Analyzing MC-LR distribution characteristics in natural lakes by a novel fluorescence technology

The death of aquatic and terrestrial organisms caused by cyanobacterial blooms has been a topic of considerable concern since the 19th century. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) produced by cyanobacterial blooms threaten natural ecosystems and human health. Therefore, establishing an effective monitoring and early warning system to detect MC-LR in water bodies is crucial. However, rapidly and intuitively assessing the distribution traits of MC-LR in lakes is a challenging task due to the complexities and expenses associated with conventional detection methods. To overcome these technical limitations, we introduce a novel and effective method for evaluating the distribution of MC-LR in lakes. This method is achieved by using a fluorescence probe (BAD) technology, marking the first application of this technology in evaluating the distribution of MC-LR in natural lake environments. The probe BAD is endowed with unique functions through clever functionalization modification. Experimental results exhibit that BAD has different fluorescence signals at various lake sampling points. The correlation analysis of fluorescence data and physicochemical indicators determines that the fluorescence data of the probe exhibit good correlation with MC-LR, implying that BAD is capable of detecting MC-LR in lakes. Moreover, the introduction of fluorescence technology to achieve the intuitive distribution of MC-LR in the entire plateau lake. This study provides a new method for evaluating the distribution of MC-LR in plateau lakes. It opens a new avenue for exploring the relationship between cyanobacterial blooms and MC-LR in natural waters. [Display omitted] •Two fluorescent probes with similar structures were synthesized•Long chain alkyl groups can be chimeric with the cyclic structure of MC-LR•Combining fluorescence technique & Kriging interpolation•Relative size and distribution characteristics of MC-LR in visualized natural lakes