Abstract
AbstractToxins produced by cyanoprokaryotes are a key issue in aquatic management because of their potential to exert adverse effects on humans and aquatic biota. The information gap regarding bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes associated with cyanotoxins, however, has resulted in inadequacies in the management and maintenance of biological diversity in lakes and reservoirs affected by toxic cyanoprokaryote blooms. This paper examines the potential for, and effects of, bioaccumulation of two common cyanotoxins, microcystin and cylindrospermopsin, in aquatic organisms. The factors influencing cyanotoxin bioavailability are discussed in the context of the challenges associated with understanding and managing toxin accumulation. Based on the characteristics of cyanotoxin bioavailability, exposure and uptake routes, a theoretical, predictive model for cyanotoxin bioaccumulation is proposed. Key concepts include monitoring changes in toxin availability throughout the progression of a toxic bloom and the prediction of ecological effects based on internal tissue concentrations. The model explores the minimum requirements that managers must undertake in order to properly assess bioaccumulation risk in terms of frequency of toxin testing, toxin fraction determination and assessment of aquatic organisms.
Highlights
Reports of lakes and reservoirs affected by toxic cyanoprokaryote blooms are increasing internationally (e.g. Frank 2002; Bouvy et al 2000; Chorus & Bartram 1999; Padisák 1997)
This paper examines the potential for increased toxicity of MC and CYN due to bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes
Modelling the bioaccumulation processes of cyanotoxins is likely to be highly complex as cyanotoxins, unlike most other toxicants, are produced within living cells
Summary
Reports of lakes and reservoirs affected by toxic cyanoprokaryote (blue-green algal) blooms are increasing internationally (e.g. Frank 2002; Bouvy et al 2000; Chorus & Bartram 1999; Padisák 1997). Ferrão-Filho et al (2002b) concluded that zooplankton were more efficient at MC transfer to higher trophic organisms than were other organisms such as molluscs Such food chain transfers represent potential human risk in consumed organisms such as crayfish, mussels and fish (Saker & Eaglesham 1999). They have implications for biomanipulation management approaches, as consumers may remove toxic phytoplankton from the water (Boon et al 1994; Matveev et al 1994), only to accumulate it into other food web compartments. Studies have not been conducted on chronic CYN exposure in any species (Carson 2000)
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