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Red Tide: Its Nature, Toxins and Diseases
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Masoumeh Yousefpour *   |
| Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (147 Views) |
| In recent years, there have been some reports of seawater discoloration in the coastal part of the Persian Gulf. Red tide is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to the proliferation, growth and accumulation of phytoplankton and their dense aggregation in water and as a result, the color of the water turns red. Red tides are not necessarily always red, and this term is more closely related to the nature of the blooms phenomenon. In recent decades, the Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) has increased in the coastal waters of the world, endangering human health and marine ecosystems. Approximately 75% of HABs species are “dinoflagellates” and many of their toxic species produce resistant cysts. The transport of dinoflagellate cysts in the ballast water of ships is the main method of its transport and the global increase of HABs. Also, strong winds, coastal upwelling currents, heavy rains, fertilizer application and some physical and chemical factors such as changes in salinity, temperature and pollution are effective in the occurrence of this phenomenon. So far, no specific method has been identified to prevent the red tides phenomenon. Also, the duration of its occurrence, the time of its disappearance and the new place of its occurrence are not predictable. The effect of red tide on aquatic and human life is important and can be studied. HABs cause toxins and poisoning in humans, fish and other aquatic animals. The health of scuba divers is threatened and the food basket of the people on the shores is destroyed. The socio-economic consequences of the red tide on the breeding, fishing and tourism industry and wildlife are significant |
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| Keywords: Red tide, Harmful Algal Bloom, Phytoplankton |
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Full-Text [PDF 893 kb]
(94 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Marine Medicine
Received: 2023/12/20 | Accepted: 2020/08/31 | Published: 2020/08/31
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