African Journal of
Environmental Science and Technology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Environ. Sci. Technol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0786
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJEST
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 1126

Full Length Research Paper

Characterization of cyanobacteria microcystins (cyanotoxins) blooming in the Dams of Northern Morocco

Mustapha Ouhsassi
  • Mustapha Ouhsassi
  • Laboratory of Biology and Health, Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tétouan, Morocco.
  • Search for this author on:
  • Google Scholar
El Ouardy Khay
  • El Ouardy Khay
  • Laboratory of Biology and Health, Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tétouan, Morocco.
  • Search for this author on:
  • Google Scholar
Anass El Laghdach
  • Anass El Laghdach
  • Laboratory of Water, Environmental Studies and Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Tétouan, Morocco.
  • Search for this author on:
  • Google Scholar
Farid Ben Abdelouahab
  • Farid Ben Abdelouahab
  • Laboratory Materials and Radiation, Department of Physique, Faculty of Science, Tétouan, Faculty of Science, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, BP 2121, Tétouan 93002, Morocco.
  • Search for this author on:
  • Google Scholar
Abdeltif El Ouahrani
  • Abdeltif El Ouahrani
  • Laboratory of Biology and Health, Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tétouan, Morocco.
  • Search for this author on:
  • Google Scholar
Mohamed Idaomar
  • Mohamed Idaomar
  • Laboratory of Biology and Health, Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tétouan, Morocco.
  • Search for this author on:
  • Google Scholar
Jamal Abrini
  • Jamal Abrini
  • Laboratory of Biology and Health, Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tétouan, Morocco.
  • Search for this author on:
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 10 December 2020
  •  Accepted: 17 February 2021
  •  Published: 31 March 2021

Abstract

Cyanobacteria thrive in eutrophic freshwaters and impose a serious problem for the management of water bodies. Some Cyanobacteria species impose even a risk for public health due to the production of intracellular toxins. This study is a qualitative approach to determine the degree of toxicity and the toxicological aspect of cyanotoxins in order to setup a monitoring program for cyanobacteria blooms and the management of cyanotoxins thriving in three water bodies in Northern Morocco. Water samples were collected from three major water reservoirs/dams near the city of Tétouan (SMIR, BELMEHDI and NAKHLA). These water samples were screened for possible Cyanobacteria using specific culture media (BG13 & Z8). Three cyanobacteria species (Microcystis aeruginosa, Pseudanabaena galeata and Oscillatoria tenuis) were isolated, purified and lyophilized. Using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, nine types of microcystins were characterized namely: (MC-LR); (MC-YR); (MC-LA); (MC-FR); (MC-RF), [Mser7]MC-LR; [Dha7]MC-LR; MC-YAba; and [Mser7]MC-YR. Our results strongly recommend and urge different stakeholders to consider the various health risks potentially generated by these toxins during water use and management. In addition, this study is a contribution to raise awareness of the toxicological aspect of the cyanobacteria inhabiting the water bodies of Northern Morocco.
 
Key words: Blue algae, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrum, bio-toxins, water dam.

Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

Back to Vol. 15 No. 3
Back to articles
SUBSCRIBE TO RSS
SUBMIT MANUSCRIPT
CONFERENCES