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Phycotoxins produced by Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and their role in human poisoning: A review

Debkumar Sahoo
Coastal Environmental Studies Research Centre, Egra S.S.B. College, Purba Medinipur, Affiliated under Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, India
OrchideID Icon https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7075-3385

Santosh Kumar Bera
Coastal Environmental Studies Research Centre, Egra S.S.B. College, Purba Medinipur, Affiliated under Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, India
OrchideID Icon https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3862-3161

Prabad Pratim Pal
Coastal Environmental Studies Research Centre, Egra S.S.B. College, Purba Medinipur, Affiliated under Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, India
OrchideID Icon https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5809-5763

Dipak Kumar Tamili
Egra S. S. B. College, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India

Nithar Ranjan Madhu
Department of Zoology, Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, West Bengal, India
OrchideID Icon https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4198-5048

Sudipta Kumar Ghorai
Coastal Environmental Studies Research Centre, Egra S.S.B. College, Purba Medinipur, Affiliated under Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, India
OrchideID Icon https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3478-3632

Published online:30th November, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/lbsopf.2024.e03.001

Keywords: Phycotoxin, HABs, Domoic acid, Red tides or Green tides

Abstract:

Phycotoxins are highly potent natural toxins produced by specific marine algae and cyanobacteria during Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), which often appear as water discolorations known as “Red Tides” or “Green Tides.” These toxins are classified based on their chemical structure, mode of action, target tissues, and biological effects on human health. They pose an ongoing threat to public health, marine ecosystems, and the economy, particularly through seafood contamination and water pollution. Managing their impact requires a multidisciplinary approach at both local and global levels. Historical cases highlight the severity of phycotoxin contamination. For instance, in 2015, a bloom of the toxigenic Pseudo-nitzschia species along the West Coast of North America led to domoic acid contamination in crabs and clams, prompting harvesting closures and consumer advisories from public health authorities. Similarly, in September 2016, elevated toxin levels resulted in the closure of razor clam and mussel harvesting along the Oregon coast. In another incident, massive cyanobacteria blooms in Florida led to drinking water bans in some areas due to contamination concerns. These events underscore the need for ongoing public health surveillance, environmental monitoring, and scientific research to mitigate risks associated with phycotoxins. Despite advancements in marine science, research on human exposure and long-term health consequences remains limited, even as toxigenic species blooms increase globally. Currently, diagnosis and management of phycotoxin poisoning rely heavily on clinical symptom interpretation, exposure history assessment, and identification of contamination sources. Several phycotoxins are neurotoxic, potentially fatal, or linked to chronic health effects. However, human intoxications often go misdiagnosed, underreported, or unrecognized by public health authorities, creating challenges for effective management and epidemiological tracking. To reduce risks, stronger regulatory frameworks, public health vigilance, and awareness among healthcare providers—especially in regions with frequent HAB occurrences—are crucial. However, certain populations face a higher risk of exposure, including recreational shellfish harvesters, anglers, children, and Indigenous coastal communities. Additionally, human poisoning incidents can arise globally due to the consumption of contaminated seafood, whether through travel or the importation of products from regions with insufficient food safety regulations and limited analytical testing. To address these challenges, continued research, improved diagnostic tools, and enhanced monitoring systems are essential for the early detection, prevention, and management of phycotoxin-related health risks.

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Life as Basic Science: An Overview and Prospects for Future [Volume: 3]

How to Cite
Debkumar Sahoo, Santosh Kumar Bera, Prabad Pratim Pal, Dipak Kumar Tamili, Nithar Ranjan Madhu and Sudipta Kumar Ghorai (2024). Phycotoxins produced by Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and their role in human poisoning: A review. © International Academic Publishing House (IAPH), Dr. Somnath Das, Dr. Jayanta Kumar Das, Dr. Mayur Doke and Dr. Vincent Avecilla (eds.), Life as Basic Science: An Overview and Prospects for the Future Volume: 3, pp. 01-19. ISBN: 978-81-978955-7-9
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/lbsopf.2024.e03.001

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