In this study, three isolates of the potentially toxic diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia were analyse... more In this study, three isolates of the potentially toxic diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia were analysed for morphological and toxicological features. Cultures of Pseudo-nitzschia were established from seawater samples collected from the southern part of the Velebit Channel (central Adriatic Sea) during February 2019. All culture isolates were identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as Pseudo-nitzschia calliantha. Domoic acid (DA) production was confirmed in all isolates analysed. The highest concentrations of cellular DA were found in early culture stages, with the lowest cell abundance, for all P. calliantha isolates. This study is the first to report DA production by P.calliantha isolated from the Adriatic Sea.
Pufferfishes are among the best-known marine organisms that accumulate marine biotoxins such as T... more Pufferfishes are among the best-known marine organisms that accumulate marine biotoxins such as Tetrodotoxin (TTX). In the Mediterranean Sea, the silver-cheeked toadfish Lagocephalus sceleratus is the most reported TTX-bearer, causing many fatal and non-fatal cases. In Lebanon, no previous studies have measured TTX levels although the possibility of TTX-poisoning is high since L. sceleratus is caught in different sizes and can be mistaken with other small fishes. Hence, this study reports TTX and its analogue 4,9-anhydro TTX in L. sceleratus collected from Lebanese waters in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The results show that TTX concentrations in fish tissues varied between 0.10 and 252.97 µg/g, while those of 4,9-anhydro TTX oscillated between 0.01 and 43.01 µg/g. Internal organs of L. sceleratus were the most toxic parts of its body, with the highest TTX levels found in gonads (mainly ovaries) and liver, followed by the muscles and skin with concentrations always exceeding the s...
The occurrence, seasonal and vertical distribution of bisphenol A (BPA) was investigated in the s... more The occurrence, seasonal and vertical distribution of bisphenol A (BPA) was investigated in the sediments and suspended matter sampled in Kastela Bay, Adriatic Sea, Croatia. Granulometric composition of sediment and organic matter (OM) in sediments and suspended matter were also examined. BPA was detected in all samples of sediments and suspended matter. Concentration of BPA in sediment ranged from 5.32 μg kg -1 to 15.52 μg kg -1 , while in suspended matter BPA ranged from 4.66 μg kg -1 to 103.06 μg kg -1 . Seasonality in distribution of BPA concentrations in sediment and suspended matter was not found. The most abundant grain size fractions in sediment were silt (64.40±8.63%) and sand (26.97±9.11%) with accordingly determined sediment type as sandy silt. Average content of OM was 12.01±1.85% and 12.51±1.30%, for sediment and suspended matter, respectively. Monthly distribution of OM content showed higher values during October-March period and lower values during April-September per...
Lipophilic toxins were analysed in shellfish along eastern Adriatic coast during one-year period.... more Lipophilic toxins were analysed in shellfish along eastern Adriatic coast during one-year period. Samples which provided a positive mouse bioassay test (MBA) for lipophilic toxins were analysed by LC-MS/MS. Results of LC-MS/MS analyses revealed okadaates (OAs), yessotoxins (YTXs) and gymnodimine (GYM). YTXs were the most common in all investigated areas, but only OAs were identified in concentration above regulatory limit. Slightly higher toxin content was recorded in shellfish from northern Adriatic Sea in comparison with other investigated areas. Seven potentially toxic phytoplankton species known as OAs producers were recorded: Dinophysis acuminata, Dinophysis acuta, Dinophysis caudata, Dinophysis fortii, Dinophysis sacculus, Dinophysis tripos and Phalacroma rotundatum ; as well as Lingulodinium polyedrum, Gonyaulax spinifera and Protoceratium reticulatum known as causative organisms for YTXs. OAs content in shellfish was associated with presence of D. caudata and D. sacculus in ...
Concentrations of the macroelements Ca, Mg, K and Na, microelements Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn and tox... more Concentrations of the macroelements Ca, Mg, K and Na, microelements Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn and toxic metals As, Cd, Hg and Pb were determined in oysters and mussels collected at farming sites in the northern, central and south Adriatic Sea. Mean concentrations in oysters were (mg kg−1): As 4.51, Ca 1551, Cd 1.44, Cu 53.6, Cr 0.23, Fe 45.9, Hg 0.047, K 2476, Mg 895, Mn 2.80, Na 7148, Pb 0.52, Zn 675. Mean values in mussels were (mg kg−1): As 4.71, Ca 601, Cd 0.37, Cu 1.91, Cr 0.29, Fe 49.6, Hg 0.026, K 2246, Mg 1043, Mn 2.49, Na 7992, Pb 0.58, Zn 28.8. Significant differences in the concentrations of toxic metals and elements were found in oysters and mussels among farming sites. Obtained Cd, Hg and Pb concentration in oysters and mussels were lower than the limit levels set by the European Community. However, Cd concentration exceeded the limit level of 1 mg kg−1 in oysters from all locations except Lim Bay. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) indicate that oysters are a good source of Ca, Cu and Zn. The higher Cu and Zn concentrations than the toxicity reference values suggest a risk for consumers if larger quantities of oysters are consumed frequently.
In the Mali Ston Bay, located on the eastern Adriatic coast, shellfish have been traditionally cu... more In the Mali Ston Bay, located on the eastern Adriatic coast, shellfish have been traditionally cultivated for a long time. However, previous studies indicated that biota, marine sediments and seawater in the Bay contain increased levels of some trace metals, when compared with other areas along the eastern Adriatic. In order to assess the bioavailability of trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, Hg and MeHg) in the bay, and the health risk of the consumption of shellfish from the Bay, a biomonitoring program was carried out in the period from September 2000 to November 2001. Cultured one-year old mussels (Mytillus galloprovinciallis) were transplanted from a shellfish-breeding farm to two monitoring stations. Mussels were sampled every two months in order to verify possible seasonal variations. Generally, trace metal concentrations in the whole soft tissue were highest in winter and early spring, which was followed by a summer pre-spawning minimum. A digestive gland was the preferent...
This paper presents the results of the second year of monitoring of heavy metal contamination in ... more This paper presents the results of the second year of monitoring of heavy metal contamination in the Croatian coastal area using the Mediterranean blue mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as indicator species. The levels of essential (Cu, Zn) and non-essential (Cd, Pb, Cr) metals were determined in the whole soft tissue of mussels collected from 28 locations along the Eastern Adriatic coast. Examination of the spatial pattern of contaminants revealed three types of metal distribution. Zinc (58-170 mg kg-1 dry wt.) was uniformly distributed across all the sites, while concentrations of Cd (0.17-1.57 mg kg-1 dry wt.) and Cr (0.92-2.61 mg kg-1 dry wt.) were elevated in certain regions. However, these values were not significantly different from those found at the stations with no known point sources of contamination. Elevated concentrations of lead and copper were recorded in the areas with high input of industrial, harbor and urban wastes. Although a wide range of lead and copper conce...
A vertical profile in a sediment core from the submarine cave "Zmajevo uho" has been an... more A vertical profile in a sediment core from the submarine cave "Zmajevo uho" has been analysed for granulometric composition, organic matter, carbonate contens and trace metal concentrations (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and Ni). The carbonate content and granulometric composition are interrelated indicating that sediments from the cave having more carbonates are usually coarse grained. The concentrations of all trace metals decreased down the sediment core and showed good correlation with organic matter content.The surface enrichment of Pb, Cu and Zn is an indication of anthropogenic influence to the sediment. The cave acts as a trap where a significant accumulation of different contaminants may occur.
Searching for the ASP and PSP toxins in seafood is of great importance for consumer protection, b... more Searching for the ASP and PSP toxins in seafood is of great importance for consumer protection, but it is also an indicator of changes in the marine ecosystem that has a production as an outcome. The constant increase of toxic phytoplankton species appearance, togehter with the spatial spread of species has to lead to intensification of biotoxins research. Potentially important species in shellfish aquaculture, cockle Acanthocardia tuberculata and sweet clam Calista chione are widespread in the Croatian Adriatic Sea. In order to detected the potential toxin profile of the natural populations of cockle and sweet clam were monitored from March 2009 to February 2010. Samples were taken monthly fromthe station located in the estuarine area of the central Adriatic Sea. Toxin profile of cockle was dominated by the saxitoxin (STX), while smooth clam was mainly PSP or ASP toxins free. The cockle demonstrated continuous presence of low PSP tokins concentrations and the occcasional low concen...
Obtained results show uniform distribution of granulometric composition of sediments, carbonate c... more Obtained results show uniform distribution of granulometric composition of sediments, carbonate content and organic matter content along the sediment samples. Similar distribution was found for all investigated trace metals, except lead.
In this study, three isolates of the potentially toxic diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia were analyse... more In this study, three isolates of the potentially toxic diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia were analysed for morphological and toxicological features. Cultures of Pseudo-nitzschia were established from seawater samples collected from the southern part of the Velebit Channel (central Adriatic Sea) during February 2019. All culture isolates were identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as Pseudo-nitzschia calliantha. Domoic acid (DA) production was confirmed in all isolates analysed. The highest concentrations of cellular DA were found in early culture stages, with the lowest cell abundance, for all P. calliantha isolates. This study is the first to report DA production by P.calliantha isolated from the Adriatic Sea.
Pufferfishes are among the best-known marine organisms that accumulate marine biotoxins such as T... more Pufferfishes are among the best-known marine organisms that accumulate marine biotoxins such as Tetrodotoxin (TTX). In the Mediterranean Sea, the silver-cheeked toadfish Lagocephalus sceleratus is the most reported TTX-bearer, causing many fatal and non-fatal cases. In Lebanon, no previous studies have measured TTX levels although the possibility of TTX-poisoning is high since L. sceleratus is caught in different sizes and can be mistaken with other small fishes. Hence, this study reports TTX and its analogue 4,9-anhydro TTX in L. sceleratus collected from Lebanese waters in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The results show that TTX concentrations in fish tissues varied between 0.10 and 252.97 µg/g, while those of 4,9-anhydro TTX oscillated between 0.01 and 43.01 µg/g. Internal organs of L. sceleratus were the most toxic parts of its body, with the highest TTX levels found in gonads (mainly ovaries) and liver, followed by the muscles and skin with concentrations always exceeding the s...
The occurrence, seasonal and vertical distribution of bisphenol A (BPA) was investigated in the s... more The occurrence, seasonal and vertical distribution of bisphenol A (BPA) was investigated in the sediments and suspended matter sampled in Kastela Bay, Adriatic Sea, Croatia. Granulometric composition of sediment and organic matter (OM) in sediments and suspended matter were also examined. BPA was detected in all samples of sediments and suspended matter. Concentration of BPA in sediment ranged from 5.32 μg kg -1 to 15.52 μg kg -1 , while in suspended matter BPA ranged from 4.66 μg kg -1 to 103.06 μg kg -1 . Seasonality in distribution of BPA concentrations in sediment and suspended matter was not found. The most abundant grain size fractions in sediment were silt (64.40±8.63%) and sand (26.97±9.11%) with accordingly determined sediment type as sandy silt. Average content of OM was 12.01±1.85% and 12.51±1.30%, for sediment and suspended matter, respectively. Monthly distribution of OM content showed higher values during October-March period and lower values during April-September per...
Lipophilic toxins were analysed in shellfish along eastern Adriatic coast during one-year period.... more Lipophilic toxins were analysed in shellfish along eastern Adriatic coast during one-year period. Samples which provided a positive mouse bioassay test (MBA) for lipophilic toxins were analysed by LC-MS/MS. Results of LC-MS/MS analyses revealed okadaates (OAs), yessotoxins (YTXs) and gymnodimine (GYM). YTXs were the most common in all investigated areas, but only OAs were identified in concentration above regulatory limit. Slightly higher toxin content was recorded in shellfish from northern Adriatic Sea in comparison with other investigated areas. Seven potentially toxic phytoplankton species known as OAs producers were recorded: Dinophysis acuminata, Dinophysis acuta, Dinophysis caudata, Dinophysis fortii, Dinophysis sacculus, Dinophysis tripos and Phalacroma rotundatum ; as well as Lingulodinium polyedrum, Gonyaulax spinifera and Protoceratium reticulatum known as causative organisms for YTXs. OAs content in shellfish was associated with presence of D. caudata and D. sacculus in ...
Concentrations of the macroelements Ca, Mg, K and Na, microelements Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn and tox... more Concentrations of the macroelements Ca, Mg, K and Na, microelements Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn and toxic metals As, Cd, Hg and Pb were determined in oysters and mussels collected at farming sites in the northern, central and south Adriatic Sea. Mean concentrations in oysters were (mg kg−1): As 4.51, Ca 1551, Cd 1.44, Cu 53.6, Cr 0.23, Fe 45.9, Hg 0.047, K 2476, Mg 895, Mn 2.80, Na 7148, Pb 0.52, Zn 675. Mean values in mussels were (mg kg−1): As 4.71, Ca 601, Cd 0.37, Cu 1.91, Cr 0.29, Fe 49.6, Hg 0.026, K 2246, Mg 1043, Mn 2.49, Na 7992, Pb 0.58, Zn 28.8. Significant differences in the concentrations of toxic metals and elements were found in oysters and mussels among farming sites. Obtained Cd, Hg and Pb concentration in oysters and mussels were lower than the limit levels set by the European Community. However, Cd concentration exceeded the limit level of 1 mg kg−1 in oysters from all locations except Lim Bay. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) indicate that oysters are a good source of Ca, Cu and Zn. The higher Cu and Zn concentrations than the toxicity reference values suggest a risk for consumers if larger quantities of oysters are consumed frequently.
In the Mali Ston Bay, located on the eastern Adriatic coast, shellfish have been traditionally cu... more In the Mali Ston Bay, located on the eastern Adriatic coast, shellfish have been traditionally cultivated for a long time. However, previous studies indicated that biota, marine sediments and seawater in the Bay contain increased levels of some trace metals, when compared with other areas along the eastern Adriatic. In order to assess the bioavailability of trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, Hg and MeHg) in the bay, and the health risk of the consumption of shellfish from the Bay, a biomonitoring program was carried out in the period from September 2000 to November 2001. Cultured one-year old mussels (Mytillus galloprovinciallis) were transplanted from a shellfish-breeding farm to two monitoring stations. Mussels were sampled every two months in order to verify possible seasonal variations. Generally, trace metal concentrations in the whole soft tissue were highest in winter and early spring, which was followed by a summer pre-spawning minimum. A digestive gland was the preferent...
This paper presents the results of the second year of monitoring of heavy metal contamination in ... more This paper presents the results of the second year of monitoring of heavy metal contamination in the Croatian coastal area using the Mediterranean blue mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as indicator species. The levels of essential (Cu, Zn) and non-essential (Cd, Pb, Cr) metals were determined in the whole soft tissue of mussels collected from 28 locations along the Eastern Adriatic coast. Examination of the spatial pattern of contaminants revealed three types of metal distribution. Zinc (58-170 mg kg-1 dry wt.) was uniformly distributed across all the sites, while concentrations of Cd (0.17-1.57 mg kg-1 dry wt.) and Cr (0.92-2.61 mg kg-1 dry wt.) were elevated in certain regions. However, these values were not significantly different from those found at the stations with no known point sources of contamination. Elevated concentrations of lead and copper were recorded in the areas with high input of industrial, harbor and urban wastes. Although a wide range of lead and copper conce...
A vertical profile in a sediment core from the submarine cave "Zmajevo uho" has been an... more A vertical profile in a sediment core from the submarine cave "Zmajevo uho" has been analysed for granulometric composition, organic matter, carbonate contens and trace metal concentrations (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and Ni). The carbonate content and granulometric composition are interrelated indicating that sediments from the cave having more carbonates are usually coarse grained. The concentrations of all trace metals decreased down the sediment core and showed good correlation with organic matter content.The surface enrichment of Pb, Cu and Zn is an indication of anthropogenic influence to the sediment. The cave acts as a trap where a significant accumulation of different contaminants may occur.
Searching for the ASP and PSP toxins in seafood is of great importance for consumer protection, b... more Searching for the ASP and PSP toxins in seafood is of great importance for consumer protection, but it is also an indicator of changes in the marine ecosystem that has a production as an outcome. The constant increase of toxic phytoplankton species appearance, togehter with the spatial spread of species has to lead to intensification of biotoxins research. Potentially important species in shellfish aquaculture, cockle Acanthocardia tuberculata and sweet clam Calista chione are widespread in the Croatian Adriatic Sea. In order to detected the potential toxin profile of the natural populations of cockle and sweet clam were monitored from March 2009 to February 2010. Samples were taken monthly fromthe station located in the estuarine area of the central Adriatic Sea. Toxin profile of cockle was dominated by the saxitoxin (STX), while smooth clam was mainly PSP or ASP toxins free. The cockle demonstrated continuous presence of low PSP tokins concentrations and the occcasional low concen...
Obtained results show uniform distribution of granulometric composition of sediments, carbonate c... more Obtained results show uniform distribution of granulometric composition of sediments, carbonate content and organic matter content along the sediment samples. Similar distribution was found for all investigated trace metals, except lead.
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