Analysis of Algae Toxins by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry – Method Development and Demonstration

Increasing eutrophication of surface water have resulted in an increased risk of algal blooms. In particular, harmful algal blooms (HABs) which are formed by cyanobacteria can produce extremely dangerous toxins and jeopardize drinking water sources. Several common classes of these compounds include neurotoxins such as anatoxin-a, cytotoxins such as cylindrospermopsin, and hepatotoxins such as microcystins. In May of 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued a health advisory recommending microcystins and cylindrospermopsin in drinking water for children younger than school age should not exceed 0.3 mg/L and 0.7 mg/L, respectively. Only a limited number of laboratories perform algae toxin testing. In addition, many of the standard methods developed only address one or two classes of toxins (i.e. the US EPA Method 544 for microcystins and nodularins). Therefore, in response to the need for this type of testing coupled with the need to encompass more classes of algae toxins in a single assay, ISTC has begun developing analytical methods to address these emerging contaminants of concern. Presented at the Emerging Contaminants in the Aquatic Environment Conference (Champaign, IL : May 31-June 1, 2017).Funding for this project was made available from the Illinois Hazardous Waste Research Program at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center.Ope