Researchers from Baylor University have identified a major component that enhances the toxicity of Prymnesium parvum, also known as golden algae, which kills numerous fish in the southern US every year.
This research is the first to identify the cause of increased toxicity of golden algae in inland bodies of water. The results of the study were published in the journal Toxicon.
Although golden algae are mostly coastal species, some have been discovered in lakes and rivers in Texas. Scientists understand that some environmental factors affect toxin production. The new research indicates that once toxin is discharged, its tendency to harm the environment is affected by the water’s pH level. Toxins are more potent when in water with higher pH, which the researchers say is remarkable since blooms can in fact increase the water’s pH level.
Researchers analysed the toxicity and pH levels of some lakes in Texas known for large fish kills from golden algae. They carried out laboratory experiments to confirm their findings, and they also used some computational models to analyse the physicochemical properties of the algae’s toxins and pH levels. Researchers revealed that as the lake’s pH level increases, the algae’s toxicity also increases.
“These results suggest that at least some of the identified toxins released by golden algae are weak bases. Consequently, in-reservoir pH may substantially influence their availability, fate, and ultimately their toxicity”, stated Ted Valenti, a doctoral student in Baylor and also the lead writer of the article.
This research is the first to identify the cause of increased toxicity of golden algae in inland bodies of water. The results of the study were published in the journal Toxicon.
Although golden algae are mostly coastal species, some have been discovered in lakes and rivers in Texas. Scientists understand that some environmental factors affect toxin production. The new research indicates that once toxin is discharged, its tendency to harm the environment is affected by the water’s pH level. Toxins are more potent when in water with higher pH, which the researchers say is remarkable since blooms can in fact increase the water’s pH level.
Researchers analysed the toxicity and pH levels of some lakes in Texas known for large fish kills from golden algae. They carried out laboratory experiments to confirm their findings, and they also used some computational models to analyse the physicochemical properties of the algae’s toxins and pH levels. Researchers revealed that as the lake’s pH level increases, the algae’s toxicity also increases.
“These results suggest that at least some of the identified toxins released by golden algae are weak bases. Consequently, in-reservoir pH may substantially influence their availability, fate, and ultimately their toxicity”, stated Ted Valenti, a doctoral student in Baylor and also the lead writer of the article.
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