Determination of the neurotoxins BMAA (beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine) and DAB (alpha-,gamma-diaminobutyric acid) by LC-MSMS in Dutch urban waters with cyanobacterial blooms.
We aimed to determine concentrations of the neurotoxic amino acids beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and alpha-,gamma-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) in mixed species scum material from Dutch urban waters that suffer from cyanobacterial blooms. BMAA and DAB were analysed in scum material without derivatization by LC-MSMS (liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry) using hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC). Our method showed high selectivity, good recovery of added compounds after sample extraction (86% for BMAA and 85% for DAB), acceptable recovery after sample hydrolysation (70% for BMAA and 56% for DAB) and acceptable precision. BMAA and DAB could be detected at an injected amount of 0.34 pmol. Free BMAA was detected in nine of the 21 sampled locations with a maximum concentration of 42 microg/g DW. Free DAB was detected in two locations with a maximum concentration of 4 microg/g DW. No protein-associated forms were detected. This study is the first to detect underivatized BMAA in cyanobacterial scum material using LC-MSMS. Ubiquity of BMAA in cyanobacteria scums of Dutch urban waters could not be confirmed, where BMAA and DAB concentrations were relatively low; however, co-occurrence with other cyanobacterial neurotoxins might pose a serious health risk including chronic effects from low-level doses.
Faassen
Elisabeth J
EJ
Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands. Els.Faassen@wur.nl
Gillissen
Frits
F
Zweers
Hans A J
HA
Lürling
Miquel
M
D000599:Amino Acids, Diamino / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D000458:Cyanobacteria / Q000737:chemistry*; D000087522:Cyanobacteria Toxins; D009426:Netherlands; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000032:analysis*; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis*; D014871:Water Microbiology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000032:analysis*
D000599:Amino Acids, Diamino; D000087522:Cyanobacteria Toxins; D009498:Neurotoxins; D014867:Water; C001824:beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid