Release of Application Note for Analysis of Microcystin Toxin in Drinking Water 

Bruker has released an Application Note detailing the development for analysis of microcystins in drinking water, by direct injection on the recently introduced EVOQ EliteTM liquid chromatography mass spectrometer triple quadrupole(LC-MS/MS). Microcystins (MCs) are cyclic heptapeptides produced by cyanobacteria in lakes and reservoirs that experience seasonal algal bloom. MCs are toxic to animals and humans, with widespread adoption of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines of 1µg/L in drinking water. Using the EVOQ Elite LC-MS, Bruker has developed the method for the detection and quantification of three common MCs (MC-LR, -YR, -RR) in drinking water to ensure its safety. The Application Note is available to download at http://j.mp/12BoWkv.

The Application Note explores the high sensitivity of the EVOQ Elite LC-MS/MS, in detecting parts per billion (ppb) concentrations of MCs. Water containing three common cyanobacterial toxins was directly injected into the EVOQ. The MCs were examined over three orders of dynamic range, from 50 ppb to 0.05 ppb. The EVOQ proved sensitive to detect 0.00 ppb of MCs with good repeatability of <10% relative standard deviation (RSD), far exceeding the guideline set by the WHO of 1µ/L, demonstrating that the EVOQ Elite can easily be utilised to ensure safe levels of MCs in drinking water.

Meredith Conoley, Bruker CAM Marketing Director, explained that “the EVOQ Elite is designed to deliver game-changing performance for laboratories involved in high throughput quantitation. Innovations in hardware, including the revolutionary Active Exhaust and Orifice Interface, have contributed to an LC-MS/MS of exceptional sensitivity, while the EVOQ’s IQ Dual Ion Funnel, VIP-HESI and the new PACER software make it user-friendly and cost-effective.” Conoley went on to say that “with its sustained high performance, the EVOQ Elite offers advantages to any lab conducting routine analysis of water quality, as well as environmental monitoring and food testing.”