First report on the identification of species known to produce PSP, DSP, ASP, and NSP toxins in Qatari waters (Arabian Gulf)

Harmful algae bloom (HAB) is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to increase of algae cell density in water column that subsequently causes deleterious effects to natural environments as well as mankind. HABs in the Qatari waters occurred when a particular group of Phytoplankton cells proliferate in the eutrophied semi-enclosed water body. In this study, HABs composition in the Qatari waters was determined by light and scanning electron microscope (SEM) . Plankton samples were collected by a 20-micron plankton net haul in the Qatari waters during Oct. 2012 and Nov. 2013. The samples collected were divided into two Jars, one for culture, mainly toxicity test, and the other for identification. Samples were undergone fixation, several serial dehydration and observation under SEM. A total of 20 HABs was identified with 15 species known to be associated with HABs events and a total of 15 toxic species was identified with PSP dominancy. The occurrence of fish-killing armored dinoflagellate, Vulcanodinium rugosum, was reported for the first time in the Arabian Gulf and first report of noval pinnatoxin and portimine toxins. The presence of 12 major algal toxins and other potentially HABs in the Qatari Waters should be further investigated by the respective authorities in the future.