Towards a Better Quantification of Cyanotoxins in Fruits and Vegetables: Validation and Application of an UHPLC-MS/MS-Based Method on Belgian Products

Vegetables and fruits can potentially accumulate cyanotoxins after water contaminated with cyanobacteria is used for irrigation. We developed validated an analytical method to quantify eight microcystin congeners (MCs) nodularin (NOD) using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) in three different matrices. Strawberries, carrots lettuce are selected as model matrices represent the fruits/berries, leafy root vegetables, sequentially. The validation of a UHPLC-MS/MS strawberry matrix novel. Matrix effects observed all Our methodology uses matrix-matched calibration curves compensate effect. implementation our on 103 samples, containing nine sorts vegetables from Belgian market, showed no presence MCs or NOD. However, recoveries quality controls effectiveness method, illustrating that use this future research monitoring well official food fruit vegetable valid.