Ecology of Pseudo-nitzschia
As part of the Pacific Northwest Center for Human Health and Ocean Sciences we are studying the distributions of the pennate diatom Pseudo-nitzschia in Puget Sound and coastal Washington waters. Some species of Pseudo-nitzschia produce domoic acid, a toxin that can result in amnesiac shellfish poisoning. The goal of our research is to use molecular markers to distinguish different species and understand the environmental factors that trigger production of domoic acid. Michele Wrabel's research seeks to understand the interaction between microbial community composition and domoic acid production in Pseudo-nitzschia. Gwendolyn Hannam assisted with this project. Diana Haring received an Oceans and Human Health REU fellowship in 2008 to study Pseudo-nitzschia in the Benguela Upwelling. Ben Johnson's REU fellowship involved the hunt for Pseudo-nitzschia viruses, and Michael Carlson is continuing this work.
Funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Science Foundation (NSF)
More info on the Center:
Relevant Links:
- Latest levels of domoic acid in razor clams from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Check beach closures due to biotoxins at the Washington Department of Health
Relevant Publications:
Hubbard, K. A., G. Rocap and E. V. Armbrust. 2008. Inter-and intraspecific community strcuture within the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae). Journal of Phycology 44:637-649 PDF