The predominant occurrence of YTX in the Eastern-mid Adriatic sea (Vranjic basin, Croatia)

The first detailed phycotoxin analysis of shellfish Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) from the Easternmid Adriatic Sea (Croatia) has been conducted. Mussel samples were collected from a localized site in the Vranjic Basin (Kastela Bay, Croatia) over the years 2004 and 2005. Analysis of shellfish toxicity was performed using the mouse bioassay, separation by HPLC, and the ELISA assay. Obtained results demonstrate the predominant presence of yessotoxin (YTX), and an occasional occurrence of toxins from the diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP) group of compounds. Phytoplankton analysis of corresponding sea water samples, collected in the investigated area, showed the presence of Lingulodinium polyedrum and Gonyaulax spinifera, potential sources of YTX, as well as the occurrence of dinoflagellates of the genera Dinophysis and Prorocentrum, associated with DSP toxicity.