LCMS-8060NX
Highly Sensitive Quantitation of Microcystins and Nodularin in Water using the Triple Quad LCMS-8060NX in Accordance with EPA Method 544
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User Benefits
- Shimadzu LCMS-8060NX triple quadrupole mass spectrometer can easily achieve the detection limits reported in EPA Method 544 on microcystins and nodularin analysis. - This method provides at least 10 times lower LOQs than those reported in EPA Method 544 (that requires sample preconcentration by SPE), demonstrating that direct injection analysis of the target compounds is possible in the same system. - The run time is shortened to only 8 minutes while maintaining good chromatographic separation and analyte peak shape.
Introduction
Both freshwater and marine environments can be inhabited by photosynthetic organisms known as cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. The frequency of algal blooms and location where they occur have risen over the years, with human-caused inputs of phosphorus and nitrogen into natural water systems being significant factors driving the global increase in harmful algal blooms. Microcystins and nodularin are highly potent hepatotoxins produced by different species of cyanobacteria. These toxins pose a significant threat to both livestock and human drinking water sources, particularly during algal blooms in freshwater systems, where large quantities of microcystins and nodularin can accumulate. There are at least 80 known microcystins, among which Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is widely recognized as one of the most toxic variants.1 Over a dozen countries have established regulations or guidelines pertaining to microcystins in both drinking water and recreational waters. The majority of these guidelines for drinking water are derived from the provisional value established by the World Health Organization, which sets the limit for microcystin-LR at 1.0 μg/L.2 Advisory published by US EPA, microcystins in drinking water should be less than 0.3 μg/L for children of pre-school age and younger (less than six years old) and 1.6 μg/L for school-age children and adults.3 This application demonstrates the accurate and sensitive quantification of six microcystins (MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-LA, MC-LF, MC-LY, MC-YR) and nodularin in accordance with EPA method 5444 on a Shimadzu LCMS-8060NX triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.
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