Harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico : brevetoxin degradation and derivation formation via photochemical processes
- UNCW Author/Contributor (non-UNCW co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Ron C. Hardman (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW )
- Web Site: http://library.uncw.edu/
- Advisor
- Daniel Baden
Abstract: Harmful algal blooms (HAB’s) of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (Gymnodinium breve) are recurring events in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) which have significant adverse human health, environmental and economic impacts. Brevetoxins (PbTx), produced by K. brevis, are potent neurotoxins and during HAB events are responsible for mass morbidity and mortality in fish, birds and marine mammals and the causative agent(s) of Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP) in humans. Brevetoxin exposure (inhalation or oral) results in systemic distribution of the toxin to all bodily tissues with a variety pathophysiological sequelae. Current evidence suggests that, in addition to the known acute toxicological effects on cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and respiratory systems, chronic brevetoxin exposure may result in immunosuppression and toxicity to the hemopoietic and thermoregulatory systems. Brevetoxin (PbTx1) has recently been shown to be teratogenic in fish embryo studies.
While acute effects of brevetoxin exposures have been studied over the last two decades, far less is known about the effects of chronic/repeated brevetoxin exposure on humans and marine wildlife and little is understood about the transport and fate of brevetoxins in the environment (water, air, sediments, and selected biota). In order to apply effective risk assessment and develop accurate and reliable detection methodologies, greater knowledge of the transport and fate of brevetoxins in the environment are needed. These findings suggest solar radiation plays a significant role in the mediation of brevetoxin (PbTx2) degradation and brevetoxin derivative formation. Hence, it suggested that photochemistry may play a critical role in the transport and fate of brevetoxin(s) in the environment.
Harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico : brevetoxin degradation and derivation formation via photochemical processes
PDF (Portable Document Format)
2370 KB
Created on 1/1/2009
Views: 2865
Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- A Thesis Submitted to the University of North Carolina Wilmington in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science
- Language: English
- Date: 2009
- Keywords
- Algal blooms--Research--Mexico Gulf of , Algal blooms--Toxicology , Ptychodiscus brevis , Toxic algae--Toxicology
- Subjects
- Ptychodiscus brevis
- Toxic algae -- Toxicology
- Algal blooms -- Toxicology
- Algal blooms -- Research -- Mexico, Gulf of