Multi-analyte approach for the determination of ng L(-1) levels of steroid hormones in unidentified aqueous samples.
Since the 1970s, many analytical methods for the detection of illegal growth promoters, such as thyreostats, anabolics, beta-agonists and corticosteroids have been developed for a wide range of matrices of animal origin, including meat, fat, organ tissue, urine and faeces. The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method for the determination of ng L(-1) levels of estrogens, gestagens, androgens (EGAs) and corticosteroids in aqueous preparations (i.e. drinking water, drinking water supplements), commercially available on the 'black' market. For this, extraction was performed with Bakerbond C18 speedisk, a technique commonly used in environmental analysis. After fractionation, four fractions were collected using a methanol:water gradient program. Gas chromatography coupled to electron impact multiple mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS2) screening for the EGAs was carried out on the derivatized extracts. For the detection of corticosteroids, gas chromatography coupled to negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC-NCI-MS) was used after oxidation of the extracts. Confirmation was done by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization multiple mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS2). The combined use of GC and LC coupled to MS enabled the identification and quantification of anabolics and corticosteroids at the low ng L(-1) level. This study demonstrated the occurrence of both androgens and corticosteroids in different commercial aqueous samples.
Noppe
H
H
Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research group of Veterinary Public Health and Zoonoses, Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. Herlinde.Noppe@UGent.be
Verheyden
K
K
Gillis
W
W
Courtheyn
D
D
Vanthemsche
P
P
De Brabander
H F
HF
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D002849:Chromatography, Gas / Q000379:methods; D004350:Drug Residues / Q000032:analysis*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000032:analysis*; D005243:Feces; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D008460:Meat; D008956:Models, Chemical; D011372:Progestins / Q000032:analysis; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; D013256:Steroids / Q000032:analysis; D016482:Urinalysis / Q000379:methods; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D004967:Estrogens; D011372:Progestins; D013256:Steroids; D014867:Water