CYANOBACTERIA & CYANOTOXIN TESTING

RPC offers advanced testing for cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in water samples utilizing state-of-the-art technologies such as rapid Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

The rising frequency of cyanobacterial blooms has become a global concern, often associated with environmental degradation and socio-economic challenges such as ecosystem decline and aquaculture disruption.

Certain cyanobacteria species produce cyanotoxins, which pose serious risks to both animal and human health. To safeguard environmental and public health, rapid and reliable methods for cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin testing are essential. These tools support early detection, prediction of bloom trends and risk management strategies.

TOTAL CYANOBACTERIA TESTING

RPC’s qPCR test enables the detection and quantification of total cyanobacteria in water samples. While not all cyanobacteria produce cyanotoxins identifying their presence is an important first step. Understanding whether a confirmed cyanobacteria bloom has the potential to become toxic provides critical insight for effective monitoring and risk management.

In addition to reporting total cyanobacteria, our test results also include whether six common toxin-producing genes are detected, namely;

• mycE/ndaF (microcystin/nodularin-producing)

• cyrA (cylindrospermopsin-producing)

• sxtA (saxitoxin producing)

• anaC (anatoxin-producing)

• GntA (guanitoxin-producing)

Reporting Limit: 45 gc/ml (gene copies/ml)

Sampling Requirements: 250ml sterile plastic bottle
Sodium thiosulfate preservative must be added for municipal/chlorinated water source sample.

Turnaround Time: 5-7 business days
Rush options may be available, please contact the lab in advance.

CYANOTOXIN TESTING

RPC offers four tests for cyanotoxins:

• Total Microcystins and Nodularins

• Anatoxin-a

• Cylindrospermopsins

• Saxitoxins

Reporting Limit:

• Microcystins/Nodularins: 0.150 µg/L

• Anatoxin-a: 0.165 µg/L

• Cylindrospermopsins: 0.050 µg/L

• Saxitoxins: 0.020 µg/L

Sampling Requirements: 20ml amber glass vial
Contact RPC for cyanobacteria sampling instructions & amber glass vial requirements.

Testing Options:

• Option A:  Microcystins/Nodularins & Anatoxin-a

• Option B:  Microcystins/Nodularins

• Option C:  Anatoxin-a

• Option D:  Cylindrospermopsins

• Option E:  Saxitoxins

• Option F:  All Five Toxins

Turnaround Time: 5-7 business days
Rush options may be available, please contact the lab in advance.