Evaluation of marine biotoxins in Crassostrea virginica in Tampamachoco Lagoon and Tamiahua Lagoon, Veracruz

Abstract

Marine biotoxins were evaluated in the oyster Crassostrea virginica collected from the Tampamachoco and Tamiahua lagoons in Veracruz, Mexico, through monthly samplings conducted from July 2018 to February 2019. Using optical microscopy, three genera of toxin-producing dinoflagellates were identified: Alexandrium, Prorocentrum, and Gymnodinium. The detection of biotoxins in oyster muscle was performed using mouse bioassays, rapid tests for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The results showed that paralytic shellfish toxins were not detected by any of the techniques used. However, chromatographic analysis allowed the identification of other marine biotoxins. In samples from Tampamachoco lagoon, spirolides were detected with maximum values of 10.09 mg/g in July, 11.39 mg/g in August, and 10.77 mg/g in September; gymnodimines reached 14.56 mg/g in December and 12.4 mg/g in February; and pectenotoxins were detected at 0.38 mg/g in December. In Tamiahua lagoon, spirolides were recorded at 1.76 mg/g in September and 4.33 mg/g in October; gymnodimines at 0.18 mg/g in August and 0.21 mg/g in November; pectenotoxins at 0.17 mg/g in December; and domoic acid at 13.76 mg/g in August and 14.45 mg/g in November. The detection of domoic acid, the toxin responsible for amnesic shellfish poisoning, represents the first report of this compound in these lagoons. Furthermore, the presence of spirolides, gymnodimines, and pectenotoxins highlights the need for additional studies to evaluate their potential toxicological risk to human health and to strengthen biotoxin monitoring programs in shellfish-producing areas.

e2025-7

https://doi.org/10.21929/abanicoboletin/2026.8