Biological and chemical investigations of water quality and contamination : study after a suspicious algal bloom in a coastal lagoon, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

الملخص EN

The General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection (GAMEP) started an investigation about suspicion of microcystis bloom with toxin production in lagoon near Obhour, Jeddah.

Water samples were collected from different spots covering all lagoon directions.

The samples were analyzed for salinity, coliforms, toxin producing microalgae using MPN, and microscopic examination.

LC/MS-MS analysis was used to identify and quantify the extra-cellular microcystins (MCs) in the lagoon water.

The results revealed complete absence of the toxic algae or its secreted toxins.

The results revealed the presence of Dunaliella salina with rich ?-carotene production responsible for brown or pink color in the lagoon.