Phytoplankton pigments designation - an application of RP-HPLC in qualitative and quantitative analysis

An account is given of the use of RP-HPLC (reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography) analysis of high purity chlorophylls and carotenoids standards originating from reference phytoplankton monocultures. All important chromatography parameters were established: retention time, detection limit, spectrum, wavelength of maximum absorption, calibration curve, response factors. Data were also obtained for pigment mixtures in natural phytoplankton populations in Spitsbergen and the Gulf of Gdansk. The identity and purity of all pigments were confirmed by co-elution with standards, including canthaxanthin as an internal standard. The data presented enable the qualitative and quantitative analysis of naturally existing phytoplankton pigments at concentrations down to 0.1 mug L-1 to be carried out without the need for standards from commercial sources.