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An evaluation of the applicability of microarrays for monitoring toxic algae in Irish coastal waters

  • Molecular tools for monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms
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Abstract

The applicability of microarrays to monitor harmful algae across a broad range of ecological niches and toxic species responsible for harmful algal events has been one of the key tasks in the EU Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)-funded Microarrays for the Detection of Toxic Algae project. The technique has a strong potential for improving speed and accuracy of the identification of harmful algae and their toxins to assist monitoring programmes. Water samples were collected from a number of coastal sites around Ireland, including several that are used in the Irish National Phytoplankton and Biotoxin Monitoring Programme. Ribosomal RNA was extracted from filtered field samples, labelled with a fluorescent dye, and hybridised to probes spotted in a microarray format on a glass slide. The fluorescent signal intensity of the hybridisation to >120 probes on the chip was analysed and compared with actual field counts. There was a general agreement between cell counts and microarray signal. Results are presented for field samples taken from a range of stations along the Irish coastline known for harmful algal events during the first field trial (July 2009–April 2010).

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded through the EU 7th Framework Programme (FP7-ENV-2007-1-MIDTAL-201724). The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of the captain and crew of R.V Celtic Explorer. Special thanks to Donal Geary of the r/v John Boy and to colleagues Annette Wilson, Evelyn Keady, Hazel Farrell, and Sarah Cosgrove from NUI Galway for their assistance in field studies. The scientific and technical assistance of Linda Medlin and co-workers of the MIDTAL project team is also greatly appreciated.

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  1. Nicolas Touzet

    Present address: School of Science, Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Technology, Sligo, Ireland

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Ryan Institute, Discipline of Microbiology, School of Natural Science, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

    Gerard TA Fleming & Robin Raine

  2. The Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland

    Gary R McCoy

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  1. Gary R McCoy
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  2. Nicolas Touzet
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Correspondence to Gary R McCoy.

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Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

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McCoy, G.R., Touzet, N., Fleming, G.T. et al. An evaluation of the applicability of microarrays for monitoring toxic algae in Irish coastal waters. Environ Sci Pollut Res 20, 6751–6764 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-012-1294-1

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