Issue 10, 2024

Aerosolized algal bloom toxins are not inert

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are projected to become increasingly prevalent, extending over longer periods and wider geographic regions due to the warming surface ocean water and other environmental factors, including but not limited to nutrient concentrations and runoff for marine and freshwater environments. Incidents of respiratory distress linked to the inhalation of marine aerosols containing HAB toxins have been documented, though the risk is typically associated with the original toxins. However, aerosolized toxins in micrometer and submicrometer particles are vulnerable to atmospheric processing. This processing can potentially degrade HAB toxins and produce byproducts with varying potencies compared to the parent toxins. The inhalation of aerosolized HAB toxins, especially in conjunction with co-morbid factors such as exposure to air pollutants from increased commercial activities in ports, may represent a significant exposure pathway for a considerable portion of the global population. Understanding the chemistry behind the transformation of these toxins can enhance public protection by improving the existing HAB alert systems.

Graphical abstract: Aerosolized algal bloom toxins are not inert

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
06 6 2024
Accepted
11 8 2024
First published
12 8 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Environ. Sci.: Atmos., 2024,4, 1113-1128

Aerosolized algal bloom toxins are not inert

E. P. Vejerano, J. Ahn and G. I. Scott, Environ. Sci.: Atmos., 2024, 4, 1113 DOI: 10.1039/D4EA00078A

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