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Detection of microcystins in Pamvotis lake water and assessment of cyanobacterial bloom toxicity

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Abstract

Lake Pamvotis is a shallow, eutrophic Mediterranean lake with ecological significance. This paper deals with the evaluation of cyanobacterial toxicity in Lake Pamvotis. ELISA and HPLC revealed the presence of significant amounts of MCYST-LR. Danio rerio bioassay confirmed the toxic nature of the bloom. Cyanobacterial extracts had adverse toxic effects on development of D. rerio. Also, it was shown that cyanobacterial extracts containing environmentally detected concentrations of MCYST can cause reduced survival rate of fish species. The results clearly indicate that cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Pamvotis may be regarded as human and fish health hazard. Continuous monitoring of the lake is suggested, in order to prevent future possible intoxications.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the editor of the journal and the anonymous reviewer for their helpful comments on the improvement of the present paper. Also, we would like to thank Ms. Kademoglou Katerina for her help in the English language.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biological Applications and Technology Department, Laboratory of Zoology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 45110, Greece

    Theodoti Papadimitriou, Euthimia Armeni & Ioannis D. Leonardos

  2. Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 45110, Greece

    Constantine D. Stalikas

  3. Department of Ichthyology & Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, 38446, Greece

    Ifigeneia Kagalou

Authors
  1. Theodoti Papadimitriou
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  2. Euthimia Armeni
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  3. Constantine D. Stalikas
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  4. Ifigeneia Kagalou
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  5. Ioannis D. Leonardos
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Correspondence to Ioannis D. Leonardos.

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Papadimitriou, T., Armeni, E., Stalikas, C.D. et al. Detection of microcystins in Pamvotis lake water and assessment of cyanobacterial bloom toxicity. Environ Monit Assess 184, 3043–3052 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-011-2169-5

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