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Extraction of 15 microcystins and nodularin using immunoaffinity columns
Rocio Aranda-Rodriguez1, Cariton Kubwabo, Frank M Benoit
1Health Canada, Health Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Safe Environments Programme, Chemistry Research Division, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ont. KIA OL2, Canada. rocio_arand-rodriquez@hc-sc.gc.ca
Summary
Immunoaffinity columns (IAC) efficiently extracted 15 microcystins (MCYSTs) and nodularin from surface water, offering improved detection. This method provides a sensitive and selective approach for analyzing these harmful algal bloom toxins.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microcystins (MCYSTs) are potent cyanotoxins found in surface waters, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
- Accurate detection and quantification of MCYSTs are crucial for environmental monitoring and risk assessment.
- Existing methods for MCYST extraction and analysis can be limited in scope and sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel method for the extraction and analysis of a broad range of microcystins (MCYSTs) and nodularin from surface water.
- To compare the efficacy of reusable immunoaffinity columns (IAC) with traditional solid-phase extraction (SPE) for MCYST isolation.
- To establish the method detection limits and reproducibility for the IAC-based approach.
Main Methods:
- Surface water samples were analyzed using reusable immunoaffinity columns (IAC) for microcystin (MCYST) isolation.
- High-performance liquid chromatography with a photo-diode array detector (HPLC-PDA) was used for individual MCYST determination.
- Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESIM S) was employed for molecular weight analysis and tentative identification of MCYST variants.
Main Results:
- The IAC method successfully extracted 15 different microcystins (MCYSTs) and nodularin, significantly expanding the range compared to previous studies.
- IAC extracts were free from interferences, leading to enhanced detection and identification of MCYSTs.
- The method detection limit for MCYSTs using IAC was 10-14 ng, compared to 25 ng for SPE, with improved reproducibility (4-17% for IAC vs. 6-10% for SPE).
Conclusions:
- Reusable immunoaffinity columns provide a highly selective and sensitive method for extracting a wide array of microcystins (MCYSTs) and nodularin from surface water.
- The IAC-HPLC-PDA-LC-ESIMS approach offers superior performance over traditional SPE methods for MCYST analysis.
- This validated method is suitable for routine environmental monitoring of microcystins and nodularin, contributing to better management of harmful algal blooms.