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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #230177
Title: Variants of Microcystin in Southeastern USA Channel Catfish (Ictalurus puntctatus ralfinesque) Production Ponds

Author
item Zimba, Paul
item Boue, Stephen
item Chatham, Melissa
item Nonneman, Danny - Dan

Submitted to: International Society Of Limnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/16/2001
Publication Date: 3/1/2002
Citation: Zimba, P.V., Boue, S.M., Chatham, M.A., Nonneman, D.J. 2002. Variants of Microcystin in Southeastern USA Channel Catfish (Ictalurus puntctatus ralfinesque) Production Ponds. International Society Of Limnology 28:1163-1166.

Interpretive Summary: Harmful growths of algae can occur in aquaculture production ponds. These algae can produce secondary metabolites that cause off-flavor and fish mortality events. A synoptic survey of 486 productions was conducted to assess the concentration and types of microcystin found in these ponds. A total of 12 variants of microcystin were identified from these ponds located in AL, AR, LA, and MS. Levels of toxin were below World Health Organization threshold levels.

Technical Abstract: A synoptic survey of 486 channel catfish production ponds was made from the southern states (AL, AR, LA, MS) that produce over 90% of commercially grown fish. The survey assessed distribution of microcystin toxins in these ponds. A total of 12 variants of microcystin were detected. The threshold concentration of toxin as recommended by the World Health Organization was exceeded in <1% of production ponds.