Are fish harvested in Lake Erie during the harmful algal bloom season safe to eat?

Session: 41a. - Great Lakes Harmful Algal Blooms Research from Watershed Influence to Ecosystem Effects

Manjunath Manubolu, The Ohio State University, [email protected]
Jiyoung Lee, The Ohio State University, [email protected]
Kenneth Riedl, The Ohio State University, [email protected]
Jay Martin, The Ohio State University-FABE, [email protected]
David Dippold, The Ohio State University, [email protected]
Xi Zun Kua, State University of New York , [email protected]
Lindsay P. Collarta, Oregon State University, [email protected]
Stuart Ludsin, The Ohio State University, Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, [email protected]

Abstract

Cyanobacteria blooms are threatening numerous services provided by the Lake Erie ecosystem. One such service is the production of harvestable fish that are safe to eat, owing to possible contamination by cyanotoxins such as microcystin (MC). To help agencies assess the risk to human health posed by consuming fish harvested during a cyanobloom, we used UPLC-MS/MS to quantify MCs in Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch collected in the west and central basins before, during, and after the cyanobloom season, 2015-2017. Of the 154 fish processed thus far (from 2015-2016), ~30% had detectable levels of MCs in their muscle tissues (fillets). Although cyanobacteria blooms originate in the west basin, we unexpectedly found higher MC levels in central basin fish (primarily yellow perch) than west basin fish. We also unexpectedly documented high MC levels both during and after the peak cyanobloom season. While the three most toxic MC congeners were detected (MC-LR, MC-YR, and MC-RR; maximum=17.15 ?g/kg wet mass), no sampled fish had MC levels that exceeded recommended daily tolerable intake levels. Beyond presenting more complete findings from 2016-2017, we will offer recommendations for research and monitoring to help agencies better assess the threat that MC exposure poses to fish consumers. 

1. Keyword
algae

2. Keyword
bioaccumulation

3. Keyword
fish

4. Additional Keyword
Harm full alga bloom

5. Additional Keyword
Risk to Human