Evaluation of Passive Samplers for Cyanotoxin Detection by Immunoassay and Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometry
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- Document: Report (3.86 MB pdf) , HTML , XML
- Dataset: USGS National Water Information System database - USGS water data for the Nation
- Data Release: USGS data release - Cyanotoxin concentrations in extracts from solid phase adsorption toxin tracking (SPATT) and diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) samplers in Owasco Lake, Seneca Lake, and Skaneateles Lake, Finger Lakes Region, New York, 2019
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms, particularly cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms, threaten aquatic ecosystems, drinking water supplies, and recreational resources. In 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, deployed solid phase adsorption toxin tracking (SPATT) samplers in Seneca Lake, Owasco Lake, and Skaneateles Lake to monitor the cyanotoxins microcystins, cylindrospermopsins, anatoxins, and saxitoxins. SPATT samplers can passively adsorb dissolved cyanotoxins over time, providing time-integrated data capable of detecting low concentrations of cyanotoxins that traditional discrete sampling may miss. SPATT samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC–MS), and with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The effects of ELISA-required preservative on measurements by mass spectrometry methods were also evaluated.
SPATT samplers consistently detected microcystins and anatoxins more frequently than concurrent discrete sampling. ELISA results often showed higher cyanotoxin concentrations than LC–MS/MS, likely due to interference from dissolved organic matter and the ability of ELISA to detect a broader range of congeners. The addition of preservative influenced results for some analytes, particularly microcystins, which showed higher concentrations in preserved samples. Limitations in ELISA methods for cylindrospermopsins and saxitoxins were identified, potentially related to cross-reactivity, low sensitivity, or other matrix interferences. This study demonstrates the utility of SPATT samplers in capturing cyanotoxin variability, especially in environments with low cyanotoxin levels or ephemeral blooms. Further research could help improve the reliability of ELISA and other analytical methods in freshwater ecosystems.
Suggested Citation
Johnston, B.D., Stouder, M.D.W., Gorney, R.M., Rosen, J.J., Carpenter, K.D., Wei, B., and Boyer, G.L., 2025, Evaluation of passive samplers for cyanotoxin detection by immunoassay and chromatographic-mass spectrometry: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5046, 37 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255046.
ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Description of Study Area
- SPATT Sampler Methods
- Discrete Sample Methods
- Sample Quality Assurance and Control
- Results of Cyanotoxin Analyses
- Comparative Analysis of SPATT and Discrete Sample Results
- Discussion of SPATT Efficacy and Cyanotoxin Detection
- Summary
- References Cited
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Evaluation of passive samplers for cyanotoxin detection by immunoassay and chromatographic-mass spectrometry |
| Series title | Scientific Investigations Report |
| Series number | 2025-5046 |
| DOI | 10.3133/sir20255046 |
| Publication Date | June 02, 2025 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | New York Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center |
| Description | Report: vii, 37 p.; Data Release; Dataset |
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| Other Geospatial | Finger Lakes region |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |