New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research abstracts

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Survey of cyanotoxins in New Zealand water bodies between 2001 and 2004

S. A. Wood
P. T. Holland

Cawthron Institute
Private Bag 2
Nelson, New Zealand
email: susie.wood@cawthron.org.nz

D. J. Stirling

Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited
Kenepuru Drive
P.O. Box 50 348
Porirua, New Zealand

L. R. Briggs
J. Sprosen

Toxinology
AgResearch, Ruakura
Private Bag 3123
Hamilton, New Zealand

J. G. Ruck

Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health
Massey University Wellington
Private Box 756
Wellington, New Zealand

R. G. Wear

School of Biological Sciences
Victoria University
P.O. Box 600
Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract Contamination of drinking and recreational water bodies by toxic cyanobacteria is a significant water management issue in many countries. Until recently, knowledge of the occurrence of cyanotoxins and species responsible for cyanotoxin production in New Zealand was limited. In this study a total of 266 water and cyanobacterial mat samples collected from 227 different water bodies between 2001 to 2004 were analysed for cyanotoxins. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, and neuroblastoma assays resulted in the identification of microcystins/nodularins (102 samples from 54 different water bodies), anatoxin-a (three samples from three different water bodies), and saxitoxins (48 samples from 41 different water bodies). The highest microcystin concentration was 36.5 mg litre–1. The detection of anatoxin-a is the first definitive report for New Zealand. Only low concentrations of saxitoxins were detected. Results indicate that cyanotoxins are more widespread in New Zealand water bodies than previously reported, in particular when cyanobacterial blooms or benthic cyanobacterial mats are present.

Keywords cyanotoxins; New Zealand; cyanobacteria; anatoxin-a; cylindrospermopsins; saxitoxins; microcystins; nodularin

New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2006, Vol. 40: 585–597
0028–8330/06/4004–0585     © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2006
M05070; Online publication date 26 October 2006. Received 31 October 2005; accepted 11 September 2006

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