Oceamo can now measure domoic acid

We are excited to announce a new addition to our analytical portfolio: Oceamo can now detect and quantify domoic acid using organo-MS.

But what exactly is domoic acid—and why might it be relevant to aquarists?

Domonic acid is a naturally occurring neurotoxin. It belongs to a group known as amnesic shellfish poisons (ASP), which are toxins that can cause memory loss. It became widely known primarily due to mass poisonings involving marine animals and fishing advisories related to shellfish and crustaceans.

The toxin is produced by certain diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia. These microalgae can occur in large numbers (“algal blooms”) and release significant amounts of domoic acid into the water.

In nature, domoic acid is known to harm marine mammals such as sea lions, birds, and even humans. It attacks the nervous system and can cause convulsions, disorientation, and, in severe cases, even death.

Even though extreme concentrations—such as those found in the ocean during Pseudo-nitzschia blooms—are unlikely in aquariums, traces of domoic acid could certainly play a role—for example, when unexplained fish or invertebrate deaths occur or certain filter feeders (e.g., mussels, sponges) are harmed. With the new test, we can better get to the bottom of such connections.

With domoic acid, another marine toxin has been added to the list of substances we detect in our Organo-MS analysis. In addition to pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceutical residues, and many other organic trace substances, we can now also analyze this potent algal toxin.

The detection threshold is well below 0.1 µg/l – meaning the measurement is highly sensitive, so even the smallest traces of domoic acid can be reliably detected.

By expanding our range of analysis, we aim to provide all aquarists with another tool to monitor the healthy balance in their aquaria and identify potentially harmful substances at an early stage.