Simultaneous quantification of microcystins and nodularin in aerosol samples using high-performance liquid chromatography/negative electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Gambaro, A; Barbaro, E; Zangrando, R; Barbante, C

HERO ID

2563581

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2012

Language

English

PMID

22592994

HERO ID 2563581
In Press No
Year 2012
Title Simultaneous quantification of microcystins and nodularin in aerosol samples using high-performance liquid chromatography/negative electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors Gambaro, A; Barbaro, E; Zangrando, R; Barbante, C
Journal Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry
Volume 26
Issue 12
Page Numbers 1497-1506
Abstract <strong>RATIONALE: </strong>Cyanobacteria are a small group of photosynthetic planktonic bacteria, producing a large group of strong hepatotoxins called microcystins (MCs). Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the presence of MCs and nodularin (NOD) in water or in marine organisms, but little research has been done on the atmospheric environment. Waterborne toxins can be found in the aerosol phase due to bubble-bursting processes.<br /><br /><strong>METHODS: </strong>The aim of this study was to obtain a sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of trace concentrations of individual cyanotoxins in aerosol samples, using liquid chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole (HPLC/MS/MS). During method development improved electrospray ionization was found in negative ion mode. In contrast with other authors, we have developed a chromatographic separation using alkaline conditions, thus achieving good resolution, improved electrospray ionization and therefore better sensitivity.<br /><br /><strong>RESULTS: </strong>A sensitive analytical method was set up to simultaneously measure trace concentrations of cyanotoxins in aerosol samples in a single chromatographic analysis using the internal standard method. The limit of detection for all the toxins was determined to be between 1 fg/μL (MC LA and LF) and 9 fg/μL (NOD).<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>The method was applied to ten aerosol samples from the Venice Lagoon. In these samples, trace concentrations of MC-LA ranging between 90 fg m(-3) and 706 fg m(-3), MC-LF between n.d. and 369 fg m(-3) and MC-LW between n.d. and 262 fg m(-3). This is the first study to quantify the cyanotoxins in Venetian aerosol samples using the HPLC/(-)ESI-MS/MS.
Doi 10.1002/rcm.6246
Pmid 22592994
Wosid WOS:000304154300013
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Scopus URL: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84861315228&doi=10.1002%2frcm.6246&partnerID=40&md5=d16ab44869c0e50b675e20cdf85a55ba
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword bacterial toxin; cyclopeptide; marine toxin; microcystin; nodularin; aerosol; article; chemistry; electrospray mass spectrometry; high performance liquid chromatography; isolation and purification; Italy; limit of detection; methodology; pH; reproducibility; tandem mass spectrometry; Aerosols; Bacterial Toxins; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Italy; Limit of Detection; Marine Toxins; Microcystins; Peptides, Cyclic; Reproducibility of Results; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Tandem Mass Spectrometry