Envirologix: Putting Science to the Test
Natural Water Toxins
Many water supplies are also subject to contamination by natural toxins, viruses, parasites and bacteria. These toxins may be present at low levels without harm to humans or animals, yet rise to become serious health risks under certain environmental conditions.
Microcystins are a form of "blue-green algae" or cyanobacteria that in high concentrations are toxic to humans and animals, sometimes fatally. According to the World Health Organization (Toxic Cyanobacteria in Water, 1999): Both the beneficial and detrimental features of the cyanobacteria are of considerable significance. They are important primary producers and their general nutritive value is high. The nitrogen-fixing species contribute globally to soil and water fertility. The use of cyanobacteria in food production and in solar energy conversions holds promising potential for the future. However, cyanobacteria may also be a source of considerable nuisance in many situations. Abundant growth of cyanobacteria in water reservoirs creates severe practical problems for water supplies. The development of strains containing toxins is a common experience in polluted inland water systems all over the world, as well as in some coastal waters. Thus cyanobacterial toxins, or "cyanotoxins", have become a concern for public health."
"Outbreaks of human poisoning attributed to toxic cyanobacteria have been reported in Australia, following exposure of individuals to contaminated drinking water, and in the UK, where army recruits were exposed while swimming and canoeing. However, the only known human fatalities associated with cyanobacteria and their toxins occurred in Caruara, Brazil, where exposure through renal dialysis led to the death of over 50 patients."
EnviroLogix' microcystin detection kits are specifically designed to detect these toxic cyanobacteria at or below the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guideline of 1 ppb (one part microcystin per billion parts of water). The plate kit range is 0.16 ppb to 2.5 ppb; the tube kit range is 0.5 ppb to 3 ppb. A simple modification in the procedure for the plate assay allows for the detection limit to be adjust to the relevant range for most applications.
Click here for detailed information on our Algal Toxin Test Kits
We also have electronic copies of technical papers that reference the use of ELISA when testing cyanobacteria:
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Evaluation of Potential Blue-Green Algal Toxins In Lake Champlain, Summer 2000
for the Lake Champlain Basin Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Barry H. Rosen, Ph. D., USDA-NRCS, Watershed Science Institute
Angela Shambaugh, Lisa Ferber, Felicity Smith, Mary Watzin, Ph. D.; University of Vermont, School of Natural Resources
Cathi Eliopoulos, Peter Stangel; VT Dept. of Environmental Conservation
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Toxic Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae): An Emerging Concern
Robert C. Hoehn, Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Bruce W. Long, P.E., Black & Veatch
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Development of a Protocol: Monitoring For Microcystins By ELISA at Lake Manatee
Karen Pettit and Mark Simpson, Manatee County Water Treatment Plant
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Comparison of Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, ELISA, and Phosphatase Assay for the Determination of Microcystins in Blue-Green Algae Products
James F. Lawrence, Barbara Niedzwiadek, Cathie Menard, Benjamin P.Y. Lau, David Lewis, and Tink Kuper-Goodman, Health Canada
Charles Holmes, U. of Alberta Dept. of Biochemistry
Susan Carbone, EnviroLogix
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Microcystins adsorption on sediment particles
Valeria Freitas de Magalhaes, Sandra Maria Feliciano de Oliveira e Azevedo, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro