Quantitative multiclass cyanotoxin analysis by paper spray mass spectrometry

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Increasing frequency of toxic cyanobacterial blooms worldwide poses risks to recreational water use and drinking water supplies.
• Existing analytical methods for cyanotoxins are often costly, time-consuming, or lack accuracy and precision.
• The chemical diversity of cyanotoxins complicates analysis using a single technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, multiclass method for cyanotoxin analysis using paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS).
• To overcome limitations of previous methods, including interference and detection limits.
• To provide a high-throughput screening tool for cyanotoxin monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Development of a paper spray mass spectrometry method with minimal sample preparation.
• Initial method optimization using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.
• Subsequent method refinement using a custom-built PS source and high-resolution MS to address selectivity issues.

Main Results:

• Preliminary PS-MS achieved detection limits below 3 μg/L for microcystins, nodularin, and anatoxin.
• Improved PS-MS method with high-resolution MS achieved detection limits of 0.3–1.6 μg/L for 6 microcystins, 2 anatoxins, and nodularin-R.
• Quantitative results from PS-MS showed good agreement (±20% bias) with a reference LC-MS method.

Conclusions:

• The developed PS-MS method is a promising strategy for rapid cyanotoxin screening.
• This technique addresses the need for simple, high-throughput methods for monitoring cyanotoxins.
• Effective monitoring can help mitigate exposure risks associated with toxic cyanobacterial blooms.