Evaluation and Optimization of Microcystin Analytical Methods

The goal of this project was to identify and compare the strengths and weaknesses of the Ohio EPA ADDA-ELISA method and EPA Method 544, Determination of Microcystins and Nodularin in Drinking Water by Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The comparison specifically focused on the ability of each method to successfully quantify with precision and accuracy microcystins at part-per-trillion detection levels in drinking water and source water. The resultant information obtained during this project can be used to design a larger and more comprehensive interlaboratory study to compare and evaluate the methodologies and variability between methods and laboratories. Published in 2019.