Simultaneous quantification of neutral and acidic pharmaceuticals and pesticides at the low-ng/l level in surface and waste water.
A new analytical method is presented that allows simultaneous determination of neutral and acidic pharmaceuticals and pesticides in natural waters. The compounds investigated include frequently used pharmaceuticals, i.e., the anti-epileptic carbamazepine, four analgesic/anti-flammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketoprofen and naproxen) and the lipid regulator clofibric acid and important pesticides including triazines, acetamides and phenoxy acids. Sample enrichment was achieved in one step with a newly developed solid-phase extraction procedure using the Waters Oasis HLB sorbent. The neutral compounds were analyzed by GC-MS in a first step, and then the acidic compounds after derivatization with diazomethane. Relative recoveries using isotope labeled internal standards were between 71 and 118% and the detection limits were in the range of 1 to 10 ng/l in drinking water, surface water and waste water treatment plant effluents (precision: 1-15%). The developed analytical method proved to be very durable during a 3-month field study and the target analytes were detected in concentrations of 5-3,500 ng/l in waste water treatment plant effluents, river water and lake water.
Ollers
S
S
Swiss Federal Institute for Environmental Science and Technology, EAWAG, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
Singer
H P
HP
Fässler
P
P
Müller
S R
SR
D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D010575:Pesticides / Q000032:analysis*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000032:analysis*; D012015:Reference Standards; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D010575:Pesticides; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical