The Phytocontrol laboratory offers cyanotoxin analysis using LC-MS\/MS, a benchmark technique for detecting microcystins in fresh water.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our R&D department has just taken a new step forward with two major developments to this method<\/b>, enabling us to respond even more precisely to regulatory requirements and practical needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Following regulatory changes, we have lowered the quantification limit to 0.1 \u00b5g\/L<\/b> for extracellular microcystins (dissolved form)<\/b>. 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<\/b>, which set an alert threshold of 0.3 \u00b5g\/L<\/b> for microcystins in bathing water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Initially limited to extracellular<\/b> analysis, our method can now also analyze the intracellular fraction<\/b>. This development provides a measurement of total cyanotoxins<\/b>, giving a more complete picture of the contamination of a sample.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For treated fresh water<\/b>, our COFRAC-accredited cyanotoxin analysis method provides results in the extracellular fraction<\/b> only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, for untreated fresh water<\/b>, the results can be expressed either as extracellular (dissolved) fraction<\/b> or as total cyanotoxins<\/b> (including extracellular and intracellular fractions).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Cyanotoxin analysis is subject to a clear regulatory framework, particularly for bathing water, according to instruction DGS\/EA4\/EA3\/2021\/76<\/b>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the presence of chlorophyll a > 10 \u00b5g\/L<\/b>, cyanobacteria identification<\/b> is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If potentially toxinogenic genera are present, a biovolume count<\/b> is performed (results are expressed in biovolumes):<\/p>\n\n\n\n