Hyalella azteca used for the evaluation of cyanotoxins before and after irradiation with electron beam

Abstract

The occurrence of cyanobacteria blooms in water bodies used for human consumption represents risks to the population due to the ability of these microorganisms to produce metabolites, known as cyanotoxins. They can be classified as hepatotoxins, dermatotoxins and neurotoxins. Cyanotoxins are water soluble and are not removed by the conventional water treatment system for public supply. Several studies have been carried out to minimize this type of contamination. Electron beam irradiation has been applied in aqueous solution containing the cyanobacteria of the genus Microcystis, in 40% of growth medium content and applying 2.5 kGy. The amphipod Hyalella azteca was the aquatic organism selected for the evaluation of the potential of cyanotoxins risks to the biota of the reservoirs where the cyanobacteria blooms occurs, being demonstrated high toxicity.