The development of harmful algal blooms is mainly due to the overgrowth of phytoplankton and it produces various toxins. The phytoplankton growth is also associated with transportation of encysted algae to the new environment or due to aquaculture practices. The toxins are classified into lipophilic and hydrophilic based on their solubility. The marine toxins have the ability to accumulate in fish, molluscs and crustaceans which are the basic diet for the human. The consumption of marine toxins causes severe neurological symptoms. The EU and USA has established the regulatory limits for the potential marine toxins. Hence, Continuous monitoring of algal blooms producing marine biotoxins helps in reducing potential impacts on human.
Pandi Ganesan*
Dept. of Fish Processing Technology, Fisheries College and Research Institute, TNJFU, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu (628 008), India
Sakthivel Devadharshini
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