Analysis and Risk Assessment of Cyanobacterial Toxins

Detection, Analysis and Risk Assessment of Cyanobacterial Toxins 

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in Proceedings of the Fourth Disaster Prevention and Limitation Conference, ed. A. Z. Keller and H.C. Wilson, University of Bradford, 1992, Vol. 4, p. 33. 

Carmichael and I. R. Falconer, in Algal Toxins in Seafood and Drinking Water, ed. I. R. Falconer, Academic Press, London, 1993, p. 187. 

Utkilen, in Photosynthetic Prokaryotes, ed. N. H. Mann and N. G. Carr, Plenum Press, New 

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The final article, by S. G. Bell and G. A. Codd of the University of Dundee Department of Biological Services, is concerned with detection, analysis, and risk assessment of cyanobacterial toxins. These can be responsible for animal, fish, and bird deaths and for ill-health in humans. The occurrence of toxic cyanobacterial blooms and scums on nutrient-rich waters is a world-wide phenomenon and cases are cited from Australia, the USA, and China, as well as throughout Europe. The causes, indentification and assessment of risk, and establishment of criteria for controlling risk are discussed. 

The detection and analysis, including quantification, of cyanobacterial toxins are essential for monitoring their occurrence in natural and controlled waters used for agricultural purposes, potable supplies, recreation and aquaculture. Risk assessment of the cyanobacterial toxins for the protection of human and animal health, and fundamental research, are also dependent on efficient methods of detection and analysis. In this article we discuss the methods developed and used to detect and analyse cyanobacterial toxins in bloom and scum material, water and animal/clinical specimens, and the progress being made in the risk assessment of the toxins. 

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