Publication Summary

This is the study plan for screening blue-green algae toxins in lake fish tissues.

Each study conducted by the Washington State Department of Ecology must have an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan. The plan describes the objectives of the study and the procedures to be followed to achieve those objectives. After study completion, a final report describing the results will be posted to the Internet.

In the present study, approximately 50 fish tissue samples from several Western Washington lakes will be screened for the blue-green algae toxins microcystin and anatoxin-a. These compounds can affect the liver and nervous system of animals, including humans, and are an emerging public health issue. Until now, the primary exposure pathways of concern have been through drinking water and recreational exposure. Consumption of fish containing blue-green algae toxins represents a poorly studied but potentially important exposure route for humans.

Up to 36 fish tissue samples will be analyzed for microcystins and up to 10 samples for anatoxin-a, depending on where blooms occur and their severity. Most of the samples will be fillets, with a limited number of liver samples. Blue-green bloom activity will be monitored through the summer and early winter of 2008 by local health departments and the Ecology Water Quality Program. Fish samples will be collected by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The data will be provided to the Washington State Department of Health for their use in assessing the potential human health concern.

Link to EIM data for User Study ID AJOH0058