A validated UPLC–MS/MS method for the surveillance of ten aquatic biotoxins in European brackish and freshwater systems

Greer, B, McNamee, SE, Boots, B, Cimarelli, L, Guillebault, D, Helmi, K, Marcheggiani, S, Panaiotov, S, Breitenbach, U, Akcaalan, R, Medlin, LK, Kittler, K, Elliott, CT and Campbell, K 2016 A validated UPLC–MS/MS method for the surveillance of ten aquatic biotoxins in European brackish and freshwater systems. Harmful Algae, 55. 31-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2016.01.006

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Abstract/Summary

Over the past few decades, there has been an increased frequency and duration of cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems globally. These can produce secondary metabolites called cyanotoxins, many of which are hepatotoxins, raising concerns about repeated exposure through ingestion of contaminated drinking water or food or through recreational activities such as bathing/swimming. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) multi-toxin method has been developed and validated for freshwater cyanotoxins; microcystins-LR, -YR, -RR, -LA, -LY and -LF, nodularin, cylindrospermopsin, anatoxin-a and the marine diatom toxin domoic acid. Separation was achieved in around 9 min and dual SPE was incorporated providing detection limits of between 0.3 and 5.6 ng/L of original sample. Intra- and inter-day precision analysis showed relative standard deviations (RSD) of 1.2–9.6% and 1.3–12.0% respectively. The method was applied to the analysis of aquatic samples (n = 206) from six European countries. The main class detected were the hepatotoxins; microcystin-YR (n = 22), cylindrospermopsin (n = 25), microcystin-RR (n = 17), micro- cystin-LR (n = 12), microcystin-LY (n = 1), microcystin-LF (n = 1) and nodularin (n = 5). For microcystins, the levels detected ranged from 0.001 to 1.51 mg/L, with two samples showing combined levels above the guideline set by the WHO of 1 mg/L for microcystin-LR. Several samples presented with multiple toxins indicating the potential for synergistic effects and possibly enhanced toxicity. This is the first published pan European survey of freshwater bodies for multiple biotoxins, including two identified for the first time; cylindrospermopsin in Ireland and nodularin in Germany, presenting further incentives for improved monitoring and development of strategies to mitigate human exposure.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Additional Keywords:	Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Biotoxins Multiplex UPLC–MS/MS Microcystin
Subjects:	Biology Marine Sciences
Divisions:	Marine Biological Association of the UK > Ocean Biology
Depositing User:	Prof Linda Medlin
Date made live:	20 Feb 2017 15:03
Last Modified:	09 Feb 2024 16:43
URI:	https://plymsea.ac.uk/id/eprint/7313

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