Environmental applications of LC-MS

The analysis of freshwater humic substances was recently reviewed [12]. 

In the past few years, considerable attention has been given to the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC) in the aquatic environment. EDC ate not defined by chemical nature but rather by their biological effect. The endocrine system is an intricate hormone system that regulates development, growth, reproduction, and behaviour [1-2]. The two relevant classes of compounds that can 

The LC-MS analysis of steroids is discussed from a more general perspective in Ch. 13. In environmental analysis, SPE on C,8- or carbon-materials are generally applied for analyte extraction and preconcentration. Gradient elution using 20-100% acetonitrile in water on a Cig-colunm is used in combination with either negative-ion ESI or positive-ion APCI. 

Lopez de Alda and Barcelo [14] reported the determination of natural and synthetic estrogens and progestogens in influents and effluents from a sewage treatment plant (STP), surface water, and drinking water. The estrogens were determined as [M-H] in negative-ion ESI, the progestogens as [M-i-Na] in positive-ion mode ESI or APCI. Detection limits of 1 ng/1 water have been achieved. 

Lagana et al. [15] reported the LC-MS analysis of 17-estradiol, estriol, and 17-ethinyl estradiol in STP effluents, using SPE on ENVI-CARB material, positive-ion APCI, and SRM. Recoveries ranging from 84 to 93% were reported. The precision was better than 11 to 8%. Quantitation limits were 0.5 ng/1 for 17-estradiol and 17-ethinyl estradiol, and 1 ng/L for estrone and estriol. 

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Environmental applications of LC-MS, not only pesticides and herbicides, but dyes, shellfish toxins, surfactants, organotin and other environmental contamination were recently reviewed in a multi-authored book, edited by Barcelo. 

Barcelo D (ed) (1996) Environmental Applications of LC-MS. Amsterdam Elsevier Science. 

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