Determination of neosaxitoxin in biota of Lake Baikal: preliminary observations

Abstract

Benthic biofilms, macrocolonies and net plankton samples collected in summer from well warmed-up bays and shallow waters of Lake Baikal during the mass development of cyanobacteria were studied. The contents of saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin were determined by means of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry in the form of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatives. The production of paralytic shellfish toxins and the saxitoxin/neosaxitoxin ratio depend on the species of cyanobacteria were also determined. Nowadays, the planktonic and benthic cyanobacteria of Lake Baikal can be considered as a natural source of neosaxitoxin only for research purposes. However, with obtaining cultured strains among the studied species, they can be used soon as producers.