EPA Releases New Cyanotoxin Method
As part of its intense activity related to harmful algal blooms and associated cyanotoxins in drinking water, EPA has been working to improve analytical methods for these compounds. The new Method 545: Determination of Cylindrospermopsin and Anatoxin-a in Drinking Water by Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS), is a laboratory method for more accurate quantitation of two of the more common cyanotoxins. In their recommendations for managing cyanotoxins and minimizing risk, EPA addresses appropriate monitoring and analytical methods, including both field methods like ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and laboratory methods such as Method 545. The method can be downloaded from EPA’s analytical methods web page.