A new method based on diffusive gradients in thin films for in situ monitoring microcystin-LR in waters

The passive sampling method of diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) was developed to provide a quantitative and time-integrated measurement of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in waters. The DGT method in this study used HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic-balanced) material as a binding agent, and methanol as an eluent. The diffusion coefficient of MC-LR was 5.01 × 10−6 cm2 s−1 at 25 °C in 0.45 mm thick diffusion layer. This DGT method had a binding capacity of 4.24 μg per binding gel disk (3.14 cm2), ensuring sufficient capacity to measure MC-LR in most water matrices. The detection limit of HLB DGT was 0.48 ng L−1. DGT coupled to analysis by HPLC appears to be an accurate method for MC-LR monitoring. Comparison of DGT measurements for MC-LR in water and a conventional active sampling method showed little difference. This study demonstrates that HLB-based DGT is a useful tool for in situ monitoring of MC-LR in fresh waters.