Retention of Microcystis aeruginosa and microcystin by salad lettuce (Lactuca sativa) after spray irrigation with water containing cyanobacteria

Toxicon. 1999 Aug;37(8):1181-5. doi: 10.1016/s0041-0101(98)00244-x.

Abstract

Colonies and single cells of Microcystis aeruginosa and the hepatotoxin microcystin were retained by salad lettuce after growth with spray irrigation water containing the microcystin-producing cyanobacteria. These findings are discussed in terms of crop spray irrigation with water containing cyanobacteria and potential human exposure to cyanobacterial toxins via plant foods grown in such circumstances.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinogens / toxicity*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Humans
  • Lactuca / microbiology*
  • Microcystins
  • Microcystis / physiology*
  • Microscopy
  • Peptides, Cyclic / toxicity*
  • Water Microbiology / standards*

Substances

  • Carcinogens
  • Microcystins
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • microcystin