Algae are very simple organisms that contain chlorophyll. Algae produce antifungal substances, toxins and a wide variety of metabolites. Molds, a fungus species, produce mycotoxins and create problems for human and animal health. Algae, on the other hand, prevents mold growth by producing various antifungal metabolites. For this reason, various studies have been carried out on the use of algae in order to control mold growth and mycotoxin production.

Algae, which are multicellular organisms, can be found in various forms, lakes, seas, soil, walls, animals and plants, in any area where light can briefly perform photosynthesis.

Some of the substances produced by algae have toxic properties. Some of them have antibacterial, antifungal and many effects that prevent cancer formation and have many uses.

On the other hand, the consumption of shellfish, especially mussels, is quite common in our country. However, black mussels cause more poisoning than 50 in other species. This is because the production periods of black mussels and the periods in which toxic algae multiply are close to each other. Shellfish are fed with algae containing toxins produced by algae. These shellfish accumulate toxins in their bodies or use them in their metabolism. Therefore, it causes poisoning in shellfish.

While toxic algae analyzes are performed in the laboratories, samples taken from sea water are reduced to 5 lt, 250 ml, 10 ml and 1 ml by sedimentation process and the toxic algae species are determined under microscope. The aim of these studies is to identify and determine the number of algae found in shellfish and causing various intoxications.

Studies are carried out in advanced laboratories for the determination of toxic algae within the scope of mycotoxin analysis. During these studies, standards published by domestic and foreign organizations are based.