Biotoxins Laboratory
Scientists in the biotoxins laboratory study toxins produced by phytoplankton. The laboratory is also the official state laboratory for testing shellfish following a red tide and is the only FDA-certified laboratory in the state for this analysis.
Biotoxins Laboratory
More than 50 species of phytoplankton that are capable of producing toxins are found in Florida waters. Scientists in the biotoxins laboratory at FWRI analyze water samples and plant and animal tissues for the presence of toxins from these phytoplankton. Current research focuses primarily on brevetoxins (produced by the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis) and saxitoxin (produced by the dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense). These toxins can accumulate in filter-feeding bivalves such as clams and oysters and present a serious risk to public health. The biotoxins laboratory at FWRI is the official state laboratory for testing algal toxins in shellfish following harvesting bans due to red tide. Research projects include investigating how these toxins are metabolized in shellfish and their effects on aquatic animals such as manatees and fish. Researchers in the biotoxins laboratory provide analytical support to other researchers in the HAB section and also work closely with other groups at FWRI and other agencies in response to fish kills, marine mammal mortalities, and other events.
