Evaluation of commercial immunoassays for the detection of estrogens in water by comparison with high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry HPLC–MS/MS (QqQ)

Concentrations levels and effects of 17alpha-Ethinylestradiol in freshwater and marine waters and bivalves: A review

Pharmaceutical drugs are contaminants of emerging concern and are amongst the most frequent in the aquatic environment. Even though a vast literature indicate that pharmaceuticals exert negative impacts towards aquatic organisms, mainly in vertebrates, there is still limited information regarding the effects of these drugs in freshwater and marine bivalves. Marine bivalves have a high ecological and socio-economic value and are considered good bioindicator species in ecotoxicology and risk assessment programs. Furthermore, another lacking point on these studies is the absence of bioconcentration data, with no clear relationship between the concentration of drugs on tissue and the biological effects. 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) is a synthetic hormone with high estrogenic potency that was added to the Watch List adopted by the European Commission stating the priority substances to be monitored. Thus, this review summarizes the current knowledge on the concentration levels and effects of EE2 on freshwater and marine bivalves. The inclusion in the Watch List, the presence in freshwater and marine systems, and the impact exerted on aquatic biota, even at trace concentrations, justify the review devoted to this pharmaceutical drug. Globally the available studies found that EE2 induces individual and sub-individual (e.g. tissue, cellular, biochemical and molecular levels of biological organization) impacts in bivalves. Essentially, this estrogenic compound, even in trace concentrations, was found to have accumulated in wild and laboratory exposed bivalves. The most common effects reported were changes on the reproductive function and energy metabolism. The studies used in this review support keeping the EE2 on the Watch List and highlight the need to increase the number of monitorization studies since clear negative effects were exerted on bivalves by this drug.

The characterization and validation of 17β-estradiol binding aptamers

The rapid and sensitive detection of small molecules is garnering increasing importance, and aptamers show great promise in replacing expensive, elaborate detection platforms exploiting chromatographic separation or antibody-based assays. The characterization of aptamer interaction with small molecule targets is not facile, and there is a mature need for a rapid, high-throughput technique for the analysis of aptamer-small molecule kinetics and affinity. In this work we present methodologies for the evaluation of aptamer-small molecule interactions, using the aptamers reported against the steroid 17β-estradiol as a model system. Microscale thermophoresis, apta-PCR affinity assay and surface plasmon resonance were explored to evaluate the reported aptamers' binding properties in terms of affinity and specificity, and were demonstrated to be successfully applied to the analysis of aptamer-small molecule interactions.

Rapid analysis of diclofenac in freshwater and wastewater by a monoclonal antibody-based highly sensitive ELISA

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac (DCF) is found worldwide in the aqueous environment. Therefore, it has raised increased public concern on potential long-term impact on human health and wildlife. The importance of DCF has been emphasized by the European Union recently by including this pharmaceutical in the first watch list of priority hazardous substances in order to gather Union-wide monitoring data. Rapid and cheap methods of analysis are therefore required for fresh and wastewater monitoring with high sample load. Here, for the first time, well-characterized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against DCF were generated and a highly sensitive ELISA developed. The best antibody (mAb 12G5) is highly affine (KD = 1.5 × 10(-10) M), stable to potential matrix interferences such as pH value (pH range 5.2-9.2), calcium ion concentration (up to 75 mg/L), and humic acid content (up to 20 mg/L). The limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) and IC50 of the ELISA calibration curve were 7.8 and 44 ng/L, respectively. The working range was defined between 11 and 180 ng/L. On average, about 10 % cross-reactivity (CR) was found for DCF metabolites 5-OH-DCF, 4'-OH-DCF, and DCF-acyl glucuronide, but other structurally related NSAIDs showed binding <1 % compared to the parent compound. While DCF concentrations at the low ppt range were measured in river and lake water, higher values of 2.9 and 2.1 μg/L were found in wastewater influents and effluents, respectively. These results could be confirmed by solid phase extraction combined with LC-MS.

Selective Aptamers for Detection of Estradiol and Ethynylestradiol in Natural Waters

We used in vitro selection to identify new DNA aptamers for two endocrine-disrupting compounds often found in treated and natural waters, 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE). We used equilibrium filtration to determine aptamer sensitivity/selectivity and dimethyl sulfate (DMS) probing to explore aptamer binding sites. The new E2 aptamers are at least 74-fold more sensitive for E2 than is a previously reported DNA aptamer, with dissociation constants (Kd values) of 0.6 μM. Similarly, the EE aptamers are highly sensitive for EE, with Kd of 0.5-1.0 μM. Selectivity values indicate that the E2 aptamers bind E2 and a structural analogue, estrone (E1), equally well and are up to 74-fold selective over EE. One EE aptamer is 53-fold more selective for EE over E2 or E1, but the other binds EE, E2, and E1 with similar affinity. The new aptamers do not lose sensitivity or selectivity in natural water from a local lake, despite the presence of natural organic matter (∼4 mg/L TOC). DMS probing suggests that E2 binding occurs in relatively flexible single-stranded DNA regions, an important finding for rational redesign of aptamers and their incorporation into sensing platforms. This is the first report of aptamers with strong selectivity for E2 and E1 over EE, or with strong selectivity for EE over E2 and E1. Such selectivity is important for achieving the goal of creating practically useful DNA-based sensors that can distinguish structurally similar estrogenic compounds in natural waters.

Development of a real-time immuno-PCR assay for the quantification of 17β-estradiol in water

A competitive real-time (RT) immuno-polymerase chain reaction (iPCR) (RT-iPCR) assay was developed for the sensitive quantification of 17β-estradiol in water. Using a universal iPCR method and polyclonal antibodies, 17β-estradiol was accurately quantified at concentrations ranging from 1 pg mL(-1) to 10 µg mL(-1). The RT-iPCR assay's limit of detection was 0.7 pg mL(-1). The RT-iPCR assay provided an 800-fold increase in sensitivity as well as an expanded working range compared with the corresponding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Assay cross-reactivity to estrone and estriol, two structurally related estrogens, was below 8%. Water samples spiked with 17β-estradiol were analyzed by RT-iPCR to determine the assay's potential as a rapid screen for the monitoring of manure-borne estrogens in the environment. The assay showed recoveries of 82, 102 and 103% for Milli-Q, tap, and irrigation water, respectively, without requiring sample extraction or concentration prior to analysis.

Assessment of estrogen disrupting potency in animal foodstuffs of China by combined biological and chemical analyses

Food has been documented as one of major routes for human exposure to environmental estrogens (EEs), but information on the occurrence of EEs in animal foodstuffs is still scarce. This study analyzed estrogenic activity in 16 types of animal foodstuffs (n=142) collected from four cities (Wuhan, Guangzhou, Wenzhou and Yantai) of China by combined yeast estrogen screen (YES) bioassay and chemical analysis. By bioassay, all samples' extracts were found to induce estrogenic activities and the bioassay-derived 17β-estradiol equivalent (EEQbio) ranged from 8.29 to 118.32ng/g. In addition, the samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for further chemical analysis. 17β-Estradiol was found in all samples in this survey at levels of 0.44 to 15.04ng/g. All samples had 33.1% detection rate of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), and the maximum concentration was 2.80ng/g. Bisphenol A and 4-nonylphenols were detected in 83.8% and 83.1% of samples, with concentrations up to 12.56ng/g and 35.76ng/g, respectively. However, the concentrations of estrone, diethylstilbestrol and 4-t-octylphenol were found to be below the limit of detection. A comparison of EEQbio measured from the YES assay and EEQchem calculated from chemical analysis showed good correlation (R(2)=0.84). Based on the results, the YES assay can be used as a rapid pre-screening method for monitoring the levels of estrogenic activity in large numbers of animal foodstuffs, and chemical analysis used in combination can be used for the identification of specific EEs.

Simultaneous determination of 30 hormones illegally added to anti-ageing functional foods using UPLC-MS/MS coupled with SPE clean-up

A novel analytical method employing solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of 30 hormones in anti-ageing functional foods (capsules, powders and tablets). The analytes were extracted with acetic acid-acetonitrile (1-99 v/v), methanol and acetone, respectively. The extract was purified using a combined column, followed by analyte detection with electrospray ionisation in positive- or negative-ion modes. The results indicated that the 30 compounds had good linear correlations in the range of 1-1000 μg kg⁻¹, and the correlation coefficients were above 0.99. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) were 0.03-2 and 0.1-5 μg kg⁻¹, respectively. The average recovery of 30 compounds at the three spiked levels varied from 74.7% to 124.1%, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 2.4-15.0%. This method was applied to the analysis of hormones in 14 real samples of which seven hormones (such as estrone, dienestrol) were detected in four samples, but the remainder of the hormones were not detected. The developed method is sensitive, efficient, reliable and applicable to real samples.

Application of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for estrogens' quantification by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Estrogens, such as 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), are the major responsible for endocrine-disrupting effects observed in aquatic environments due to their high estrogenic potency, even at concentrations ranging from pgL(-1) to ng L(-1). Thus, it is essential to develop analytical methodologies suitable for monitoring their presence in water samples. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) was used as a pre-concentration step prior to the quantification of E2 and EE2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). First, an evaluation of the effect of DDLME on the E2 and EE2 ELISA calibration curves was performed. Since the extraction procedure itself had an influence on the ELISA optical density (OD), it became necessary to subject, not only the samples, but also all the standards to the DLLME process. Working ranges were determined, being between 1.2 and 8000 ng L(-1), for E2, and between 0.22 and 1500 ng L(-1), for EE2. The influence of organic matter, both in the extraction and quantification, was evaluated and it was observed that its presence in the solution did not affect considerably the calibration curve. Recovery rates were also determined, ranging from 77% to 106% for ultrapure water and from 104% to 115% for waste water samples, the most complex ones in what concerns matrix effects. Results obtained when applying the proposed method to real water samples can be considered quite satisfying. Moreover, the obtained working ranges encompass values generally reported in literature, confirming the practical use of the method for environmental samples.

Impact of secondary treatment types and sludge handling processes on estrogen concentration in wastewater sludge

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), such as estrogen, are known to be present in the aquatic environment at concentrations that negatively affect fish and other wildlife. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are major contributors of EDCs into the environment. EDCs are released via effluent discharge and land application of biosolids. Estrogen removal in WWTPs has been studied in the aqueous phase; however, few researchers have determined estrogen concentration in sludge. This study focuses on estrogen concentration in wastewater sludge as a result of secondary treatment types and sludge handling processes. Grab samples were collected before and after multiple treatment steps at two WWTPs receiving wastewater from the same city. The samples were centrifuged into aqueous and solid phases and then processed using solid phase extraction. Combined natural estrogens (estrone, estradiol and estriol) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) purchased from a manufacturer. Results confirmed that activated sludge treatments demonstrate greater estrogen removal compared to trickling filters and mass concentration of estrogen was measured for the first time on trickling filter solids. Physical and mechanical sludge treatment processes, such as gravity thickeners and centrifuges, did not significantly affect estrogen removal based on mass balance calculations. Dissolved air flotation thickening demonstrated a slight decrease in estrogen concentration, while anaerobic digestion resulted in increased mass concentration of estrogen on the sludge and a high estrogen concentration in the supernatant. Although there are no state or federally mandated discharge effluent standards or sludge application standards for estrogen, implications from this study are that trickling filters would need to be exchanged for activated sludge treatment or followed by an aeration basin in order to improve estrogen removal. Also, anaerobic digestion may need to be replaced with aerobic digestion for sludge that is intended for land application.

Impact of wastewater treatment plants on receiving surface waters and a tentative risk evaluation: the case of estrogens and beta blockers

Five estrogenic hormones (unconjugated + conjugated fractions) and 10 beta blockers were analyzed in three wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents and receiving river waters in the area of Lyon, France. In the different samples, only two estrogens were quantified: estrone and estriol. Some beta blockers, such as atenolol, acebutolol, and sotalol, were almost always quantified, but others, e.g., betaxolol, nadolol, and oxprenolol were rarely quantified. Concentrations measured in river waters were in the nanogram per liter range for estrogens and between 0.3 and 210 ng/L for beta blockers depending on the substance and the distance from the WWTP outfall. The impact of the WWTP on the receiving rivers was studied and showed a clear increase in concentrations near the WWTP outfall. For estrogens, the persistence in surface waters was not evaluated given the low concentrations levels (around 1 ng/L). For beta blockers, concentrations measured downstream of the WWTP outfall were up to 16 times higher than those measured upstream. Also, the persistence of metoprolol, nadolol, and propranolol was noted even 2 km downstream of the WWTP outfall. The comparison of beta blocker fingerprints in the samples collected in effluent and in the river also showed the impact of WWTP outfall on surface waters. Finally, a tentative environmental risk evaluation was performed on 15 sites by calculating the ratio of receiving water concentrations to predicted non-effect concentrations (PNEC). For estrogens, a total PNEC of 5 ng/L was considered and these substances were not linked to any potential environmental risk (only one site showed an environmental risk ratio above 1). Unfortunately, few PNECs are available and risk evaluation was only possible for 4 of the 10 beta blockers studied: acebutolol, atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol. Only propranolol presented a ratio near or above 1, showing a possible environmental risk for 4 receiving waters out of 15.

Analysis of endocrine disrupting pesticides by capillary GC with mass spectrometric detection

Endocrine disrupting chemicals, among them many pesticides, alter the normal functioning of the endocrine system of both wildlife and humans at very low concentration levels. Therefore, the importance of method development for their analysis in food and the environment is increasing. This also covers contributions in the field of ultra-trace analysis of multicomponent mixtures of organic pollutants in complex matrices. With this fact conventional capillary gas chromatography (CGC) and fast CGC with mass spectrometric detection (MS) has acquired a real importance in the analysis of endocrine disrupting pesticide (EDP) residues. This paper provides an overview of GC methods, including sample preparation steps, for analysis of EDPs in a variety of matrices at ultra-trace concentration levels. Emphasis is put on separation method, mode of MS detection and ionization and obtained limits of detection and quantification. Analysis time is one of the most important aspects that should be considered in the choice of analytical methods for routine analysis. Therefore, the benefits of developed fast GC methods are important.

Removal of estrone, 17alpha-ethinylestradiol, and 17beta-estradiol in algae and duckweed-based wastewater treatment systems

BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE

Many pollutants have received significant attention due to their potential estrogenic effect and are classified as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). Because of possible ecological effects and increased attention for water reuse schemes, it is important to increase our understanding of the EDC removal capacities of various wastewater treatment systems. However, there has so far been little research on the fate and behavior of EDCs in stabilization pond systems for wastewater treatment, which represent an important class of wastewater treatment systems in developing countries because of their cost-effectiveness. The aim of this work is to study the fate and behavior of EDCs in algae and duckweed ponds. Because the synthetic hormone 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and the natural hormones estrone (E1), as well as 17beta-estradiol (E2), have been detected in effluents of sewage treatment plants and been suggested as the major compounds responsible for endocrine disruption in domestic sewage; E1, E2, and EE2 were therefore chosen as target chemicals in this current work.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Both batch tests and continuous-flow tests were carried out to investigate the sorption and biodegradation of estrogens in algae and duckweed pond systems. The applied duckweed was a Lemna species. The applied algae was a mixture of pure cultures of six different algae genera, i.e., Anabaena cylindrica, Chlorococcus, Spirulina platensis, Chlorella, Scenedesmus quadricauda, and Anaebena var. Synthetic wastewater were used in all tests. The concentrations of estrogens were measured with three different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits specific for E1, E2, or EE2. When the concentrations of estrogens in water samples were below the lowest quantitative analysis range (0.05 microg/l), preconcentration of the water samples were performed by means of solid phase extraction (SPE) with C18 cartridges.

RESULTS

The 6-day batch tests show that the presence of algae or duckweed accelerated the removal of the three estrogens from the synthetic wastewater. More estrogens were removed in the tests with duckweed than in tests with algae or with wastewater. In the sorption tests, a swift sorption of the three estrogens was observed when the estrogens were contacted with duckweed or algae, while the estrogen concentrations in tap water kept unchanged during the 3-h sorption tests. The mass balances indicated that only about 5% of the estrogens were bound to the algae sediment or duckweed at the end of the 6-day tests. Results of the continuous-flow tests revealed that the algae and duckweed ponds effectively removed E1, E2, and EE2 even at nanograms per liter level. Interconversion of E1 and E2 occurred both in batch and continuous-flow tests. E2 could be readily transformed to E1, especially in the tests with algae.

DISCUSSION

Different processes like sorption, biodegradation and photolytic degradation might play an important role in the removal of estrogens from the aquatic phase. The 3-h sorption tests support the importance of sorption for estrogen removal, in which a rapid initial sorption was observed over the first 2 min for E1/E2/EE2 to both duckweed and algae. In the 6-day batch tests, estrogens were sorbed by algae or duckweed during the early stage when algae and duckweed were contacted with the synthetic wastewater and the sorbed estrogens were further biodegraded by the microorganisms developed in the wastewater. The persistent estrogen concentrations in tap water, however, implied that no sorption, biodegradation, or photolytic degradation occurred in tap water under the specific experimental conditions. Under aerobic or anoxic conditions, E2 could be first oxidized to E1, which is further oxidized to unknown metabolites and finally to CO(2) and water. Under anaerobic conditions, E1 can also be reduced to E2. However, the interconversion might be much more complex especially in the tests with algae because both aerobic and anaerobic conditions occurred in these tests due to the variation of the dissolved oxygen concentration induced by the light regime.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that estrogens, E1, E2, and EE2, can be effectively removed from the continuous-flow algae and duckweed ponds even when their concentrations are at nanograms per liter level. The presence of algae and duckweed accelerate the removal of estrogens from the synthetic wastewater because estrogens can be quickly sorbed on duckweed or algae. The sorbed estrogens are subsequently degraded by microorganisms, algae, or duckweed in the wastewater treatment system. E1 and E2 are interconvertible in both duckweed and algae pond systems. E2 can be readily transformed to E1, especially in the tests with algae.

RECOMMENDATION AND PERSPECTIVES

Based on the tests performed so far, one can conclude that both sorption and biodegradation are important to the estrogens removal from stabilization pond systems for wastewater treatment. Further research using, e.g., radioimmunoassay is needed to investigate the biodegradation pathway of estrogens in algae and duckweed ponds.

Evaluation of the suitability of recombinant yeast-based estrogenicity assays as a pre-screening tool in environmental samples

This paper presents a study evaluating the suitability of recombinant yeast-based estrogenicity assays as a pre-screening tool for monitoring of the chemical status of water bodies in support of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Three different recombinant yeast-based assays were evaluated; the Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES), the Recombinant Yeast Assay (RYA) and the Rikilt Estrogen bioAssay (REA), of which the YES assay was employed by two different laboratories. No significant difference between the performance of neither the different laboratories, nor the different yeast-assays was observed. Six batches of eleven samples each were analysed one week apart by the four participating laboratories and the robustness, repeatability and reproducibility of the participating yeast-based assays were evaluated. The setup included a correlation between bioassay results and results from chemical target analysis, which gave valuable information in the evaluation of the assays' performance. A good agreement was found between chemical and bioassay results, showing that the yeast-based assays can give valuable information in WFD work. However, the low sensitivity of the assays towards alkylphenols needs to be significantly improved if they are to be used for monitoring of these compounds. The study further led to suggestions on ways to improve traceability and quality assurance of the yeast-based assays.

Development of competitive ELISAs for 17beta-estradiol and 17beta-estradiol +estrone+estriol using rabbit polyclonal antibodies

Estrogens are a family of feminizing hormones that are excreted by vertebrates. It has been documented that their presence in surface waters, even in the ng/L range, can have detrimental impacts on fish reproduction. Two competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using rabbit polyclonal antibodies were developed: one for 17beta-estradiol and a second one for 17beta-estradiol (E2)+estrone (E1)+estriol (E3). Two different conjugates were synthesized using the Mixed-anhydride (for the 17beta-estradiol ELISA) and the Mannich (for the E1 + E2 + E3 ELISA) reactions. The 17beta-estradiol ELISA was highly specific with an IC(50) of 243 ng/mL for 17beta-estradiol. The E1 + E2 + E3 ELISA exhibited cross-reactivity with estrone (85%) and estriol (62%) with an IC(50) of 18 ng/mL for 17beta-estradiol. Cross-reactivity was tested against 13 chemically related compounds and both immunoassays showed significant cross-reactivity with two estradiol conjugates: beta estradiol-17-valerate and beta estradiol-3-benzoate (from 57 to 84 %) for which, to our knowledge, there are currently no commercially available ELISA. Characteristics (sensitivity, inter and intra assay variation, and cross-reactivity) of the E1 + E2 + E3 ELISA were further compared to those from a commercial Estriol ELISA. The commercial ELISA was more specific, sensitive and its inter-assay variation was less (9.5% compared to 10% for the E1 + E2 + E3 ELISA) but the E1 + E2 + E3 ELISA had less intra-assay variation (4% compared to 5% for the commercial ELISA). Finally, a solid-phase extraction method compatible with the E1 + E2 + E3 immunoassay demonstrated that this combined approach of extraction and immunoassay had good potential for determining estrogen concentrations in environmental samples such as surface water in urban and agricultural ecosystems.

Analysis for estrogens as environmental pollutants--a review

The approaches to the analysis for estrogen compounds as environmental pollutants are critically reviewed and evaluated on the basis of significant, recent original publications. The importance of sample pretreatment and analyte preconcentration techniques is pointed out, with an emphasis on SPE and on the use of highly selective interactions such as molecular recognition. The hyphenated systems of high-performance gas or liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric techniques are discussed as the basic methods of determination of estrogens in environmental samples. Immunochemical procedures are shown to be useful in semiquantitative screening of estrogen pollutants (e.g. ELISA kits). Classical HPLC and GC with common UV/Vis, fluorescence and electrochemical detection are useful in routine checking on higher pollutant concentrations.

Comparative study of an estradiol enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and ultra performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry for part-per-trillion analysis of estrogens in water samples

Estrogens have been often identified as the major contributors to the endocrine-disrupting activity observed in environmental waters. However, their analysis in these, sometimes very complex, matrices is still challenging due to the very low detection limits and the selectivity required for their reliable determination at the very low concentrations at which they are physiologically active. In this work, a polyclonal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for 17-beta-estradiol analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) based on triple-quadrupole analyzer (QqQ), and a newly developed method based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) have been evaluated in terms of performance for the rapid screening, quantitative analysis, and unequivocal identification of some selected, environmentally relevant estrogens in different water matrices, including urban wastewater, river water, and ground water, after solid phase extraction. Compounds quantified and/or identified included the estrogens 17-beta-estradiol, estrone, 17-alpha-ethynyl estradiol and estriol, and the isoflavones daidzein, genistein, and biochanin A. Except for a moderate overestimation using the ELISA kit, especially in the analysis of complex wastewater samples, results obtained by all the investigated techniques were in very good, general agreement. The instrumental sensitivity achieved increased in the order: UPLC-Q-TOF-MS < polyclonal ELISA kit < HPLC-MS/MS (QqQ). Direct analysis of water samples by using the ELISA kit permitted to reach a limit of detection of 2.5 ng L(-1). However, using an appropriated sample pretreatment method detection limits at nanogram to picogram per liter levels can be obtained with all techniques and the risk for matrix effects is minimized. In terms of selectivity, both HPLC-MS/MS (QqQ) and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS show outstanding performance, but the latter allows, in addition, shorter analysis times (16 min vs. 45 min) and the identification of non-target, unknown compounds. The identification of unknown compounds is based on the accurate mass measurements for the precursor and product ions, that permit the elemental compositions calculation and the chemical structures to be identified searching against different databases.

High performance liquid chromatography/ion-trap mass spectrometry for separation and simultaneous determination of ethynylestradiol, gestodene, levonorgestrel, cyproterone acetate and desogestrel

A fast and highly sensitive high performance liquid chromatographic/ion-trap mass spectrometric method (LC/MS) has been developed for simultaneous determination of ethynylestradiol (EE2), gestodene (GES), levonorgestrel (LNG), cyproterone acetate (CPA) and desogestrel (DES). Among three types of sorbents tested (C8, C18 and phenyl) from two suppliers, the best separation was achieved on reverse phase Zorbax SB-Phenyl column using aqueous methanol as a mobile phase. A linear gradient profile from 70 up to 100% (v/v) in 7th min, kept constant at 100% up to 10th min and followed by a negative gradient to 70% of methanol up to 12th min was used for elution. Applicability of electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and influence of the mobile phase composition, its flow rate, capillary/vaporizer temperature of API source and in-source fragmentor voltage ionization are discussed. The on-column limits of quantification (10S/N) were 300 pg of EE2, 14 pg of GES and LNG, 4 pg of CPA and 960 pg of DES per injection (1 microL) using APCI with data collection in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The analytical performance of the method was evaluated using the determination of EE2, GES, LNG, CPA and DES in contraceptives and river water samples.