Shellfish lipophilic toxin profile and toxic phytoplankton species along eastern Adriatic coast

Lipophilic toxins were analysed in shellfish along eastern Adriatic coast during one-year period. Samples which provided a positive mouse bioassay test (MBA) for lipophilic toxins were analysed by LC-MS/MS. Results of LC-MS/MS analyses revealed okadaates (OAs), yessotoxins (YTXs) and gymnodimine (GYM). YTXs were the most common in all investigated areas, but only OAs were identified in concentration above regulatory limit. Slightly higher toxin content was recorded in shellfish from northern Adriatic Sea in comparison with other investigated areas. Seven potentially toxic phytoplankton species known as OAs producers were recorded: Dinophysis acuminata, Dinophysis acuta, Dinophysis caudata, Dinophysis fortii, Dinophysis sacculus, Dinophysis tripos and Phalacroma rotundatum; as well as Lingulodinium polyedrum, Gonyaulax spinifera and Protoceratium reticulatum known as causative organisms for YTXs. OAs content in shellfish was associated with presence of D. caudata and D. sacculus in seawater. Species L. polyedrum and G. spinifera were determined concurrently with YTXs in shellfish.