than 24-h turnaround for quantification and also identified key differences between LC/MS/MS and ELISA quantitation that should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnna A Birbeck
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Judy A Westrick
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Grace M O'Neill
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Brian Spies
- Department of Chemistry, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA.
| | - David C Szlag
- Department of Chemistry, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA.
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12
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Menezes C, Churro C, Dias E. Risk Levels of Toxic Cyanobacteria in Portuguese Recreational Freshwaters. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9100327. [PMID: 29057822 PMCID: PMC5666374 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9100327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Portuguese freshwater reservoirs are important socio-economic resources, namely for recreational use. National legislation concerning bathing waters does not include mandatory levels or guidelines for cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins. This is an issue of concern since cyanotoxin-based evidence is insufficient to change the law, and the collection of scientific evidence has been hampered by the lack of regulatory levels for cyanotoxins in bathing waters. In this work, we evaluate the profile of cyanobacteria and microcystins (MC) in eight freshwater reservoirs from the center of Portugal, used for bathing/recreation, in order to determine the risk levels concerning toxic cyanobacteria occurrence. Three of the reservoirs did not pose a risk of MC contamination. However, two reservoirs presented a high risk in 7% of the samples according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for MC in bathing waters (above 20 µg/L). In the remaining three reservoirs, the risk concerning microcystins occurrence was low. However, they exhibited recurrent blooms and persistent contamination with MC up to 4 µg/L. Thus, the risk of exposure to MC and potential acute and/or chronic health outcomes should not be disregarded in these reservoirs. These results contribute to characterize the cyanobacterial blooms profile and to map the risk of toxic cyanobacteria and microcystins occurrence in Portuguese inland waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Menezes
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Churro
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Elsa Dias
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Vidal F, Sedan D, D'Agostino D, Cavalieri ML, Mullen E, Parot Varela MM, Flores C, Caixach J, Andrinolo D. Recreational Exposure during Algal Bloom in Carrasco Beach, Uruguay: A Liver Failure Case Report. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E267. [PMID: 28858213 PMCID: PMC5618200 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9090267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In January 2015, a 20-month-old child and her family took part in recreational activities at Carrasco and Malvín beaches (Montevideo, Uruguay). An intense harmful algae bloom (HAB) was developing along the coast at that time. A few hours after the last recreational exposure episode, the family suffered gastrointestinal symptoms which were self-limited except in the child's case, who was admitted to hospital in Uruguay with diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and jaundice. The patient had increased serum levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin and five days later presented acute liver failure. She was referred to the Italian Hospital in Buenos Aires, being admitted with grade II-III encephalopathy and hepatomegaly and requiring mechanical respiratory assistance. Serology tests for hepatitis A, B, and C, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus were negative. Laboratory features showed anemia, coagulopathy, and increased serum levels of ammonium, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin. Autoimmune Hepatitis Type-II (AH-II) was the initial diagnosis based on a liver kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies (LKM-1) positive result, and twenty days later a liver transplant was performed. The liver histopathology had indicated hemorrhagic necrosis in zone 3, and cholestasis and nodular regeneration, which were not characteristic of AH-II. LC/ESI-HRMS (liquid chromatography electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry) analysis of MCs in the explanted liver revealed the presence of Microsytin-LR (MC-LR) (2.4 ng·gr-1 tissue) and [D-Leu¹]MC-LR (75.4 ng·gr-1 tissue), which constitute a toxicological nexus and indicate a preponderant role of microcystins in the development of fulminant hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Vidal
- Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, C1199ABB Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Daniela Sedan
- Area of Toxicology, Centre for Environmental Research, Exact Sciences Faculty, National University of La Plata, National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CIMA-FCE-UNLP-CONICET), 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | | | - Eduardo Mullen
- Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, C1199ABB Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | - Cintia Flores
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory/Organic Contaminants, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Josep Caixach
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory/Organic Contaminants, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Dario Andrinolo
- Area of Toxicology, Centre for Environmental Research, Exact Sciences Faculty, National University of La Plata, National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CIMA-FCE-UNLP-CONICET), 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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14
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Howard MDA, Nagoda C, Kudela RM, Hayashi K, Tatters A, Caron DA, Busse L, Brown J, Sutula M, Stein ED. Microcystin Prevalence throughout Lentic Waterbodies in Coastal Southern California. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E231. [PMID: 28737685 PMCID: PMC5535178 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9070231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxin producing cyanobacterial blooms have increased globally in recent decades in both frequency and intensity. Despite the recognition of this growing risk, the extent and magnitude of cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxin prevalence is poorly characterized in the heavily populated region of southern California. Recent assessments of lentic waterbodies (depressional wetlands, lakes, reservoirs and coastal lagoons) determined the prevalence of microcystins and, in some cases, additional cyanotoxins. Microcystins were present in all waterbody types surveyed although toxin concentrations were generally low across most habitats, as only a small number of sites exceeded California's recreational health thresholds for acute toxicity. Results from passive samplers (Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT)) indicated microcystins were prevalent throughout lentic waterbodies and that traditional discrete samples underestimated the presence of microcystins. Multiple cyanotoxins were detected simultaneously in some systems, indicating multiple stressors, the risk of which is uncertain since health thresholds are based on exposures to single toxins. Anatoxin-a was detected for the first time from lakes in southern California. The persistence of detectable microcystins across years and seasons indicates a low-level, chronic risk through both direct and indirect exposure. The influence of toxic cyanobacterial blooms is a more complex stressor than presently recognized and should be included in water quality monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith D A Howard
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Boulevard, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
| | - Carey Nagoda
- San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108, USA.
| | - Raphael M Kudela
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 USA.
| | - Kendra Hayashi
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 USA.
| | - Avery Tatters
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0371, USA.
| | - David A Caron
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0371, USA.
| | - Lilian Busse
- German Federal Environmental Agency, Umweltbundesamt, Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06844 Dessau, Germany.
| | - Jeff Brown
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Boulevard, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
| | - Martha Sutula
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Boulevard, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
| | - Eric D Stein
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Boulevard, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
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15
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Tatters AO, Howard MDA, Nagoda C, Busse L, Gellene AG, Caron DA. Multiple Stressors at the Land-Sea Interface: Cyanotoxins at the Land-Sea Interface in the Southern California Bight. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E95. [PMID: 28282935 PMCID: PMC5371850 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9030095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Blooms of toxic cyanobacteria in freshwater ecosystems have received considerable attention in recent years, but their occurrence and potential importance at the land-sea interface has not been widely recognized. Here we present the results of a survey of discrete samples conducted in more than fifty brackish water sites along the coastline of southern California. Our objectives were to characterize cyanobacterial community composition and determine if specific groups of cyanotoxins (anatoxins, cylindrospermopsins, microcystins, nodularins, and saxitoxins) were present. We report the identification of numerous potentially harmful taxa and the co-occurrence of multiple toxins, previously undocumented, at several locations. Our findings reveal a potential health concern based on the range of organisms present and the widespread prevalence of recognized toxic compounds. Our results raise concerns for recreation, harvesting of finfish and shellfish, and wildlife and desalination operations, highlighting the need for assessments and implementation of monitoring programs. Such programs appear to be particularly necessary in regions susceptible to urban influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery O Tatters
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0371, USA.
| | - Meredith D A Howard
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Boulevard, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
| | - Carey Nagoda
- San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108, USA.
| | - Lilian Busse
- German Federal Environmental Agency, Umweltbundesamt, Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06844 Dessau, Germany.
| | - Alyssa G Gellene
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0371, USA.
| | - David A Caron
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0371, USA.
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16
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Domínguez-Pérez D, Rodríguez AA, Osorio H, Azevedo J, Castañeda O, Vasconcelos V, Antunes A. Microcystin-LR Detected in a Low Molecular Weight Fraction from a Crude Extract of Zoanthus sociatus. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E89. [PMID: 28257074 PMCID: PMC5371844 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9030089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cnidarian constitutes a great source of bioactive compounds. However, research involving peptides from organisms belonging to the order Zoanthidea has received very little attention, contrasting to the numerous studies of the order Actiniaria, from which hundreds of toxic peptides and proteins have been reported. In this work, we performed a mass spectrometry analysis of a low molecular weight (LMW) fraction previously reported as lethal to mice. The low molecular weight (LMW) fraction was obtained by gel filtration of a Zoanthus sociatus (order Zoanthidea) crude extract with a Sephadex G-50, and then analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) in positive ion reflector mode from m/z 700 to m/z 4000. Afterwards, some of the most intense and representative MS ions were fragmented by MS/MS with no significant results obtained by Protein Pilot protein identification software and the Mascot algorithm search. However, microcystin masses were detected by mass-matching against libraries of non-ribosomal peptide database (NORINE). Subsequent reversed-phase C18 HPLC (in isocratic elution mode) and mass spectrometry analyses corroborated the presence of the cyanotoxin Microcystin-LR (MC-LR). To the best of our knowledge, this finding constitutes the first report of MC-LR in Z. sociatus, and one of the few evidences of such cyanotoxin in cnidarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dany Domínguez-Pérez
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Armando Alexei Rodríguez
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Peptide Chemistry, Hanover Medical School (MHH), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 31, D-30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Hugo Osorio
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Ipatimup, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Joana Azevedo
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Olga Castañeda
- Faculty of Biology, University of La Habana, 25 St 455, CP 10400 La Habana, Cuba.
| | - Vítor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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17
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Scherer PI, Raeder U, Geist J, Zwirglmaier K. Influence of temperature, mixing, and addition of microcystin-LR on microcystin gene expression in Microcystis aeruginosa. Microbiologyopen 2017; 6:e00393. [PMID: 27411372 PMCID: PMC5300888 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria, such as the toxin producer Microcystis aeruginosa, are predicted to be favored by global warming both directly, through elevated water temperatures, and indirectly, through factors such as prolonged stratification of waterbodies. M. aeruginosa is able to produce the hepatotoxin microcystin, which causes great concern in freshwater management worldwide. However, little is known about the expression of microcystin synthesis genes in response to climate change-related factors. In this study, a new RT-qPCR assay employing four reference genes (GAPDH, gltA, rpoC1, and rpoD) was developed to assess the expression of two target genes (the microcystin synthesis genes mcyB and mcyD). This assay was used to investigate changes in mcyB and mcyD expression in response to selected environmental factors associated with global warming. A 10°C rise in temperature significantly increased mcyB expression, but not mcyD expression. Neither mixing nor the addition of microcystin-LR (10 μg L-1 or 60 μg L-1 ) significantly altered mcyB and mcyD expression. The expression levels of mcyB and mcyD were correlated but not identical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia I. Scherer
- Aquatic Systems Biology UnitLimnological Research Station IffeldorfDepartment of Ecology and Ecosystem ManagementTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - Uta Raeder
- Aquatic Systems Biology UnitLimnological Research Station IffeldorfDepartment of Ecology and Ecosystem ManagementTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - Juergen Geist
- Aquatic Systems Biology UnitLimnological Research Station IffeldorfDepartment of Ecology and Ecosystem ManagementTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - Katrin Zwirglmaier
- Aquatic Systems Biology UnitLimnological Research Station IffeldorfDepartment of Ecology and Ecosystem ManagementTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
- Present address: Bundeswehr Institute of MicrobiologyMunichGermany
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18
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Xie L, Rediske RR, Gillett ND, O'Keefe JP, Scull B, Xue Q. The impact of environmental parameters on microcystin production in dialysis bag experiments. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38722. [PMID: 27934931 PMCID: PMC5146672 DOI: 10.1038/srep38722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important to understand what environmental parameters may regulate microcystin (MC) production and congener type. To determine if environmental conditions in two hydraulically connected lakes can influence MC production and congener ratios, we incubated dialysis bags containing phytoplankton from mesotrophic/eutrophic Muskegon Lake into hypereutrophic Bear Lake (Michigan, USA) and vice versa. Strong cyanobacteria growth was observed in all dialysis bags with Bear Lake phytoplankton in July and August. Phytoplankton communities were dominated by Aphanizomenon aphanizomenoides, Microcystis wesenbergii, Limnothrix redekei. MC concentrations were correlated with M. wesenbergii and A. aphanizomenoides biovolume. MC concentrations in bags incubated in the Muskegon Lake with Bear Lake water were significantly higher than the other bags. The higher light intensity and total nitrogen concentration may have caused the increase of MC production. The MC-LR/MC-RR ratios varied with sample origin but not with lake of incubation, indicating that physical environmental factors (water temperature and turbidity) were not the reasons for different toxin production ratios. Differences in total phosphorus concentrations might be one reason for the dissimilarity of the MC-LR/MC-RR ratio between the two lakes. The higher light intensity and NO3-N concentration in Muskegon Lake are two factors contributing to an increase of MC production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 73 East Bejing Road, Nanjing 210008, China.,Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 740 West Shoreline Drive, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - Richard R Rediske
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 740 West Shoreline Drive, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - Nadia D Gillett
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 740 West Shoreline Drive, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - James P O'Keefe
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 740 West Shoreline Drive, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - Brian Scull
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 740 West Shoreline Drive, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - Qingju Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 73 East Bejing Road, Nanjing 210008, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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19
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Li Y, Li J, Huang H, Yang M, Zhuang D, Cheng X, Zhang H, Fu X. Microcystin-LR induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in human bronchial epithelial cells. Exp Ther Med 2016; 12:633-640. [PMID: 27446254 PMCID: PMC4950845 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the toxicity of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and to explore the mechanism of MC-LR-induced apoptosis in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. HBE cells were treated with MC-LR (1, 10, 20, 30 and 40 µg/ml) alone or with MC-LR (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 µg/ml) and Z-VAD-FMK (0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 µM), which is a caspase inhibitor, for 24 and 48 h. Cell viability was assessed via an MTT assay and the half maximal effective concentration of MC-LR was determined. The optimal concentration of Z-VAD-FMK was established as 50 µm, which was then used in the subsequent experiments. MC-LR significantly inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis of HBE cells in a dose-dependent manner, as detected by an Annexin V/propidium iodide assay. MC-LR induced cell apoptosis, excess reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, upregulated Bax expression and downregulated B-cell lymphoma-2 expression in HBE cells. Moreover, western blot analysis demonstrated that MC-LR increased the activity levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 and induced cytochrome c release into the cytoplasm, suggesting that MC-LR-induced apoptosis is associated with the mitochondrial pathway. Furthermore, pretreatment with Z-VAD-FMK reduced MC-LR-induced apoptosis by blocking caspase activation in HBE cells. Therefore, the results of the present study suggested that MC-LR is capable of significantly inhibiting the viability of HBE cells by inducing apoptosis in a mitochondria-dependent manner. The present study provides a foundation for further understanding the mechanism underlying the toxicity of MC-LR in the respiratory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Henan Science and Technology Exchange Center with Foreign Countries, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Hui Huang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Mingfeng Yang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Donggang Zhuang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Xuemin Cheng
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoli Fu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
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20
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Koreivienė J, Anne O, Kasperovičienė J, Burškytė V. Cyanotoxin management and human health risk mitigation in recreational waters. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:4443-4459. [PMID: 24664523 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3710-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and severity of harmful cyanobacterial or blue-green algal blooms (HABs) have increased in recent decades, posing a serious threat of illness to humans. In some countries, water contaminated with cyanotoxins that is used for drinking or haemodialysis has posed a particularly serious risk. However, it is now recognized that recreational exposure to natural toxins by skin contact, accidental swallowing of water or inhalation can also cause a wide range of acute or chronic illnesses. In this review, we focus on the importance of cyanotoxin management in recreational waters. The symptoms related with HAB poisonings, the recommended safety concentrations limit for cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in such waters, as well as early health hazard indicators of their presence and their monitoring are all discussed. We also present in this review an overview of the methods developed in recent decades for eliminating cyanobacteria and the toxic compounds that they produce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judita Koreivienė
- Institute of Botany of Nature Research Centre, Žaliųjų Ežerų Str. 49, 08406, Vilnius, Lithuania,
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21
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Backer LC, Landsberg JH, Miller M, Keel K, Taylor TK. Canine cyanotoxin poisonings in the United States (1920s-2012): review of suspected and confirmed cases from three data sources. Toxins (Basel) 2013; 5:1597-628. [PMID: 24064718 PMCID: PMC3798876 DOI: 10.3390/toxins5091597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments. Some species produce potent toxins that can sicken or kill people, domestic animals, and wildlife. Dogs are particularly vulnerable to cyanotoxin poisoning because of their tendency to swim in and drink contaminated water during algal blooms or to ingestalgal mats.. Here, we summarize reports of suspected or confirmed canine cyanotoxin poisonings in the U.S. from three sources: (1) The Harmful Algal Bloom-related Illness Surveillance System (HABISS) of the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); (2) Retrospective case files from a large, regional veterinary hospital in California; and (3) Publicly available scientific and medical manuscripts; written media; and web-based reports from pet owners, veterinarians, and other individuals. We identified 231 discreet cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom (cyanoHAB) events and 368 cases of cyanotoxinpoisoning associated with dogs throughout the U.S. between the late 1920s and 2012. The canine cyanotoxin poisoning events reviewed here likely represent a small fraction of cases that occur throughout the U.S. each year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine C. Backer
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS F-60, Chamblee, GA 30341, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-770-488-3426; Fax: +1-770-488-3450
| | - Jan H. Landsberg
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 100 Eighth Avenue SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Melissa Miller
- Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Spill Prevention and Response, 1451 Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; E-Mails: (M.M.); (T.K.T.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Kevin Keel
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Tegwin K. Taylor
- Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Spill Prevention and Response, 1451 Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; E-Mails: (M.M.); (T.K.T.)
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22
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Backer LC. Freshwater Algal Blooms & Public Health. LAKE LINE 2012; 32:7-9. [PMID: 26412937 PMCID: PMC4580565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Giannuzzi L, Sedan D, Echenique R, Andrinolo D. An acute case of intoxication with cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in recreational water in Salto Grande Dam, Argentina. Mar Drugs 2011; 9:2164-2175. [PMID: 22163179 PMCID: PMC3229228 DOI: 10.3390/md9112164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacterial blooms and hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs) usually occur in summer, constituting a sanitary and environmental problem in Salto Grande Dam, Argentina. Water sports and recreational activities take place in summer in this lake. We reported an acute case of cyanobacterial poisoning in Salto Grande dam, Argentina, which occurred in January 2007. Accidentally, a young man was immersed in an intense bloom of Microcystis spp. A level of 48.6 μg·L(-1) of microcystin-LR was detected in water samples. Four hours after exposure, the patient showed nausea, abdominal pain and fever. Three days later, dyspnea and respiratory distress were reported. The patient was hospitalized in intensive care and diagnosed with an atypical pneumonia. Finally, a week after the exposure, the patient developed a hepatotoxicosis with a significant increase of hepatic damage biomarkers (ALT, AST and γGT). Complete recovery took place within 20 days. This is the first study to show an acute intoxication with microcystin-producing cyanobacteria blooms in recreational water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leda Giannuzzi
- Toxicology Laboratory, Exact Sciences College, National University of La Plata (UNLP), 47th and 115th Street, La Plata 1900, Argentina; E-Mails: (D.S.); (D.A.)
| | - Daniela Sedan
- Toxicology Laboratory, Exact Sciences College, National University of La Plata (UNLP), 47th and 115th Street, La Plata 1900, Argentina; E-Mails: (D.S.); (D.A.)
| | - Ricardo Echenique
- Department of Phycology, Natural Sciences and Museum College, National University of La Plata (UNLP), 47th and 115th Street, La Plata 1900, Argentina; E-Mail:
| | - Dario Andrinolo
- Toxicology Laboratory, Exact Sciences College, National University of La Plata (UNLP), 47th and 115th Street, La Plata 1900, Argentina; E-Mails: (D.S.); (D.A.)
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The cyanobacteria derived toxin Beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:2837-50. [PMID: 22069578 PMCID: PMC3153186 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2122837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is mounting evidence to suggest that environmental factors play a major role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases like ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). The non-protein amino acid beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) was first associated with the high incidence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC) in Guam, and has been implicated as a potential environmental factor in ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases. BMAA has a number of toxic effects on motor neurons including direct agonist action on NMDA and AMPA receptors, induction of oxidative stress, and depletion of glutathione. As a non-protein amino acid, there is also the strong possibility that BMAA could cause intraneuronal protein misfolding, the hallmark of neurodegeneration. While an animal model for BMAA-induced ALS is lacking, there is substantial evidence to support a link between this toxin and ALS. The ramifications of discovering an environmental trigger for ALS are enormous. In this article, we discuss the history, ecology, pharmacology and clinical ramifications of this ubiquitous, cyanobacteria-derived toxin.
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Miller MA, Kudela RM, Mekebri A, Crane D, Oates SC, Tinker MT, Staedler M, Miller WA, Toy-Choutka S, Dominik C, Hardin D, Langlois G, Murray M, Ward K, Jessup DA. Evidence for a novel marine harmful algal bloom: cyanotoxin (microcystin) transfer from land to sea otters. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12576. [PMID: 20844747 PMCID: PMC2936937 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
"Super-blooms" of cyanobacteria that produce potent and environmentally persistent biotoxins (microcystins) are an emerging global health issue in freshwater habitats. Monitoring of the marine environment for secondary impacts has been minimal, although microcystin-contaminated freshwater is known to be entering marine ecosystems. Here we confirm deaths of marine mammals from microcystin intoxication and provide evidence implicating land-sea flow with trophic transfer through marine invertebrates as the most likely route of exposure. This hypothesis was evaluated through environmental detection of potential freshwater and marine microcystin sources, sea otter necropsy with biochemical analysis of tissues and evaluation of bioaccumulation of freshwater microcystins by marine invertebrates. Ocean discharge of freshwater microcystins was confirmed for three nutrient-impaired rivers flowing into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and microcystin concentrations up to 2,900 ppm (2.9 million ppb) were detected in a freshwater lake and downstream tributaries to within 1 km of the ocean. Deaths of 21 southern sea otters, a federally listed threatened species, were linked to microcystin intoxication. Finally, farmed and free-living marine clams, mussels and oysters of species that are often consumed by sea otters and humans exhibited significant biomagnification (to 107 times ambient water levels) and slow depuration of freshwater cyanotoxins, suggesting a potentially serious environmental and public health threat that extends from the lowest trophic levels of nutrient-impaired freshwater habitat to apex marine predators. Microcystin-poisoned sea otters were commonly recovered near river mouths and harbors and contaminated marine bivalves were implicated as the most likely source of this potent hepatotoxin for wild otters. This is the first report of deaths of marine mammals due to cyanotoxins and confirms the existence of a novel class of marine "harmful algal bloom" in the Pacific coastal environment; that of hepatotoxic shellfish poisoning (HSP), suggesting that animals and humans are at risk from microcystin poisoning when consuming shellfish harvested at the land-sea interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Miller
- Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center, California Department of Fish and Game, Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America.
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Stewart I, Carmichael WW, Sadler R, McGregor GB, Reardon K, Eaglesham GK, Wickramasinghe WA, Seawright AA, Shaw GR. Occupational and environmental hazard assessments for the isolation, purification and toxicity testing of cyanobacterial toxins. Environ Health 2009; 8:52. [PMID: 19925679 PMCID: PMC2785771 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-8-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2009] [Accepted: 11/19/2009] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria can produce groups of structurally and functionally unrelated but highly potent toxins. Cyanotoxins are used in multiple research endeavours, either for direct investigation of their toxicologic properties, or as functional analogues for various biochemical and physiological processes. This paper presents occupational safety guidelines and recommendations for personnel working in field, laboratory or industrial settings to produce and use purified cyanotoxins and toxic cyanobacteria, from bulk harvesting of bloom material, mass culture of laboratory isolates, through routine extraction, isolation and purification. Oral, inhalational, dermal and parenteral routes are all potential occupational exposure pathways during the various stages of cyanotoxin production and application. Investigation of toxicologic or pharmacologic properties using in vivo models may present specific risks if radiolabelled cyanotoxins are employed, and the potential for occupational exposure via the dermal route is heightened with the use of organic solvents as vehicles. Inter- and intra-national transport of living cyanobacteria for research purposes risks establishing feral microalgal populations, so disinfection of culture equipment and destruction of cells by autoclaving, incineration and/or chlorination is recommended in order to prevent viable cyanobacteria from escaping research or production facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Stewart
- Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
- School of Public Health, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Queensland 4131, Australia
| | - Wayne W Carmichael
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glen Highway, Dayton, Ohio 45435, USA
| | - Ross Sadler
- School of Public Health, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Queensland 4131, Australia
| | - Glenn B McGregor
- Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management, 120 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Queensland 4068, Australia
| | - Karen Reardon
- Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Geoffrey K Eaglesham
- Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Wasantha A Wickramasinghe
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Alan A Seawright
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Glen R Shaw
- School of Public Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
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Moore SK, Trainer VL, Mantua NJ, Parker MS, Laws EA, Backer LC, Fleming LE. Impacts of climate variability and future climate change on harmful algal blooms and human health. Environ Health 2008; 7 Suppl 2:S4. [PMID: 19025675 DOI: 10.1186/1476•069x•7•s2•s4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenically-derived increases in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations have been implicated in recent climate change, and are projected to substantially impact the climate on a global scale in the future. For marine and freshwater systems, increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases are expected to increase surface temperatures, lower pH, and cause changes to vertical mixing, upwelling, precipitation, and evaporation patterns. The potential consequences of these changes for harmful algal blooms (HABs) have received relatively little attention and are not well understood. Given the apparent increase in HABs around the world and the potential for greater problems as a result of climate change and ocean acidification, substantial research is needed to evaluate the direct and indirect associations between HABs, climate change, ocean acidification, and human health. This research will require a multidisciplinary approach utilizing expertise in climatology, oceanography, biology, epidemiology, and other disciplines. We review the interactions between selected patterns of large-scale climate variability and climate change, oceanic conditions, and harmful algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K Moore
- School of Oceanography, University of Washington, Box 355351, Seattle, Washington 98195-5351, USA.
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Moore SK, Trainer VL, Mantua NJ, Parker MS, Laws EA, Backer LC, Fleming LE. Impacts of climate variability and future climate change on harmful algal blooms and human health. Environ Health 2008; 7 Suppl 2:S4. [PMID: 19025675 PMCID: PMC2586717 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-7-s2-s4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenically-derived increases in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations have been implicated in recent climate change, and are projected to substantially impact the climate on a global scale in the future. For marine and freshwater systems, increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases are expected to increase surface temperatures, lower pH, and cause changes to vertical mixing, upwelling, precipitation, and evaporation patterns. The potential consequences of these changes for harmful algal blooms (HABs) have received relatively little attention and are not well understood. Given the apparent increase in HABs around the world and the potential for greater problems as a result of climate change and ocean acidification, substantial research is needed to evaluate the direct and indirect associations between HABs, climate change, ocean acidification, and human health. This research will require a multidisciplinary approach utilizing expertise in climatology, oceanography, biology, epidemiology, and other disciplines. We review the interactions between selected patterns of large-scale climate variability and climate change, oceanic conditions, and harmful algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K Moore
- School of Oceanography, University of Washington, Box 355351, Seattle, Washington 98195-5351, USA
- NOAA, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, West Coast Center for Oceans and Human Health, 2725 Montlake Blvd. E., Seattle, Washington 98112-2013, USA
| | - Vera L Trainer
- NOAA, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, West Coast Center for Oceans and Human Health, 2725 Montlake Blvd. E., Seattle, Washington 98112-2013, USA
| | - Nathan J Mantua
- Climate Impacts Group and School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, Seattle, Washington 98195-5020, USA
| | - Micaela S Parker
- Pacific Northwest Center for Human Health and Ocean Studies, University of Washington, Box 357940, Seattle, Washington 98195-7940, USA
| | - Edward A Laws
- School of the Coast and Environment, 1002 K Energy, Coast and Environment Building, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803-4110, USA
| | - Lorraine C Backer
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE MS F-46, Chamblee, Georgia 30341-3717, USA
| | - Lora E Fleming
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health and Department of Marine Biology and Fisheries, University of Miami School of Medicine and Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, Florida 33136-2107, USA
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Abstract
Toxic blooms of cyanobacteria are ubiquitous in both freshwater and brackish water sources throughout the world. One class of cyanobacterial toxins, called microcystins, is cyclic peptides. In addition to ingestion and dermal, inhalation is a likely route of human exposure. A significant increase in reporting of minor symptoms, particularly respiratory symptoms was associated with exposure to higher levels of cyanobacteria during recreational activities. Algae cells, bacteria, and waterborne toxins can be aerosolized by a bubble-bursting process with a wind-driven white-capped wave mechanism. The purposes of this study were to: evaluate sampling and analysis techniques for microcystin aerosol, produce aerosol droplets containing microcystin in the laboratory, and deploy the sampling instruments in field studies. A high-volume impactor and an IOM filter sampler were tried first in the laboratory to collect droplets containing microcystins. Samples were extracted and analyzed for microcystin using an ELISA method. The laboratory study showed that cyanotoxins in water could be transferred to air via a bubble-bursting process. The droplets containing microcystins showed a bimodal size distribution with the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 1.4 and 27.8 μm. The sampling and analysis methods were successfully used in a pilot field study to measure microcystin aerosol in situ.
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