Rapid liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of a broad mixture of pharmaceuticals in surface water.
Herein, a new method for the detection of 13 different pharmaceuticals and one metabolite in surface water at low ng/L levels is described. The method utilizes ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and a solid-phase extraction sample preparation. Mean method detection limits were low (4.10 ng/L) and overall solid-phase extraction recovery and reproducibility was adequate (mean recovery, 77.9%; mean RSD, 7.3%). The method allows for quick run times and minimal solvent use as compared with other previously reported high performance liquid chromatography-based methods. Application of this method for the detection of pharmaceuticals in Tennessee River surface water determined that caffeine, sulfamethoxazole, and carbamazepine were frequently detected (100% of samples). Trimethoprim was moderately detected (30% of samples); acetaminophen, atorvastatin, and lovastatin were infrequently detected (10% of samples); and ciprofloxacin, diltiazem, fluoxetine, levofloxacin, norfluoxetine, ranitidine, and sertraline were not detected. This study reports the first detection of lovastatin in surface water.
Conley
Justin M
JM
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 615 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA. justinmconley@hotmail.com
Symes
Steven J
SJ
Kindelberger
Scott A
SA
Richards
Sean M
SM
D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D045483:Rivers / Q000737:chemistry*; D052616:Solid Phase Extraction; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical