Algal toxins in the food chain – a comparative study of Chesapeake Bay and Baltic coastal food webs

Microcystin (MC) is a hepatotoxin produced by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) which is found globally in eutrophic waters including lakes, lagoons and estuaries (Paerl and Paul 2012). The presence of MC in food webs is of concern due to adverse effects on biota and exposure to humans via commercial and recreational fisheries (Paerl and Otten 2013). Little is known regarding the factors which determine MC accumulation in food webs. We hypothesized that dietary exposure would be determined in part by sources of organic matter supporting the food web. We undertook a comparative study of the James River Estuary, a sub-estuary of Chesapeake Bay, and the Curonian Lagoon, a sub-estuary of the Baltic Sea and largest coastal lagoon in Europe. Both sites experience cyanobacteria blooms known to produce MC (Wood et al. 2014; Lesutienė et al. 2014), but differ in their sources of organic matter. The James receives large inputs of terrestrial organic matter due to the draining of a mountainous catchment. The Curonian Lagoon is fed by a lowland river which delivers low concentrations of terrestrial organic matter. We hypothesized that high internal production in the lagoon, coupled with lower dilution by terrestrial organic matter inputs, would results in greater exposure to MC among biota of the Curonian Lagoon

Drivers of Cyanobacterial Blooms in a Hypertrophic Lagoon

The Curonian Lagoon is Europe's largest lagoon and one of the most seriously impacted by harmful blooms of cyanobacteria. Intensive studies over the past 20 years have allowed us to identify the major drivers determining the composition and spatial extent of hyperblooms in this system. We summarize and discuss the main outcomes of these studies and provide an updated, conceptual scheme of the multiple interactions between climatic and hydrologic factors, and their influence on internal and external processes that promote cyanobacterial blooms. Retrospective analysis of remote sensed images demonstrated the variability of blooms in terms of timing, extension and intensity, suggesting that they occur only under specific circumstances. Monthly analysis of nutrient loads and stoichiometry from the principal tributary (Nemunas River) revealed large interannual differences in the delivery of key elements, but summer months were always characterized by a strong dissolved inorganic N (and Si) limitation, that depresses diatoms and favors the dominance of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria blooms occurred during high water temperatures, long water residence time and low-wind conditions. The blooms induce transient (night-time) hypoxia, which stimulates the release of iron-bound P, producing a positive feedback for blooms of N-fixing cyanobacteria. Consumer-mediated nutrient recycling by dreissenid mussels, chironomid larvae, cyprinids and large bird colonies, may also affect P availability, but their role as drivers of cyanobacteria blooms is understudied

In situ measurements and satellite remote sensing of case 2 waters: first results from the Curonian Lagoon

In this study we present calibration/validation activities associated with satellite MERIS image processing and aimed at estimatingchl a and CDOM in the Curonian Lagoon. Field data were used to validate the performances of two atmospheric correction algorithms,to build a band-ratio algorithm for chl a and to validate MERIS-derived maps. The neural network-based Case 2 Regional processor wasfound suitable for mapping CDOM; for chl a the band-ratio algorithm applied to image data corrected with the 6S code was found moreappropriate. Maps were in agreement with in situ measurements.This study confirmed the importance of atmospheric correction to estimate water quality and demonstrated the usefulness ofMERIS in investigating eutrophic aquatic ecosystems

In situ measurements and satellite remote sensing of case 2 waters: first results from the Curonian Lagoon

In this study we present calibration/validation activities associated with satellite MERIS image processing and aimed at estimating chl a and CDOM in the Curonian Lagoon. Field data were used to validate the performances of two atmospheric correction algorithms, to build a band-ratio algorithm for chl a and to validate MERIS-derived maps. The neural network-based Case 2 Regional processor was found suitable for mapping CDOM; for chl a the band-ratio algorithm applied to image data corrected with the 6S code was found more appropriate. Maps were in agreement with in situ measurements. This study confirmed the importance of atmospheric correction to estimate water quality and demonstrated the usefulness of MERIS in investigating eutrophic aquatic ecosystems

The distribution of carbon stable isotopes as an indicator of temporal and spatial dynamic and distribution of autochtonic and allochtonic organic matter in a shallow estuarine lagoon

Physical and chemical parameters were measured in a mostly freshwater estuarine lagoon in the SE Baltic. Present paper demonstrates an attempt to trace the sources and analyse the seasonal and spatial patterns of distribution of   POC, DIC and DOC in the Curonian lagoon mostly by the isotopic content in different forms of carbon. Samples were collected in 2012-2014 in 9 stations in the Curonian lagoon including riverine and marine input/output stations. Riverine inputs and summarizing outflow to the Baltic sea locations (Nemunas river delta and Klaipeda channel stations were sampled monthly, while  POC, DIC and DOC samples in other stations were collected on a seasonal basis.  The observed results allow easily differentiate between estuarine and riverine POM samples, while the differences in DOC δ13C content between sampling stations were found to be not statistically reliable.  The high biological productivity of the Nemunas river along with the minor contribution of the Baltic Sea inflows to the overall hydrodynamics of the lagoon explain similarity of content between riverine and estuarine material in the spring and autumn.  However, the δ13C content of DIC and DOC could serve as indicator of external inputs only in connection with seasonal water residence variations.DOI: 10.15181/csat.v3i1.1132</p

The distribution of carbon stable isotopes as an indicator of temporal and spatial dynamic and distribution of autochtonic and allochtonic organic matter in a shallow estuarine lagoon

Physical and chemical parameters were measured in a mostly freshwater estuarine lagoon in the SE Baltic. Present paper demonstrates an attempt to trace the sources and analyse the seasonal and spatial patterns of distribution of   POC, DIC and DOC in the Curonian lagoon mostly by the isotopic content in different forms of carbon. Samples were collected in 2012-2014 in 9 stations in the Curonian lagoon including riverine and marine input/output stations. Riverine inputs and summarizing outflow to the Baltic sea locations (Nemunas river delta and Klaipeda channel stations were sampled monthly, while  POC, DIC and DOC samples in other stations were collected on a seasonal basis.  The observed results allow easily differentiate between estuarine and riverine POM samples, while the differences in DOC δ13C content between sampling stations were found to be not statistically reliable.  The high biological productivity of the Nemunas river along with the minor contribution of the Baltic Sea inflows to the overall hydrodynamics of the lagoon explain similarity of content between riverine and estuarine material in the spring and autumn.  However, the δ13C content of DIC and DOC could serve as indicator of external inputs only in connection with seasonal water residence variations.DOI: 10.15181/csat.v3i1.113

Spatial and temporal diversity of cyanometabolites in the Eutrophic Curonian Lagoon (SE Baltic Sea)

This work aims to determine the profiles of cyanopeptides and anatoxin synthetized by cyanobacteria in the Lithuanian part of the Curonian Lagoon (SE Baltic Sea) and to characterize their spatial and temporal patterns in this ecosystem. Cyanometabolites were analysed by a LC-MS/MS system and were coupled to a hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometer. During the investigation period (2013–2017), 10 microcystins, nodularin, anatoxin-a, 16 anabaenopeptins, including 1 oscillamide, 12 aeruginosins, 1 aeruginosamide, 3 cyanopeptolins and 4 microginins were detected. The most frequently detected metabolites were found at all investigated sites. Demethylated microcystin variants and anabaenopeptins had the strongest relationship with Planktothrix agardhii, while non-demethylated microcystin variants and anatoxin had the strongest relationship with Microcystis spp. Low concentrations of some microcystins: [Asp3]MC-RR, MC-RR, MC-LR, as well as a few other cyanopeptides: AP-A and AEG-A were found during the cold period (December–March). Over the study period, Aphanizomenon, Planktothrix and Microcystis were the main dominant cyanobacteria species, while Planktothrix, Microcystis, and Dolichospermum were potentially producers of cyanopeptides and anatoxin detected in samples from the Curonian Lagoon

Characterization and diversity of microcystins produced by cyanobacteria from the Curonian Lagoon (SE Baltic Sea)

Microcystins (MCs) are the most widely distributed and structurally diverse cyanotoxins that can have significant health impacts on living organisms, including humans. The identification of MC variants and their quantification is very important for toxicological assessment. Within this study, we explored the diversity of MCs and their potential producers from the Curonian Lagoon. MC profiles were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, while the potential producers were detected based on the presence of genus-specific mcyE gene sequences. Among the numerous MCs detected, one new potential MC variant with m/z 1057 was partially characterized. Moreover, two other MCs with m/z 1075 and m/z 1068 might belong to new variants with serine (Ser), rarely detected in position one of the peptides. They might also represent MC-Y(OMe)R and MC-WR, respectively. However, the application of a low-resolution MS/MS system made the unambiguous identification of the MCs impossible. Based on this example, the problems of peptide structure identification are discussed in the work. Genetic analysis revealed that potential MCs producers include Dolichospermum/Anabaena, Microcystis spp., and Planktothrix agardhii. The diversity and temporal variations in MC profiles may indicate the presence of several chemotypes of cyanobacteria in the Curonian Lagoon

Phytoplankton of the Curonian Lagoon as a new interesting source for bioactive natural products. Special impact on cyanobacterial metabolites

The bioprospecting of marine and brackish water systems has increased during the last decades. In this respect, microalgae, including cyanobacteria, and their metabolites are one of the most widely explored resources. Most of the bioactive compounds are isolated from ex situ cultures of microorganisms; however, analysis of field samples could also supply valuable information about the metabolic and biotechnological potential of microalgae communities. In this work, the activity of phytoplankton samples from the Curonian Lagoon was studied. The samples were active against antibiotic resistant clinical and environmental bacterial strains as well as against serine proteases and T47D human breast adenocarcinoma cells. No significant effect was found on Daphnia magna. In addition, using LC-MS/MS, we documented the diversity of metabolites present in field samples. A list of 117 detected cyanopeptides was presented. Cyanopeptolins constituted the largest class of cyanopeptides. As complex bloom samples were analyzed, no link between the observed activity and a specific sample component can be established. However, the results of the study showed a biotechnological potential of natural products from the Curonian Lagoon