Attogene’s Microcystin Test Kit (Rapid – Recreational Water) can be used to detect microcystins in liquid samples; highly sensitive, rapid, robust screening kit for algae toxins microcystins and nodularins.
The most frequently reported cyanobacterial toxins are the hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs). MCs are peptides with a molecular weight ranging from 900 to 1,100 Da. They consist of seven amino acids of which the two terminal amino acids of the linear peptide are condensed to form a cyclic compound.
A tiered notification system which takes different actions based on different numeric thresholds for microcytin-LR concentrations in recreational waters has been developed. This is guidance that allows states to take various actions—such as posting information about harmful algal blooms (HABs), issuing a recreational public health advisory, or temporarily closing recreational waters through a no contact advisory—depending on the severity of the bloom event.
Microcystin-LR
Informational sign postings about HABs at recreational waters: < 6 μg/L
Recreational public health advisory: 6 μg/L
Elevated recreational public health advisory (e.g. no contact): 20 μg/L