W. D. Jamieson

Reference materials for domoic acid, a marine neurotoxin

SummaryDomoic acid was recognized recently [1, 2] to be a marine neurotoxin associated with shellfish harvested or cultured for use as human food. Evidence about the occurrence of domoic acid and its importance to shellfish industries is reviewed. The preparation and certification of two reference materials for the determination of domoic acid, an instrument calibration solution (DACS-1, released by the Marine Analytical Chemistry Standards Program [MACSP] in May, 1989), and a tissue reference material (MUS-1, homogenized soft tissues of Mytilus edulis, released by the MACSP in August, 1989) are described. We believe these are the first certified standards or reference materials to be available for the determination of shellfish toxins, a problem of increasing importance to aquaculturists and the seafood industry, as well as to agencies concerned with the safety of food. The tissue homogenate preparation techniques we have developed and used may be of general interest for the preparation of other tissue reference materials for the determination of other organic compounds, since the sealed, fluid homogenate samples seem acceptably stable without being continuously frozen or refrigerated.

The purpose and program of the IOC/UNEP/IAEA group of experts on standards and reference materials

SummaryA Group of Experts on Standards and Reference Materials (GESREM) has been established by international agencies to improve the availability of standards and reference materials to marine scientists throughout the world. It functions by bringing together the users of such materials with their producers to discuss priorities and to seek resources to meet them. The GESREM has stimulated the production of a global catalog of available reference materials and has defined future actions to promote the availability and proper use of reference materials.