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Occurrence and profile of PSP toxins in ascidians Microcosmus spp. harvested in western waters of Istrian peninsula

Many edible solitary ascidians such as Microcosmus spp. represent an easily available, highly nutritious food source, rich in proteins and different micronutrients. Considering that they are filter-feeding marine animals, ascidians can accumulate contaminants such as marine biotoxins and become their vectors to consumers. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and profile of hydrophilic phycotoxins causing Paralytic shellfish poisoning syndrome (PSP) in 47 samples of Microcosmus spp. harvested in the waters of the western Istrian peninsula in the period from April to September 2018. According to our knowledge this was the most comprehensive study considering the number of samples and the length of study. The analysis has been carried out using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) and pre-column oxidation method. PSP toxins were detected in 32 samples in concentrations far below the regulatory limit of 800 μg STX eq. kg-1 set by the European legislation. Detected analogs were decarbamoylsaxitoxin (dcSTX), gonyautoxin 2, 3 (GTX2, 3) and gonyautoxin 5 (GTX5). The most dominant analog among them was less potent dcSTX detected in 26 samples, the most potent GTX2, 3 was detected in 10 samples and the least potent GTX5 in 16 samples. Given the ability of ascidians to accumulate phycotoxins, the fact they are often harvested in the wild and consumed by coastal populations, there is a need for monitoring PSPs in these species, to ensure food safety and protection of consumers health.

PSP, phycotoxins, contaminants, ascidians, HPLC-FLD, food safety

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