Automatic HPLC-UV determination of domoic acid in mussels and algae

A rapid and sensitive automatic method is presented for the determination of domoic acid (DA) using HPLC with a column-switching system and UV-detection. Interfering peaks resulting from matrix protein components are excluded by use of an especially designed reversed-phase HPLC column for pre-separation. The method is suitable for extracts both from mussels and from algae. Sample material is extracted with pure water and the crude extract is injected directly. Application of a column-switching system eliminates the need for any further sample clean-up after extraction.