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National Agricultural Library
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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  4. Rapid Detection of Toxic Algae Using UV Resonance Raman

Rapid Detection of Toxic Algae Using UV Resonance Raman

Objective

The objective of this project to rapidly detect and identify toxin producing algae.

More information

Many types of algae are capable of producing toxins such as domoic acid. Since, domoic acid has well characterized UV visible absorption, UV resonance Raman spectroscopy can be used to selectively excite and observe domoic acid in algae. We have studied three kinds of algae Pseudonitzichia N95K, F996B, and V11B using 251 nm laser excitation. A series of standard domoic acid spectra were also obtained in the concentration range varying from 6 ppm to 96 ppb. Cross section of domoic acid 1640 cm-1 were also obtained by sodium sulfate as an internal standard.

Investigators
Nelson, Wilfred
Institution
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Start date
2000
End date
2000
Funding Source
Nat'l. Inst. of Health
Project number
5P41RR002594-150041
Categories
Natural Toxins