ISSN 2375-1266
African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 11 (4), pp. 001-008, April, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Assessment of Microcystin Presence in Freshwater Ecosystems of Southern Mozambique
Olivia Pedro1,2,4*, Thomas Rundberget3, Elisabeth Lie1, Dacia Correia2,4, Janneche U. Skaare1,3, Knut G. Berdal3, Luis Neves2,4, Morten Sandvik3
1Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.B. 8146 Dep, NO-0033 Oslo, Norway. 2Veterinary Faculty of the Eduardo Mondlane University, Av. De Mozambique km 1.5, P.B. 257 Maputo, Mozambique. 3Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ullevålsveien 68, P.B. 750 Sentrum, NO-0106 Oslo, Norway. 4Centro de Biotecnologia da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Av. De Mozambique km 1.5, P.B. 257 Maputo, Mozambique.
Accepted 02 February, 2024
Abstract
Many countries have started to monitor cyanobacterial cell densities and microcystin concentrations in raw water sources and recreational water due to human and animal poisonings and the results of toxicological studies, which have shown the adverse effects of microcystins to some mammals. Mozambique has no reports of intoxications or deaths of animals or human by cyanobacterial toxins. However, blooms of cyanobacteria have been reported in some aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to detect and quantify the microcystins extracted in water samples from Pequenos Libombos Dam, Nhambavale Lake and Chòkwé Irrigation Channel, all located in southern Mozambique using LC-MS. The Microcystins MC-LR, -YR and –RR were detected in the three sampling areas. MC-LR was found in higher concentrations than the other two variants. The highest total concentration of microcystins detected was 7.89 µg/L in water samples from Nhambavale Lake. Pequenos Libombos Dam revealed concentrations of MC-LR at below quantifiable levels. Based on these results, it is recommended that drinking water supplies in Mozambique are monitored and that the risks of human and animal intoxication by cyanotoxins are assessed and managed.
Keywords: Mozambique, LC-MS, MC-LR, Microcystins.