Download Algae toxin factsheet

Forensic and Scientific Services
Testing for algal blooms and algal toxins
Identification and enumeration, toxin gene detection, toxin analysis
Why monitor algae?
Routine monitoring of water bodies enables water utility operators and managers to ascertain risk, and
develop frameworks to respond to the onset and progress of potentially toxic algal blooms in water. The
ability to act quickly to changes in algal concentrations, through the instigation of a water treatment
intervention to remove toxins and taste and odour products, is vital in water resource management.
Our services
Organic Chemistry offers a range of analytical tests for surveillance of algae in drinking, recreational and
ornamental water bodies. Our expert team provides outstanding service delivery in:
 identification and enumeration of freshwater algae including cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
 early detection of toxic blue green algae by DNA analysis
 algal toxin analysis (freshwater and marine).
In addition our staff have expertise in the interpretation of analytical tests and can provide education and
training and method research and development.
Sampling requirements
Analysis
Volume
minimum
Container
Preservation
Storage
Holding
time
Algae ID and counts
250mL
1L usual vol.
HDPE plastic
or glass
Lugol’s iodine or as
sampled
Chilled (not
frozen)
Max 48hrs
if not
preserved
Toxin genes
100mL
HDPE plastic
or glass
N/A
Chilled (not
frozen)
Max 48hrs
Toxins
LyngbyatoxinA/DSP
ONLY
200mL
scum material
HDPE plastic
or glass
Sodium thiosulphate
(if chlorinated) or as
sampled
Chilled
3-5 days
>5 days
needs to be
frozen
Algae/Algae toxin testing capability
Analytical test
Limit of reporting
Method
Approx. turnaround
time
*Cyanobacteria ID/counts
(including potentially toxic
algae)
25 cells/mL
Phase contrast
microscopy
2-3 working days
*Biovolume (cyanobacteria)
0.01mm3/L
Phase contrast
microscopy
2-3 working days
*Total Phytoplankton
ID/counts
5 cells/mL
Phase contrast
microscopy
4 working days
Blue green algae gene
detection
Presence/absence
PCR/real time PCR
2 working days
Microcystins
0.5µg/L
HPLC/Diode Array UV
detection
3-5 working days
Saxitoxins (not saxitoxin
equivalents)
2.0µg/L
HPLC/Fluorescence
detection
3-5 working days
Cylindrospermopsin/ deoxycylindrospermopsin
0.2µg/L
HPLC MS/MS
3-5 working days
Lyngbyatoxin A/ marine toxins
(DSPs)
0.5µg/L
HPLC MS/MS
3-5 working days
Nodularin
0.5µg/L
HPLC MS/MS
3-5 working days
0.5µg/L
HPLC MS/MS
3-5 working days
Anatoxin-a
*NATA accredited tests
How can we help?
For further information on the services available or to request a quote please contact Public and
Environmental Health, Organic Chemistry:
Algal identification and enumeration
Karen Reardon
Phone: (07) 3274 9090
Email: [email protected]
Identification of toxin genes
Barbara Sendall
Phone: (07) 3000 9916
Email: [email protected]
Toxin identification and quantitation
Steve Carter
Phone: (07) 3274 9085
Email: [email protected]
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Testing for algal blooms and algal toxins