Toxicology and detection methods of the alkaloid neurotoxin produced by cyanobacteria, anatoxin-a

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2007

Authors

Joana Osswald (Author) Other; Sandra Rellan (Author) Other; Ana Gago (Author) Other; Vitor Vasconcelos (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Environment International

Vol. 33

Pages: 1070-1089

ISSN: 0160-4120

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 121 Citations

Scopus - 131 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Earth and related Environmental sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-6FH

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2007.06.003

Abstract (EN): Freshwater resources are under stress due to naturally occurring conditions and human impacts. One of the consequences is the proliferation of cyanobacteria, microphytoplankton organisms that are capable to produce toxins called cyanotoxins. Anatoxin-a is one of the main cyanotoxins. It is a very potent neurotoxin that was already responsible for some animal fatalities. In this review we endeavor to divulgate much of the internationally published information about toxicology, occurrence and detection methods of anatoxin-a. Cyanobacteria generalities, anatoxin-a occurrence and production as well as anatoxin-a toxicology and its methods of detection are the aspects focused in this review. Remediation of anatoxin-a occurrence will be addressed with a public health perspective. Final remarks call the attention for some important gaps in the knowledge about this neurotoxin and its implication to public health. Alterations of aquatic ecosystems caused by anatoxin-a is also addressed. Although anatoxin-a is not the more frequent cyanotoxin worldwide, it has to be regarded as a health risk that can be fatal to terrestrial and aquatic organisms because of its high toxicity.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 20