Targeting Marine Toxins and Other Adulterants in Fish

Seafood quality is directly related to the condition of the water from which it originates. Concerted efforts are being made by government bodies to ensure the best-quality seafood reaches consumers, but this is an ongoing and evolving struggle as climates and environments are changing, the global population is increasing and the marine environment is progressively becoming contaminated. More information is required on the effects of acute and long-term exposure of fish, shellfish and humans to harmful marine toxins and the presence of other adulterants such as viruses, bacteria, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, microfibers and industrial chemicals. Humans can be affected by the presence of marine contaminants due to working in close proximity with fish, consuming fish or swimming in contaminated water. Outbreaks of seafood poisoning can be attributed to the consumption of material contaminated with marine biotoxins or pathogens such as viruses, bacteria or other agents; all must be detected effectively. This chapter reviews how antibodies are now being used in multi-analyte screening programs, and how antibody-based detection platforms and immunosensor devices are well positioned with a view to providing point-of-need and automated sample acquisition and contaminant detection.