Toxigenic phytoplankton and associated toxins from Potter Cove, Antarctic Peninsula
by Elena Fabro (PhD, from Conicet)
The main goal of the secondment was to do a holistic study of the plankton community in Potter Cove, providing new insights into phytoplankton diversity, ecology and toxicity from Antarctic waters. This multidisciplinary approach will contribute to knowledge of plankton dynamics in this area, which has undergone recent changes associated with global warming, including the presence of toxigenic species and toxins that were not recorded before. For this task, we analyzed 47 plankton pellet samples and 18 SPATT devices using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry LC-MS/MS to detect phytoplankton toxins. For metabarcoding analyzes, 67 plankton samples were used to extract DNA and sequencing, and finally an aliquot was used for microscopic analyses and biovolume and diversity estimations.
Additionally, bioassays and morphological analysis of two strains of Heterocapsa circularisquama were developed. This is a toxigenic species related to oyster mortality in Japan which bloomed in Argentine Sea. Little is known about its lithic and ichthyotoxic effects, so this study will provide new and valuable information on this toxigenic component of plankton, which seems to be expanding.
My experience was very productive and gratifying. The working relationship with colleagues and technicians from the ecological chemistry work group from AWI was very pleasant and we were able to make the most of my time there.
