Paralytic shellfish toxin concentrations measured in alaskan arctic clams using ELISA and HPLC methods

Clams are efficient vectors of potent algal neurotoxins, a suite of saxitoxin (STX) congeners collectively called paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), to higher trophic levels. The Alaskan Arctic is a region facing an expanding threat from PSTs due to ocean warming, yet little is known about PSTs in clams from this region. Quantifying total toxicity in bivalves requires analytical techniques, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are an efficient but only semi-quantitative method for measuring clam toxicity. PSTs (STX eq.) were measured in split clam samples (n = 16) from the Alaskan Arctic using ELISA and HPLC methods to develop a preliminary linear model for conservatively estimating total toxicity in clams from ELISA toxin values (R2adj = 0.95, p < 0.001). Profiles of PST congeners and total toxicity using HPLC were also assessed in additional clams (n = 36 additional, n = 52 total). Clams contained mostly potent PST conge..., Sample Collection
Clams were collected during research cruises of opportunity (n = 5) during 2019, 2020, and 2022 along routinely sampled survey transects (Figure 2A). Van Veen Grabs were deployed at various stations along survey transects to collect clams from the sea floor. Grab contents were sieved with seawater to isolate clams, which were then sorted to the genus or species level, collected in sterile whirl-paks or zip-lock plastic bags, and stored at −20 °C until toxin analysis.
Clams were analyzed for PSTs using ELISA and HPLC methods based on sample availability at research cruise stations throughout the Alaskan Arctic (Figure 2A). Initially, one clam at each station was analyzed for PSTs (STX eq.) using an Abraxis® ELISA kit. (Gold Standard Diagnostics, Horsham, PA, USA) Based on ELISA results, stations throughout the Alaskan Arctic with clams containing low (BDL) to high toxins (≥80 µg STX eq. 100 g−1) were selected, and an additional clam sample (n = 1) was submitted for HPLC..., , # Data from: Paralytic shellfish toxin concentrations measured in alaskan arctic clams using ELISA and HPLC methods

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.ngf1vhj4s](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.ngf1vhj4s)

## Description of the data and file structure

### Files and variables

There are two csv files and one table that includes all the raw data and metadata used for the manuscript

#### File: Toxins\_SampleMetadata.csv

**Description:** This csv file contains the metadata for the clams analyzed for PSTs in this study

##### Variables

* ID: individual clam ID label
* Species: species of clam analyzed
* Cruise: research cruise of opportunity from which each clam was collected
* Station: The station name from where each clam was collected during their respective research cruise of opportunity
* Latitude: approximate latitude coordinates from which clams were collected
* Longitude: approximate longitude coordinates from which clams were collected
* Region:region in the Alaskan Arctic clams were...