Research Article
Spatial distribution and toxic potential of Alexandrium spp. associated with paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) on the west coast of South Sulawesi
1Sahabuddin Sahabuddin, 2Early Septiningsih, 3Kurniah Kurniah, 3Ilham Ilham, 3Safri Safri, 3Syaiful Ardiansyah, 3Haryani Haryani, 3Mat Fahrur, 4Rahmadi Tambaru
1 Research Centre for Freshwater Aquaculture, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia; 2 Research Centre for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia; 3 Research Centre for Marine Aquaculture, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia; 4 Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Corresponding author: S. Sahabuddin, sahabuddin@brin.go.id
Abstract
Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is a type of seafood poisoning that endangers human health. PSP toxins are produced by microscopic plankton of the genus Alexandrium. This study aimed to analyse the spatial distribution and abundance of Alexandrium sp. with emphasis on the profile and potential toxins produced on the west coast of South Sulawesi Province. Sampling was carried out at 8 stations. The results showed that Alexandrium sp. was found at all observation stations with abundance ranging from 500 to 4,200 cells L-1. The concentration of PSP toxicity in seawater samples ranged from 0.8 to 2.5 μg STX eq L-1. In conclusion, the west coast of South Sulawesi has a high potential for PSP poisoning cases in the community. Regular monitoring efforts, provision of educational information, and control of shellfish consumption are needed to minimise the risk of poisoning.
Keywords
abundance Alexandrium sp. human health microscopic paralytic shellfish poisoning spatial distribution
