MARINE AND FRESHWATER TOXINS

The present publication is dedicated toxins in the sea water and fresh water; it is intended to present the structure of the main toxins having the aquatic origin — the reader will find information relating to the distribution of subject toxins, producing various species and vectors, some of the important toxico—kinetic properties, regulatory management aspects etc. The main species of those associated with the injuries have also been addressed in this volume.

Among the marine toxins that have been covered within this publication there are ciguatoxina, equinatoxins, brevetoxins and some others — note that all of them could be lethal. Nowadays, both sea— and fresh water environments are considered new frontiers of humanity; however, the continuing increase in economic and tourist activities is provoking some nasty encounters between people and aquatic animals. The swimmers, surfers, divers and fishermen are becoming main victims.

Unfortunately, today it is still not possible to adequately identify, know and treat the envenomations that are commonly caused by the poisonous and venomous animals. Plus, it shall be underlined as necessary that we are still not fully aware of the huge potential of the pharmacologic effects their toxins may have. That is why it does make sense to go through the chapters of this volume to have better idea of this subject quite important any marine scientist.