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Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Testing: SPATT |
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Monitoring for marine toxins is a critical component of coastal management. Traditional phycotoxin monitoring uses mussels or other shellfish as "sentinel" species - tissues are routinely analyzed for the presense of toxins. Mussel testing occurs at the Santa Cruz Wharf weekly. |
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Domoic acid, which is produced by species of Pseudo-nitzschia and common in Monterey Bay, can remain undetected in shellfish tissue. Our lab is experimenting with a new phycotoxin monitoring tool known as Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Testing, or SPATT. |
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SPATT employs a synthetic resin contained in a mesh bag. The bags are suspended from ropes under the Santa Cruz Wharf, and absorb dissolved domoic acid from the water. | |||
| After a week in the water, the SPATT bags are brought back to the lab, where the domoic acid is extracted from the resin. Click here for an example of SPATT results. |  |
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