Algal Toxins

Harmful Algal Blooms

Freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a growing concern in the United States and worldwide, associated with expanding agricultural activities and global climate change.  HABs often seasonally occur in shallow or stagnant lakes, rivers, ponds and other surface waters.  Cyanobacteria, formerly referred to as blue-green algae, are capable of producing toxins, called cyanotoxins, which can pose health risks to humans and animals.  Conventional water treatment can generally remove cyanobacterial cells and low levels of toxins.  However, water systems may face challenges providing drinking water during a severe bloom event.  Additionally, HABs can create taste and odor problems in drinking water, such as an earthy and musty smell

Cyanotoxins are recognized as liver, nervous system, and kidney toxins.  There is also growing evidence that cyanotoxins are genotoxic and carcinogenic.  In response to the HAB concern, the U.S. EPA has established 10-day Health Advisories (HA) for microcystins and cylindrospermopsin.  Several states have also adopted regulations and guidance values for cyanotoxins in potable and recreational waters.  Microcystins, anatoxin-A, and cylindrospermopsin were on EPA’s Contaminant Candidate List 3 (CCL3) and were also included in EPA’s Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule 4 (UCMR4).

Eurofins HAB Analysis

Eurofins has equipped with state-of-the-art compound light microscope, flow cytometry, ADDA-ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and purge-and-trap (PT) GC/MS.  With these techniques and 25 years of experience and expertise, we can provide rapid, sensitive, and reliable HAB analysis.  As shown in the table below, our analytical services include:

• Algae enumeration and identification
• Total microcystins
• Individual cyanotoxins
• Taste and odor compounds