Methodological advances in the detection of biotoxins and pathogens affecting production and consumption of bivalve molluscs in a changing environment. (April 2023) - Batista, Frederico M
Abstract : The production, harvesting and safe consumption of bivalve molluscs can be disrupted by biological hazards that can be divided into three categories: (1) biotoxins produced by naturally occurring phytoplankton that are bioaccumulated by bivalves during filter-feeding, (2) human pathogens also bioaccumulated by bivalves and (3) bivalve pathogens responsible for disease outbreaks. Environmental changes caused by human activities, such as climate change, can further aggravate these challenges. Early detection and accurate quantification of these hazards are key to implementing measures to mitigate their impact on production and safeguard consumers. This review summarises the methods currently used and the technological advances in the detection of biological hazards affecting bivalves, for the screening of known hazards and discovery of new ones. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Methods currently used for detection of biological hazards affecting bivalves. Standardisation and validation of detection methods. Advances in nucleic acids-based methods for biological hazards characterization. Novel methods for the discovery of new biological hazards.