Morphological, molecular and toxinological analyses of Alexandrium affine (Dinophyceae) from marine coastal waters of Buenos Aires Province (Argentina)

ABSTRACT In the framework of a monitoring program of harmful microalgae from the marine coastal waters of Buenos Aires Province to mitigate the impacts of harmful algal blooms on the aquaculture and marine life and to protect human health, a strain of Alexandrium affine (LPCc012) was isolated. Alexandrium affine is a worldwide distributed species reported as harmful algal bloom-forming, with toxin- and non-toxin-producing strains. Field and cultured materials from Buenos Aires Province were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy, morphologically and genetically (LSU rDNA partial sequencing) characterized, and compared with material from different regions worldwide. Toxin analyses using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods failed to detect any paralytic or lipophilic shellfish toxins. This is the first record of A. affine from Argentina.