Response of Karenia brevis growth and brevetoxin production to oil and dispersant exposure

Karenia brevis is the organism responsible for “red tide” bloom events that occur in the Gulf of Mexico on a nearly annual basis along the southwestern coast of Florida. This dinoflagellate produces a brevetoxin that inhibits neuroactivity in marine animals and causes respiratory irritation in humans. This study analyzes the effects of oil and dispersants on the reoccurring toxic microalgae to determine possible outcomes in the event of an oil spill.