Objective: To study the type, distribution, the growth and decline of toxins in Nassarius Sp. and the source of toxins to acquire the basis for the control of Nassarius Sp. poisonings.
Methods: The toxicity of Nassarius Sp. was detected by mouse bioassay. The saxitoxin (STX), gonyau toxin (GTX), and tetrodo toxin (TTX) were detected by ELISA and HPLC.
Results: Sixty-three poisonous Nassarius Sp. were identified in 127 samples collected from long-term monitoring sites. The detection rate was 49.6%. The detection rate of poisonous Nassarius Sp. was different in varies habitats (P < 0.01). The toxicity of Nassarius Sp. reached a peak in 1991 and hit the rock bottom in 1988. The rate of carrying toxins and the toxicity of detected toxins (STX, GTX and TTX) in Nassarius semiplicatus, Nassa succincta A. Adams and Niotha livescens were high.
Conclusion: The toxins of Nassarius Sp. in Ningbo City were composed of TTX, STX or GTX, or both TTX and STX. The surveillance proved that some toxins present in Nassarius Sp. in Ningbo City. Poisoning could be caused by eating Nassarius Sp.