Abstract
Anthropogenic eutrophication of tropical lakes usually develops harmful cyanobacterial blooms. As algal blooms spread, the frequency of appearance of cyanotoxin producing strains increases. Within the cyanotoxins, microcystins stand out to produce numerous cases of intoxications/fatalities of livestock and humans. Since 2003, some previously crystal-clear lakes of the “Lagunas de Montebello” National Park (LMNP), Chiapas, southern Mexico, have turned brilliant green associated with perennial cyanobacterial blooms. Although these lakes are used as drinking water supply, fisheries, irrigation, and tourism, the risk of cyanotoxins’ possible presence in these water bodies had not been evaluated. Therefore, this research aimed to measure the cyanobacterial biomass and identify and measure microcystins concentration in the LMNP eutrophic lakes. Phytoplankton was dominated by well-known cyanotoxins producing cyanobacteria (Planktothrix, Raphidiopsis, and Limnothrix). Microcystins in LMNP lakes were confirmed, while the microcystin concentration ranged from 2.0 to 5.3 µg L−1. This range indicates a relatively low probability of causing acute health effects through human consumption or recreational purposes. However, these results compel the necessity of implementing a follow-up program (nonexistent in the LMNP management plan) to measure microcystins and the whole range of cyanotoxins along an annual cycle to be able to recognize the toxins’ maximum concentrations and their potential bioaccumulation in the food web. It is also needed to investigate more accurately the seasonal phytoplankton dynamics together with all limnological parameters.
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Acknowledgements
This research was funded by the Fondo Sectorial de Investigación y Desarrollo Sobre el Agua (CONAGUA-CONACYT) through the project 167603 “Estudio Hidrológico y de Calidad del Agua del Sistema Lagunar de Montebello, en el Estado de Chiapas” and by the Dirección General de Asuntos del Personal Académico (DGAPA-PAPIIT) through the projects IN219215 “Factores que determinan el estado trófico de los lagos de Montebello, Chiapas” and IV200319 “Área Experimental de Lagos Tropicales”. We acknowledge Martín Merino-Ibarra and Fermín S. Castillo‐Sandoval for their technical support with the analysis of nutrients.
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Fernández, R., Alcocer, J. & Oseguera, L.A. Microcystins presence threatens the ecosystem health of a tropical National Park: Lagunas de Montebello, Chiapas. Braz. J. Bot 44, 207–212 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40415-020-00686-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40415-020-00686-5