How Pacific oyster valve movement and water algae levels relate to toxin buildup in their digestive gland when exposed to Alexandrium minutum

At a concentration of 10,000 cells/ml, microalgal ingestion by oysters decreased with increasing Alexandrium minutum levels.

• The frequency of valve microclosures increased with higher concentrations of Alexandrium minutum in the water.
• Opening duration of oyster valves was significantly longer in relation to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning contamination levels measured in their digestive glands.
• Oysters showing the greatest increase in valve opening duration also had the highest levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning contamination.

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