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Toxic cyanobacteria in the Netherlands

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Summary

In the summer of 1980 waterblooms and scums ofMicrocystis aeruginosa, Oscillatoria agardhii andGloeotrichia echinulata have been collected from 11 locations. Acute toxicity of sonificated algal suspensions was tested by intraperitoneal injection in mice. The results indicate that in 9 out of 10 sample sites lethalM.aeruginosa hepatoxin(s) were present, while in most samples associated bacterial toxin(s) were possibly involved in SDF (Slow Death Factor) intoxication symptoms and death. Two unialgal strains ofM.aeruginosa (RID-2B, isolated from a Dutch storage reservoir, and the Norwegian toxic CYA 57) showed the same toxicity.

Suspensions ofO.agardhii were also found to be lethal. Symptoms and mortality are thought to be attributed to at least two toxic factors. One resembling FDF, the other possibly resulting from associated bacteria. Administration ofG.echinulata suspensions did not kill mice but produced symptoms of illness, which were not consistent with those observed withMicrocystis FDF (Fast Death Factor) or SDF.

Because there are no documented cases of health impairments due to cyanobacteria in The Netherlands, an inquiry was held in autumn 1980 and 1981 among 280 physicans practising in Rijnmond, into the occurrence of primary or allergic dermatitis and conjunctivitis in humans after swimming in waterblooms of toxicM.aeruginosa in Lake Brielle. In this inquiry only a few cases of skin reactions and conjunctivitis were reported.

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References

  • KAPPERS, F.I., 1981. Toxiciteit van blauwwieren in recreatiewateren. Ned.T.Geneesk., 125:1008.

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  • KAPPERS, F.I., P. LEEUWANGH, M. DEKKER and W. KOERSELMAN 1981. Investigation of the presence of toxins produced by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in The Netherlands. Sci. Total Environment, 18:359–361.

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  • LEEUWANGH, P., F.I. KAPPERS, M. DEKKER and W. KOERSELMAN, Waterblooms of toxic cyanobacteria in Dutch lakes and reservoirs (submitted to Aquatic Toxicology).

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Kappers, F.I. Toxic cyanobacteria in the Netherlands. Hydrobiological Bulletin 16, 291 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02255387

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02255387

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