title: [Cyanobacteria and their toxic potential in dam water content in Northern Tunisia].
abstract: In order to get data about toxic cyanobacteria and their potential sanitary risk in 12 waterbodies situated in the north of Tunisia, some taxonomic, ecological and toxicological studies were undertaken since 2001. This paper provides the first screening of the potential toxic species of cyanobacteria as well as their geographical distribution. The microscopic examination of the phytoplankton samples show 42 species of cyanobacteria; 9 are frequently quoted by the literature as being potentially toxic. Among the inventoried cyanobacteria genera there are Pseudanabaena, Planktothrix Phormidium, Lyngbya, Microcystis,... Oscillatoria constitutes the most widespread one. The content of total microcystin (MCYST) was determined by protein phosphatase inhibition assays (PP2A). The total microcystin, detected in dissolved and particulate fractions in all the examined samples is generally low and varies between 2 and 7455 ng/l microcystin-LR equivalent per liter. The highest MCYST concentration is observed in autumn and generally in particulate MCYST concentrations.
authors.affiliation: Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie, UR Ecosystèmes et Ressources Aquatiques.
authors.forename: A Ben Rejeb
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Jenhani
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bouaïcha
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: El Herry
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fathalli
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Zekri
authors.forename: S Haj
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Zekri
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Limam
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alouini
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Romdhane
mesh_terms: D002273:Carcinogens / Q000032:analysis; D000458:Cyanobacteria / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005068:Eutrophication; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D052998:Microcystins / Q000032:analysis; D054648:Protein Phosphatase 2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D012621:Seasons; D014416:Tunisia; D014871:Water Microbiology; D018508:Water Purification; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens; D052998:Microcystins; D054648:Protein Phosphatase 2