Influência de fatores climatológicos na ocorrência de microcistina Influence of climatic factors on the occurrence of microcystin

Cyanobacteria toxins have been a public health problem, due to the ability incontaminating waters of reservoirs. Microcystins (MCs) are strongly hepatotoxic produced by various cyanobacteria, notably Microcystis aeruginosa. The present investigation, conducted in 2005, aimed at studying the occurrence of MCs in the northwestern region of Sao Paulo State, and also its relationship with temperature and rain falls , which favor the development of cyanobacteria. The MCs were determined in water samples by means of commercial ELISA kit using a monoclonal antibody. Concentrations of MCs showed temporal variation and being relatively lower during the high temperatures. In spite of the contamination has not been high, a constant monitoring is recommended.