First identification of the cylindrospermopsin-producing cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii in New Zealand

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is a planktonic freshwater cyanobacterium that is becoming increasingly prevalent in water bodies worldwide. During a survey of toxic cyanobacteria in New Zealand, C raciborskii was identified in a sample collected from Lake Waahi (Waikato). This is the first identification of this species in New Zealand. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were used to confirm the presence of the cyanotoxins cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and deoxycylindrospermopsin (do-CYN). Detection of CYN and do-CYN demonstrates that C. raciborskii is a now a species of concern in recreational, stock drinking, and potable water supplies in New Zealand.