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VOL. 4, ISSUE 1 (2022)
Detection and monitoring of algal toxins and causative harmful algae in Abu Dhabi waters-A pilot study
Authors
Anbiah Rajan, Steve L Morton, Rajasekhar Thankamony, Azza Al Raisi, Ponpandi Perumal, Shaikha Al Hosani
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms along the coastline of the Arabian Gulf have been common for many years and increasing over the past few decades. The microalgal species including diatoms and dinoflagellates produce a variety of marine biotoxins (algal toxins) that may be harmful to marine organisms and people. The detection and monitoring techniques for algal toxins and the causative harmful algal blooms (HABs) are critical for the protection of marine organisms, potable water quality, and public health. In response to this growing concern, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) initiated a monitoring programme in 2006 and identified several toxin-producing species, including domoic acid-producing diatom (Pseudo-nitzschia sp), saxitoxin-producing dinoflagellate (Alexandrium sp), and okadaic acid-producing dinoflagellate Dinophysis sp). Since algal toxin-producing algae were detected, the scientific understanding and detection of the algal toxin in Abu Dhabi waters have become essential. Hence, EAD started a pilot project to study the feasibility of using the Solid Phase Absorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) technology in the detection of three algal toxins, particularly near desalination plants in Abu Dhabi waters. Results of the eight-week pilot project include weekly phytoplankton cell enumeration with toxin determination on phytoplankton samples and SPATT bags deployment in Abu Dhabi waters. The SPATT signalled that the presence of domoic acid from Abu Dhabi waters correlated with high concentrations of Pseudo-nitzschia pseudodelicatissima. This study is the first to evaluate SPATT deployments in Abu Dhabi waters as well as demonstrate the applicability of SPATT towards the detection of hydrophilic phycotoxins in the United Arab Emirates.
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Pages:25-30
How to cite this article:
Anbiah Rajan, Steve L Morton, Rajasekhar Thankamony, Azza Al Raisi, Ponpandi Perumal, Shaikha Al Hosani "Detection and monitoring of algal toxins and causative harmful algae in Abu Dhabi waters-A pilot study ". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 4, Issue 1, 2022, Pages 25-30
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