Microcystin exposure of the Belgian population: feasibility of unifying fragmented exposure data
Start Date
23-5-2022 5:45 PM
End Date
23-5-2022 7:00 PM
Abstract
Microcystin (MC) congeners are hepatotoxins produced by aquatic cyanobacteria. Uncovering potential exposure routes in Belgium requires assessing the impact of these toxins on the population. Various approaches evaluate exposure separately for different intoxication routes (environmental and food consumption). However, the aggregated exposure from various stressors is not commonly done. With access to various collection sites and a national consumption database, a holistic approach to microcystins exposure should be feasible.
Eight MCs were quantified in different matrices representing multiple intoxication pathways using UHPLC-MS/MS. Overall, 79 samples from algal blooms, 75 drinking water samples, 35 algal-based food supplements, and 103 fruits and vegetables from supermarkets were analyzed.
MCs were found in the bloom samples (86.08%) and algal food supplements (22.86%) but not in drinking water, fruit and vegetables. Daily estimated exposure was calculated for the food supplements, and the ratio of bloom samples above the proposed guidance values for recreational waters (24 µg/L) was determined.
Aggregated exposure assessment needs additional data: consumption data for algal supplements, dietary exposure from foods, proper modelling to episodic environmental exposures. Specific exposure scenarios resulting from collaborative research show the feasibility of unifying the exposure prediction for a part of the Belgian population.
Microcystin exposure of the Belgian population: feasibility of unifying fragmented exposure data
Microcystin (MC) congeners are hepatotoxins produced by aquatic cyanobacteria. Uncovering potential exposure routes in Belgium requires assessing the impact of these toxins on the population. Various approaches evaluate exposure separately for different intoxication routes (environmental and food consumption). However, the aggregated exposure from various stressors is not commonly done. With access to various collection sites and a national consumption database, a holistic approach to microcystins exposure should be feasible.
Eight MCs were quantified in different matrices representing multiple intoxication pathways using UHPLC-MS/MS. Overall, 79 samples from algal blooms, 75 drinking water samples, 35 algal-based food supplements, and 103 fruits and vegetables from supermarkets were analyzed.
MCs were found in the bloom samples (86.08%) and algal food supplements (22.86%) but not in drinking water, fruit and vegetables. Daily estimated exposure was calculated for the food supplements, and the ratio of bloom samples above the proposed guidance values for recreational waters (24 µg/L) was determined.
Aggregated exposure assessment needs additional data: consumption data for algal supplements, dietary exposure from foods, proper modelling to episodic environmental exposures. Specific exposure scenarios resulting from collaborative research show the feasibility of unifying the exposure prediction for a part of the Belgian population.