Algae Toxin Testing

Algae plays an integral role in the environment, contributing to most of the primary productivity of water bodies. According to the species combination, it can be judged whether the ecosystem is in a state of equilibrium. At the same time, algal blooms can deplete oxygen and block sunlight from reaching other organisms, and some produce powerful toxins that can cause illness or even death in wildlife, livestock, pets and even humans. In addition to producing toxins, these harmful algal blooms can also create taste and odor problems in public water systems. The recommended maximum levels for the most common algal toxins in drinking and recreational water are extremely low, making many of these compounds the deadliest toxins known to man. These problems can be caused by several species of algae, including Microcystis, Plankton, Longweed (formerly Anabaena), and Cylindrotheca. CD BioSciences is experienced in the analysis of algal/cyanobacterial populations and the quantification of common algal toxins.

Our Services

CD BioSciences biologists will examine your sample for any algal species that can produce toxins. We provide you with a report listing these species and any toxins they may produce.

• Testing for Cyanobacteria and Toxins
  Various cyanobacteria produce several common toxins, but not every species produces every toxin. Some species produce only one specific toxin, and some species produce several different toxins, depending on environmental conditions. CD BioSciences offers a variety of harmful algal blooms services, including toxicity testing and algal identification.
• Algae and Algal Toxin Sampling
  We provide algal toxin sampling services to clients with sampling kits developed by an experienced team of limnologists and aquatic biologists.
• Toxin Genes Test
• Microcystin/Nodularin genes tests
• Cylindrospermopsin genes tests
• Saxitoxin genes tests
• Microcystin-LR genes tests
• Anatoxin-a genes tests
• Saxitoxins genes tests
• Cylindrospermopsin genes tests

Our Techniques

• Algae toxin testing via qPCR
  qPCR can use the 16S rRNA gene to estimate the number of cyanobacteria present in the bloom. Run concurrently with the toxin DNA test, which reports the percentage of cyanobacterial blooms capable of toxin production.
• Algae toxin testing via ELISA method
  ELISA tests (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) are screening tests that detect specific groups of cyanobacterial toxins. ELISA is able to detect very low levels of these toxins in surface and drinking water.

CD BioSciences is a professional service provider for the marine biology industry. Our harmful algae toxin testing services can help you determine the value of your sample and its best use. We provide our customers with the most precise ingredient data and highly informed process expertise. Our team of biomass experts plays a key role in the formulation, optimization and commercial evaluation of biomass value-added processes in industry and academia. If necessary, please feel free to contact us.

Please kindly note that our services can only be used to support research purposes (Not for clinical use).