POSTER SESSION 4
10:30–12:30, Thursday, September 17
Poster Session | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Schedule at a Glance
ABSTRACT 1277 | POSTER 188
EXTRACTION OF PHYTOPLANKTON PIGMENTS: EVALUATION OF EXTRACTION SOLVENTS.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis of phytoplankton pigments is a core parameter for oceanographic cruises and marine optics, particularly for calibration and validation of in situ and satellite-based ocean-colour sensors. The analytical procedure first requires a full release from the encapsulation of the algal cell wall by soaking the sample in an organic solvent compatible with the pigment polarities. They then migrate from the cell towards the solvent. However, given the diversity in algae, environments and sample-types, no single solvent has yet been preferred.
The extraction efficiencies of three currently used solvents for pigment analysis are compared: acetone, methanol and ethanol. The optimal extraction time and degradation rate of pigments in each solvent are also evaluated. In addition to the experiments, data from HPLC intercomparisons involving various extraction protocols are compared. Acetone 90% is most commonly used, but has a high volatility and longer extraction time. Methanol requires shorter extraction times and allows for a higher injection capacity; however, it is toxic, and extracted pigments tend to degrade earlier. Ethanol, although less employed and previously reserved for freshwater samples and fluorometric measurements, emerges as a promising extraction solvent and storage medium for a wider range of sample-types.
Today, analysts explore the possibilities of replacing their solvents with more sustainable and economical alternatives. Ethanol answers best these requirements and could represent a promising substitute for acetone and methanol. This work focusses on a thorough examination and validation of ethanol as extraction solvent for samples from diverse marine environments and algal cultures.
Josephine Ras, CNRS – IMEV, [email protected]
Elisabetta Canuti, JRC, [email protected]
Celine Dimier, CNRS – IMEV, [email protected]
Julia Uitz, CNRS – LOV, [email protected]
Hervé Claustre, CNRS – LOV, [email protected]
Poster Session | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Schedule at a Glance
