The monthly variation tendency of microcystin-LR levels in the Huangpu River (China) by applications of ELISA and HPLC

Abstract

In this study, the contents of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) of Microcystis aeruginosa cultures in the laboratory and natural water samples from the Huangpu River in different seasons were detected through enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively.Excellent correlation between the two methods was obtained (R 2 > 0.99). ELISA was a reliable and simple method with high reproducibility (coe cient of variation < 25%) and satisfactory recovery for the monitoring of low levels of MC-LR. MC-LR concentrations in Huangpu River varied with the seasonal variation,which peaked in August with the temperature over 30°C and then gradually declined with the decreasing temperature after August. The highest MC-LR concentration in the Huangpu River was below the WHO drinking water quality standard (1 ug/L). These results indicated that warm temperature accelerated the MC-LR synthesis and release, and it is necessary to regularly monitor the MC-LR levels, especially during the high algae period in summer. ELISA can be applied to detect the low levels of MC-LR in the eld without complex treatment, avoiding the samples from denaturation and degradation during the transportation. Hence, ELISA is a better alternative of HPLC when HPLC is unavailable, especially when rapid testing is required in routine MC-LR analysis.

Detection of Microcystins in South African surface waters by high performance liquid chromatography in the light of Quality by Design statical tool.

“…Some of the targeted MCs were not detected. Due to reduced algal visibility in winter, MCs are anticipated to be low [55]. Low levels of toxins were caused by a variety of events, including oods.…”