Cyanotoxin analysis: greater sensitivity and a comprehensive overview

The Phytocontrol laboratory offers cyanotoxin analysis using LC-MS/MS, a benchmark technique for detecting microcystins in fresh water.

Our R&D department has just taken a new step forward with two major developments to this method, enabling us to respond even more precisely to regulatory requirements and practical needs.

 

 

Following regulatory changes, we have lowered the quantification limit to 0.1 µg/L for extracellular microcystins (dissolved form). The evolution of our method reinforces our reliability, robustness, and reproducibility, and allows us to be fully compliant with current regulations, in particular the recommendations of the DGS, which set an alert threshold of 0.3 µg/L for microcystins in bathing water.

Initially limited to extracellular analysis, our method can now also analyze the intracellular fraction. This development provides a measurement of total cyanotoxins, giving a more complete picture of the contamination of a sample.

For treated fresh water, our COFRAC-accredited cyanotoxin analysis method provides results in the extracellular fraction only.

However, for untreated fresh water, the results can be expressed either as extracellular (dissolved) fraction or as total cyanotoxins (including extracellular and intracellular fractions).

 

What is the regulatory context?

Cyanotoxin analysis is subject to a clear regulatory framework, particularly for bathing water, according to instruction DGS/EA4/EA3/2021/76:

In the presence of chlorophyll a > 10 µg/L, cyanobacteria identification is required.

If potentially toxinogenic genera are present, a biovolume count is performed (results are expressed in biovolumes):

• No alert if the sum of cyanobacteria biovolumes ≤ 1 mm3/L

• Level 1 alert if the sum of cyanobacterial biovolumes > 1 mm3/L and toxin thresholds are not exceeded: search for toxins and maintain normal activity on the site. Inform the public.

• Level 2 alert if the sum of cyanobacterial biovolumes > 1 mm3/L and one of the following toxin thresholds is exceeded:

• Microcystin > 0.3 µg/L

• Saxitoxin > 30 µg/L

• Cylindrospermopsin > 42 µg/L

• Anatoxin > LD

In the event of an alert: swimming is prohibited, the public is informed, water activities are restricted, and fish consumption is discouraged.

Need technical, regulatory, or pricing information? Our customer service team is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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