Use of solid-phase extraction systems to improve the sensitivity of Artemia bioassays for trichothecene mycotoxins

Solid-phase extraction was used to preconcentrate trichothecene mycotoxins from rivers and streams in order to develop and improve a rapid and sensitive bioassay using the brine shrimp Artemia salina. For T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, and 4,15-diacetoxyscirpenol, LC50 values obtained were 172, 600, and 700 micrograms/L, respectively. The LC50 for 4-deoxynivalenol was 21 mg/L. A more than 5-fold increase in sensitivity was observed when solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used in conjunction with the Artemia bioassay. For T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, and 4,15-diacetoxyscirpenol, LC50/SPE values after solid-phase extraction were 21, 83, and 130 micrograms/L. The use of river and stream waters and chlorinated water did not seem to interfere with the bioassay.