ABSTRACT
Toxic algae are found in marine, brackish, and freshwater habitats throughout the world. Until recently, man has not considered seriously the consumption of algae as a source of food and has not been confronted directly with the poisonous products produced by them. The study of toxins produced by algae noses important problems as many species of algae have been cited as potential food supplies for both domestic animals and humans.18 Field observations from as early as 1878 have recorded the poisoning of wild and domestic animals by the direct consumption of poisonous algae (e.g., Nodularia spunigena, Gleotorichia echinulata, and Coelosphaerium Kuetzingianum) in the water from lakes and ponds where dense, unialgal growths (blooms) have taken place.9 The occurrence of poisons is sporadic, even within a particular species and the algal-man interaction can involve gastrointestinal, dermatological, respiratory, and allergic responses.9,15
