Variation and Profile of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Toxins in Jinhae Bay, Korea

Abstract

To understand critical aspects of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in a chief area of bivalve production in Korea, seasonal variation in PSP toxins in bivalves collected from Jinhae Bay, Korea in 2009 was surveyed by the pre-column high-performance liquid chromatography oxidation method. We also confirmed the profiles of major bivalves such as oysters Crassostrea gigas and mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis in Jinhae Bay. PSP toxins in the bivalves showed remarkable seasonal variation. PSP toxin levels were detected from April to May in 2009, and the highest total toxin levels at all stations were recorded in May. The major toxins in bivalves were gonyautoxin [GTX] 1&4 and C 1&2; in oysters GTX 2&3 were also detected as major components. GTX 1&4, which showed the highest PSP toxin levels at each station, accounted for the highest proportions of toxin components in mussels and oysters (64.5-71.3% and 41.4-42.4%, respectively). It was also confirmed that the highest toxicity (in μg saxitoxin [STX] eq/g) was derived from GTX 1&4. The highest total toxicity (in μg STX eq/g) was approximately 2-8-fold higher in mussels than in oysters collected from the same station. PSP toxin levels in bivalves differed significantly according to the sample collection station. However, the profiles of toxins in the bivalves did not show significant differences during the survey period according to sample collection station. This study shows that PSP toxin levels in some samples from Jinhae Bay were above the regulatory limit in Korea during a specific period in spring.

Low Temperature and Cold Stress Significantly Increase Saxitoxins (STXs) and Expression of STX Biosynthesis Genes sxtA4 and sxtG in the Dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella

“…Statistical analysis demonstrated that sxtA4 expression was correlated with STXs eq in low temperature and cold shock samples, whereas sxtG was sensitive to temperature changes. These results were in accordance with the results of field monitoring data, i.e., most PST contamination of shellfish by A. catenella occurred in spring and autumn (8.2–15 °C) in Korean coasts [ 89 ]. In addition, resting cysts of the Alexandrium spp.…”

Bacteriological quality evaluation of seawater and oysters from the Jaranman-Saryangdo area, a designated shellfish growing area in Korea: Impact of inland pollution sources

“…In particular, Gyeongnam province, located in the south of Korea, produced the largest amount of oysters in Korea, accounting for~90% of oyster products. The products are consumed domestically or exported, mainly to the United States (US), Japan, and the European Union (EU) (Mok et al, 2013(Mok et al, , 2014a(Mok et al, , 2015. The Korean government has established a memorandum of understanding with the US and EU, and there are designated shellfish growing areas for export along the southern coast of Korea which meet the standards set by these countries (Mok et al, 2014a(Mok et al, , 2015.…”

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis in the Changseon area, Korea, and Assessment of Potential Risk to Human Health

“…The vessel was covered and left overnight at ince, has been the designated shellfish-cultivation area for export since 2009 because it is an important mussel-cultivation area in Korea (Ha et al, 2013). The products are consumed domestically or exported mainly to the EU (Mok et al, 2013). Therefore, the safety of Korean seafood is very important to Korea and importing countries, including the EU.…”