Separation and Analysis of Beta-methylamino-L-Alanine Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Adam
Dach (Dr. Kevin Crawford)
Beta-methylamino L-alanine (BMAA) is a neurotoxin found in cyanobacteria (algae). Recent studies have shown a link between both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients and measurable quantities of BMAA in the brain. The analysis of BMAA will be conducted using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and fluorescence detection. There are no reports in the literature of BMAA testing in Wisconsin waters. Dark water and mild temperatures (18-25°c) are optimum conditions for BMAA production. During late spring and summer months, Lake Winnebago and its subsidiaries are likely places to find the toxin.
