Rapid, sensitive and simultaneous determination of 16 endocrine-disrupting chemicals (parabens, benzophenones, bisphenols, and triclocarban) in human urine based on microextraction by packed sorbent combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (MEPS-LC-MS/MS)

Determination of nine bisphenol analogues in human urine by high-throughput solid-phase extraction and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis

Bisphenol analogues (BPs) are a class of typical environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This study aimed to establish a highly sensitive and high-throughput method utilizing 96-well solid-phase extraction (96-well SPE) in conjunction with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) employing multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), information-dependent acquisition (IDA), and enhanced product ion (EPI) scan modes for the identification and quantitative analysis of nine BPs in human urine. Urine samples were initially thawed to room temperature, followed by digestion using β-glucuronidase in an ammonium acetate buffer solution at 37 °C overnight. Subsequently, they were purified using 96-well SPE and finally analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS. The limits of detection (LOD) for the nine BPs ranged from 0.05 μg∙kg-1 to 0.3 μg kg-1. Average recoveries fell within the range of 92.8 % to 111.7 %. Moreover, both the intra-day and inter-day precisions were satisfactory, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 2.2 % to 6.7 % and 3.5 % to 6.3 %, respectively. The targets in the samples exhibited a perfect match, with a purity fit value exceeding 70 % from the self-built library. The analytical method developed in this study demonstrates high accuracy and sensitivity. In addition, the MRM-IDA-EPI mode can effectively identifies the target BPs and prevents false positive detection of analytes in the urine.

An evaluation of dogs' exposure to benzophenones through hair sample analysis

Introduction

Benzophenones (BPs) are used in various branches of industry as ultraviolet radiation filters, but they pollute the natural environment, penetrate living organisms, and disrupt endocrine balance. Knowledge of the exposure of domestic animals to these substances is extremely scant. The aim of the study was to investigate long-term exposure of companion dogs to BPs and relate this to environmental factors.

Material and Methods

Hair samples taken from 50 dogs and 50 bitches from under 2 to over 10 years old were analysed for BP content with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

The results revealed that dogs are most often exposed to 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3) and 4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1). Concentration levels of BP-3 above the method quantification limit (MQL) were noted in 100% of the samples and fluctuated from 4.75 ng/g to 1,765 ng/g. In turn, concentration levels of BP-1 above the MQL were noted in 37% of the samples and ranged from <0.50 ng/g to 666 ng/g. Various factors (such as the use of hygiene and care products and the dog's diet) were found to affect BP concentration levels. Higher levels of BP-3 were observed in castrated/spayed animals and in animals that required veterinary intervention more often.

Conclusion

The results obtained show that the analysis of hair samples may be a useful matrix for biomonitoring BPs in dogs, and that these substances may be toxic to them.

Biomonitoring of benzophenones in guano samples of wild bats in Poland

Benzophenones (BPs) are substances used in the production of sunscreens, cosmetics, and personal care products. However, there is a lack of knowledge of BPs in wild animals. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the concentration of selected BPs commonly used in the cosmetic industry in guano samples collected from 4 colonies of greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine guano concentrations of benzophenone 1 (BP-1), benzophenone 2 (BP-2), benzophenone 3 (BP-3) and benzophenone 8 (BP-8). BP-1 levels above the method quantification limit (MQL) were noted in 97.5% of samples and fluctuated from <0.1 ng/g to 259 ng/g (mean 41.50 ng/g, median 34.8). The second most common was BP-3, which fluctuated from <0.1 ng/g to 19 ng/g (mean 6.67 ng/g, median 5.05), and its levels higher than MQL were observed in 40% of samples. BP-2 and BP-8 concentrations did not exceed the method detection limit (0.04 ng/g) in any analyzed sample. There were visible differences in the BP-1 and BP-3 levels among the studied bat colonies. Mean BP-1 concentration fluctuated from 11.23±13.13 ng/g to 76.71±65.51 ng/g and differed significantly between the colonies. Mean BP-3 concentration fluctuated from 5.03±6.03 ng/g to 9.18±7.65 mg/g, but it did not differ significantly between the colonies. The results show that guano is a suitable matrix for the assessment of wildlife exposure to BPs. This could be particularly advantageous in protected species, where not disturbing and stressing the animals are crucial.

Potential application of 2D nano-layered MXene in analysing and remediating endocrine disruptor compounds and heavy metals in water

With the advancement of technologies and growth of the economy, it is inevitable that more complex processes are deployed, producing more heterogeneous wastewater that comes from biomedical, biochemical and various biotechnological industries. While the conventional way of wastewater treatment could effectively reduce the chemical oxygen demand, pH and turbidity of wastewater, trace pollutants, specifically the endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs) that exist in µg L-1 or ng L-1 have further hardened the detection and removal of these biochemical pollutants. Even in small amounts, EDC could interfere human's hormone, causing severe implications on human body. Hence, this review elucidates the recent insights regarding the effectiveness of an advanced 2D material based on titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx), also known as MXene, in detecting and removing EDCs. MXene's highly tunable feature also allows its surface chemistry to be adjusted by adding chemicals with different functional groups to adsorb different kinds of EDCs for biochemical pollution mitigation. At the same time, the incorporation of MXene into sample matrices also further eases the analysis of trace pollutants down to ng L-1 levels, thereby making way for a more cleaner and comprehensive wastewater treatment. In that sense, this review also highlights the progress in synthesizing MXene from the conventional method to the more modern approaches, together with their respective key parameters. To further understand and attest to the efficacy of MXene, the limitations and current gaps of this potential agent are also accentuated, targeting to seek resolutions for a more sustainable application.

A miniaturized stir bar sorptive dispersive microextraction method for the determination of bisphenols in follicular fluid using a magnetic covalent organic framework

BACKGROUND

Bisphenols, particularly bisphenol A (BPA), are the primary monomers used as additives in the manufacturing of many consumer products. The exposure to these compounds is related to endocrine-disrupting and reproductive effects, among others. For this reason, the development of analytical methods for their determination in biological matrixes is needed to monitor the population exposure to these compounds. Their quantification at ovarian level (i.e., follicular fluid) is interesting for the assessment of the bisphenol content to draw conclusions about infertility problems. However, the background does not meet all requirements by focusing mainly on BPA.

RESULTS

In this work, a miniaturized stir bar sorptive dispersive microextraction (mSBSDME) approach has been developed for the determination of BPA and eight analogues in follicular fluid. In the proposed method, the sample is previously cleaned-up using a zirconia-based solid-phase extraction cartridge, removing proteins and phospholipids, and then subjected to the mSBSDME for the preconcentration of the analytes. For this purpose, a magnetic covalent organic framework was used as sorbent. A Plackett-Burman design was applied to select the significant variables affecting the mSBSDME. Afterwards, the only significant variable (i.e., sorbent amount) was optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method was properly validated, and satisfactory analytical parameters in terms of linearity (up to 50 ng mL-1), enrichment factors (8.5-14.3), limits of detection in the low ng mL-1 range, and precision (relative standard deviations below 11.5 %) were obtained. Finally, the method was successfully applied to five samples, detecting BPA and other two analogues.

SIGNIFICANCE

This method expands the potential applicability of the mSBSDME to other low-availability complex matrixes, which would otherwise be difficult to analyze. Moreover, it offers a valuable tool for monitoring the female population's exposure to bisphenols with the final aim of evaluating if infertility problems of women might be associated to the exposure to these highly endocrine disrupting compounds.

An eco-friendly sample preparation procedure based on air-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction for the rapid determination of phthalate metabolites in urine samples by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Urinary phthalate metabolite (mPAEs) analysis is a reliable tool for assessing human exposure to phthalates. With growing interest in urinary biomonitoring of these metabolites, there is a need for fast and sensitive analytical methods. Therefore, a simple, rapid procedure for simultaneous determination of fifteen phthalate metabolites in human urine samples by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed. The novelty of the present procedure is based on the use of diethyl carbonate as a green biobased extraction solvent and air-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (AALLME) as a sample preparation step. A Plackett-Burman design was used for screening the factors that influence the AALLME extraction efficiency of mPAEs. The effective factors were then optimized by response surface methodology using a central composite rotatable design. Under the optimized conditions, good linearity can be achieved in a concentration range of 1.0-20.0 ng mL-1 with correlation coefficients higher than 0.99. The repeatability and reproducibility precision were in the range of 2-12% and 1-10% respectively. Recoveries ranging from 90% to 110%. This, and the low limits of detection, ranging from 0.01 to 0.05 ng mL-1, make the proposed procedure sensitive and suitable for human biomonitoring of phthalate exposures. For proof-of-principle, the new method was used to measure the urinary concentrations of mPAEs in 20 urine samples from Brazilian women. The high frequency of detections and in part high concentrations of mPAEs indicate to widespread exposure to several phthalates among Brazilian women.

Comprehensive profiling and semi-quantification of exogenous chemicals in human urine using HRMS-based strategies

Chemicals infiltrate our daily experiences through multiple exposure pathways. Human biomonitoring (HBM) is routinely used to comprehensively understand these chemical interactions. Historically, HBM depended on targeted screening methods limited to a relatively small set of chemicals with triple quadrupole instruments typically. However, recent advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) have facilitated the use of broad-scope target, suspect, and non-target strategies, enhancing chemical exposome characterization within acceptable detection limits. Despite these advancements, establishing robust and efficient sample treatment protocols is still essential for trustworthy broad-range chemical analysis. This study sought to validate a methodology leveraging HRMS-based strategies for accurate profiling of exogenous chemicals and related metabolites in urine samples. We evaluated five extraction protocols, each encompassing various chemical classes, such as pharmaceuticals, plastic additives, personal care products, and pesticides, in terms of their extraction recoveries, linearity, matrix effect, sensitivity, and reproducibility. The most effective protocol was extensively validated and subsequently applied to 10 real human urine samples using wide-scope target analysis encompassing over 2000 chemicals. We successfully identified and semi-quantified a total of 36 chemicals using an ionization efficiency-based model, affirming the methodology's robust performance. Notably, our results dismissed the need for a deconjugation step, a typically labor-intensive and time-consuming process.

Automated microextraction by packed sorbent of endocrine disruptors in wastewater using a high-throughput robotic platform followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

An automated microextraction by packed sorbent followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MEPS-LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of four endocrine disruptors-parabens, benzophenones, and synthetic phenolic antioxidants-in wastewater samples. The method utilizes a lab-made repackable MEPS device and a multi-syringe robotic platform that provides flexibility to test small quantities (2 mg) of multiple extraction phases and enables high-throughput capabilities for efficient method development. The overall performance of the MEPS procedure, including the investigation of influencing variables and the optimization of operational parameters for the robotic platform, was comprehensively studied through univariate and multivariate experiments. Under optimized conditions, the target analytes were effectively extracted from a small sample volume of 1.5 mL, with competitive detectability and analytical confidence. The limits of detection ranged from 0.15 to 0.30 ng L-1, and the intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations were between 3 and 21%. The method's applicability was successfully demonstrated by determining methylparaben, propylparaben, butylated hydroxyanisole, and oxybenzone in wastewater samples collected from the São Carlos (SP, Brazil) river. Overall, the developed method proved to be a fast, sensitive, reliable, and environmentally friendly analytical tool for water quality monitoring.

A protocol based on solid phase microextraction -gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the monitoring of parabens and bisphenols in human saliva

The herein presented work aims to the development of an easy method for the quantitative determination of parabens and bisphenols in human salivabased on the use of methyl chloroformate as a derivatizing agent, followed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS) analysis with selected reaction monitoring (SRM). Using multivariate analysis, two derivatization strategies were compared and optimized, demonstrating that the use of methyl chloroformate led to better sensitivity than the classical derivatization by acetic anhydride. Good performance in the sorption process of the derivatized target analytes was obtained using the most recent commercialized overcoated fiber (PDMS/DVB/PDMS). The validation procedure of the final protocol led to satisfactory results in terms of linearity, limit of quantitation, accuracy, and precision. All parabens were quantified from 10 ng/L using the developed method, except for methylparaben, which was quantified from 100 ng/L along with all bisphenols. Intra- and inter-day accuracy and intra- and inter-day precision can be considered satisfactory for all analytes (values between 73% and 118%), except for the inter-day accuracy of BPF. Quite good results also in terms of matrix effect were obtained for the target compounds (range 71% to 118%, RSD% less than 13.6%), except for BPA at the middle concentration and MeP at the lowest concentration. The greenness of the method was evaluated and the results indicated that our approach is more eco-friendly than previously published methods. Based on its characteristics, the presented method can be considered a suitable approach to determine parabens and bisphenols in routine analysis for biomonitoring purposes.

Influence of mobile phase composition on the analytical sensitivity of LC-ESI-MS/MS for the concurrent analysis of bisphenols, parabens, chlorophenols, benzophenones, and alkylphenols

Phenols are significant environmental endocrine disruptors that can have adverse health effects on exposed individuals. Correlating phenol exposure to potential health implications requires the development of a comprehensive and sensitive analytical method capable of analyzing multiple phenols in a single sample preparation and analytical run. Currently, no such method is available for multiple classes of phenols due to electrospray ionization (ESI) limitations in concurrent ionization and lack of sensitivity to certain phenols, particularly alkylphenols. In this study, we investigated the influence of mobile phase compositions in ESI on concurrent ionization and analytical sensitivity of liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) during the analysis of multiple classes of phenols, and we propose a comprehensive and sensitive analytical method for various classes of phenols (i.e., bisphenols, parabens, benzophenones, chlorophenols, and alkylphenols). The proposed method was affected by 0.5 mM ammonium fluoride under methanol conditions. It enabled the concurrent ionization of all the phenols and significantly improved the analytical sensitivity for bisphenols and alkylphenols, which typically have poor ionization efficiency. This method, combined with a "dilute and shoot" approach, allowed us to simultaneously quantify 38 phenols with good chromatographic behavior and sensitivity. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied to the analysis of 61 urine samples collected from aquatic (swimming) and land (indoor volleyball and outdoor football) athletes.

Implications of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on polycystic ovarian syndrome: A comprehensive review

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex multifactorial disorder of unknown pathogenesis in which genetic and environmental factors contribute synergistically to its phenotypic expressions. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), a group of widespread pollutants freely available in the environment and consumer products, can interfere with normal endocrine signals. Extensive evidence has shown that EDCs, environmental contributors to PCOS, can frequently induce ovarian and metabolic abnormalities at low doses. The current research on environmental EDCs suggests that there may be link between EDC exposure and PCOS, which calls for more human bio-monitoring of EDCs using highly sophisticated analytical techniques for the identification and quantification and to discover the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. This review briefly elaborated on the general etiology of PCOS and listed various epidemiological and experimental data from human and animal studies correlating EDCs and PCOS. This review also provides insights into various analytical tools and sample preparation techniques for biomonitoring studies for PCOS risk assessment. Furthermore, we highlight the role of metabolomics in disease-specific biomarker discovery and its use in clinical practice. It also suggests the way forward to integrate biomonitoring studies and metabolomics to underpin the role of EDCs in PCOS pathophysiology.

Validated single urinary assay designed for exposomic multi-class biomarkers of common environmental exposures

Epidemiological studies often call for analytical methods that use a small biospecimen volume to quantify trace level exposures to environmental chemical mixtures. Currently, as many as 150 polar metabolites of environmental chemicals have been found in urine. Therefore, we developed a multi-class method for quantitation of biomarkers in urine. A single sample preparation followed by three LC injections was optimized in a proof-of-approach for a multi-class method. The assay was validated to quantify 50 biomarkers of exposure in urine, belonging to 7 chemical classes and 16 sub-classes. The classes represent metabolites of 12 personal care and consumer product chemicals (PCPs), 5 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 5 organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), 18 pesticides, 5 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 4 tobacco alkaloids, and 1 drug of abuse. Human urine (0.2 mL) was spiked with isotope-labeled internal standards, enzymatically deconjugated, extracted by solid-phase extraction, and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The methanol eluate from the cleanup was split in half and the first half analyzed for PCPs, PAH, and OPFR on a Betasil C18 column; and pesticides and VOC on a Hypersil Gold AQ column. The second half was analyzed for tobacco smoke metabolites and a drug of abuse on a Synergi Polar RP column. Limits of detection ranged from 0.01 to 1.0 ng/mL of urine, with the majority ≤0.5 ng/mL (42/50). Analytical precision, estimated as relative standard deviation of intra- and inter-batch uncertainty, variabilities, was <20%. Extraction recoveries ranged from 83 to 109%. Results from the optimized multi-class method were qualified in formal international proficiency testing programs. Further method customization options were explored and method expansion was demonstrated by inclusion of up to 101 analytes of endo- and exogenous chemicals. This exposome-scale assay is being used for population studies with savings of assay costs and biospecimens, providing both quantitative results and the discovery of unexpected exposures.

From target analysis to suspect and non-target screening of endocrine-disrupting compounds in human urine

In the present work, a target analysis method for simultaneously determining 24 diverse endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in urine (benzophenones, bisphenols, parabens, phthalates and antibacterials) was developed. The target analysis approach (including enzymatic hydrolysis, clean-up by solid-phase extraction and analysis by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS)) was optimized, validated and applied to volunteers’ samples, in which 67% of the target EDCs were quantified. For instance, benzophenone-3 (0.2–13 ng g⁻¹), bisphenol A (7.7–13.7 ng g⁻¹), methyl 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate (8–254 ng g⁻¹), mono butyl phthalate (2–17 ng g⁻¹) and triclosan (0.3–9 ng g⁻¹) were found at the highest concentrations, but the presence of other analogues was detected as well. The developed target method was further extended to suspect and non-target screening (SNTS) by means of LC coupled to high-resolution MS/MS. First, well-defined workflows for SNTS were validated by applying the previously developed method to an extended list of compounds (83), and then, to the same real urine samples. From a list of approximately 4000 suspects, 33 were annotated at levels from 1 to 3, with food additives/ingredients and personal care products being the most abundant ones. In the non-target approach, the search was limited to molecules containing S, Cl and/or Br atoms, annotating 4 pharmaceuticals. The results from this study showed that the combination of the lower limits of detection of MS/MS and the identification power of high-resolution MS/MS is still compulsory for a more accurate definition of human exposome in urine samples.

Improved method for the determination of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in urine of school-age children using microliquid-liquid extraction and UHPLC-MS/MS

The presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in our daily life is increasing every day and, by extension, human exposure and the consequences thereof. Among these substances are bisphenols and parabens. Urine is used to analyze the exposure. The determination of 12 bisphenol homologues and 6 parabens is proposed. A procedure based on a method previously developed by our research group in 2014 is improved. The extraction yield is higher, because the new protocol is 5 times more efficient. Also, a comparison between calibration with pure standards and matrix calibration, to calculate the matrix effect, was also made. A high grade of matrix effect for all analytes was observed. In terms of validation, the limits of detection (LOD) were between 0.03 and 0.3 ng mL^-1 and limits of quantification (LOQ) 0.1 to 1.0 ng mL^-1, respectively, and the recovery is higher than 86.4% and lower than 113.6%, with a RSD lower than 13.5% in all cases. A methodology for accurate and sensitive quantification of bisphenol homologues together with parabens in human urine using UHPLC-MS/MS was developed. The method was successfully applied to 30 urine samples from children.

Analysis of opiates in urine using microextraction by packed sorbent and gas Chromatography- Tandem mass spectrometry

Opiates recreational consumption has always been a concern in society, public health, and in clinical toxicology analysis. The aim of this study was to develop and fully validate an analytical method, which was simple and rapid for the determination of tramadol, codeine, morphine, 6- acetylcodeine, 6-monoacetylmorphine and fentanyl using gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The procedure includes the use of microextraction by packed sorbent for sample clean-up. A mixed mode sorbent was used, allowing the minimal use of solvents. The method was validated in urine samples, with the ability to detect and quantify all analytes with satisfactory linearity (in the range of 1 - 1000 ng/mL for all analytes, except for fentanyl (10-1000 ng/mL)). Extraction efficiency varied from 17 to 107%, which did not impair sensitivity, taking into account the low LLOQs obtained (1 ng/ mL for all analytes; and 10 ng/mL for fentanyl). The developed procedure proved to be fast, selective, and accurate for use in routine analysis, with a low volume of sample (250 µL).

Rapid and simultaneous determination of multiple endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their metabolites in human serum and urine samples

Bisphenols, parabens, and their metabolites are a group of chemical compounds with a wide range of polarities but similar chemical structures, which presents a challenge for the simultaneous determination of these compounds in complex biological samples. In this study, a rapid and sensitive method for simultaneous quantification of free bisphenol A (BPA), conjugated BPA, bisphenols, and parabens analogs was developed using solid-phase extraction (SPE) tandem liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). We compared the effects of different types of SPE cartridges, diluents, and LLE solvents on the analyte recovery. Utilizing the direct and indirect determination methods (enzyme hydrolysis), we confirmed the accuracy of the direct method for measuring BPA glucuronide and BPA disulfate. The method enabled the analysis of 24 endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in one injection through UHPLC-MSMS measurements, with satisfactory recovery (mean: 91.8-98.6% for urine, 80.2%-96.8% for serum) and precision (RSD <15%). The LOD and LOQ values were 0.003 and 0.01 ng/mL for serum, and 0.002 and 0.006 ng/mL for urine samples, respectively. For real sample analysis, the median concentration of analytes in serum and urine samples ranged from 0.04 ng/mL (BPS) to 56.4 ng/mL (4-HB) and 0.11 ng/mL (BPA) to 136 ng/mL (4-HB), respectively. This method provides a new strategy to simultaneously identify compounds with a wide range of polarities from complicated biological matrices.

Pristine and engineered biochar for the removal of contaminants co-existing in several types of industrial wastewaters: A critical review

Biochar has been widely studied as an adsorbent for the removal of contaminants from wastewater due to its unique characteristics, such as having a large surface area, well-distributed pores and high abundance of surface functional groups. Critical review of the literature was performed to understand the state of research in utilizing biochars for industrial wastewater remediation with emphasis on pollutants that co-exist in wastewater from several industrial activities, such as textile, pharmaceutical and mining industries. Such pollutants include organic (such as synthetic dyes, phenolic compounds) and inorganic contaminants (such as cadmium, lead). Multiple correspondence analyses suggest that through batch equilibrium, columns or constructed wetlands, researchers have used mechanistic modelling of isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics to evaluate contaminant removal in either synthetic or real industrial wastewaters. The removal of organic and inorganic contaminants in wastewater by biochar follows several mechanisms: precipitation, surface complexation, ion exchange, cation-π interaction, and electrostatic attraction. Biochar production and modifications promote good adsorption capacity for those pollutants because biochar properties stemming from production were linked to specific adsorption mechanisms, such as hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. For instance, adsorption capacity of malachite green ranged from 30.2 to 4066.9 mg g^-1 depending on feedstock type, pyrolysis temperature, and chemical modifications. Pyrolyzing biomass at above 500 °C might improve biochar quality to target co-existing pollutants. Treating biochars with acids can also improve pollutant removal, except that the contribution of precipitation is reduced for potentially toxic elements. Studies on artificial intelligence and machine learning are still in their infancy in wastewater remediation with biochars. Meanwhile, a framework for integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into biochar wastewater remediation systems is proposed. The reutilization and disposal of spent biochar and the contaminant release from spent biochar are important areas that need to be further studied.

In utero exposure to endocrine disruptors and developmental neurotoxicity: Implications for behavioural and neurological disorders in adult life

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a class of environmental toxicants that interfere with the endocrine system, resulting in developmental malformations, reproductive disorders, and alterations to immune and nervous system function. The emergence of screening studies identifying these chemicals in fetal developmental matrices such as maternal blood, placenta and amniotic fluid has steered research focus towards elucidation of in utero effects of exposure to these chemicals, as their capacity to cross the placenta and reach the fetus was established. The presence of EDCs, a majority of which are estrogen mimics, in the fetal environment during early development could potentially affect neurodevelopment, with implications for behavioural and neurological disorders in adult life. This review summarizes studies in animal models and human cohorts that aim to elucidate mechanisms of action of EDCs in the context of neurodevelopment and disease risk in adult life. This is a significant area of study as early brain development is heavily mediated by estrogen and could be particularly sensitive to EDC exposure. A network analysis presented using genes summarized in this review, further show a significant association with disorders such as major depressive disorder, alcoholic disorder, psychotic disorders and autism spectrum disorder. Functional outcomes such as alterations in memory, behaviour, cognition, learning memory, feeding behaviour and regulation of ion transport are also highlighted. Interactions between genes, receptors and signaling pathways like NMDA glutamate receptor activity, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor activity, Ras-activated Ca₂⁺ influx and Grin2A interactions, provide further potential mechanisms of action of EDCs in mediating brain function. Taken together with the growing pool of human and animal studies, this review summarizes current status of EDC neurotoxicity research, limitations and future directions of study for researchers.

Simple preparation of in-situ oxidized titanium carbide MXene for photocatalytic degradation of catechol

Photocatalytic system has been widely applied to treat the highly toxic and refractory aromatics sewage water pollution problem. However, developing highly active and excellent durability photocatalysts is always the long-term...

Evaluation of acetamiprid and azoxystrobin residues and their hormonal disrupting effects on male rats using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Endocrine-disrupting compounds as pesticides affect the hormonal balance, and this can result in several diseases. Therefore, the analysis of representative hormones with acetamiprid (AC) and azoxystrobin (AZ) was a good strategy for the investigation of the endocrine-disrupting activity of pesticides. Hence, a sensitive and rapid analytical method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed. The method was validated for the analysis of AC, AZ, estriol, estrone, progesterone, and testosterone in the serum, testis, and liver of rats. The correlation between the residues of pesticides and the disturbance of the endocrine system was evaluated. The different mass parameters, mobile phase types, analytical columns, injection volumes, and extraction solvents were compared to get the lowest limit of detection of the studied compounds. The detection limits of AC, AZ, estriol, estrone, progesterone, and testosterone were 0.05, 0.05, 1.0, 10, and 1.0 ng/ml, respectively. The method developed was applied to evaluate the changes in these hormones induced by the duration of exposure to AC and AZ in rat testis and serum. The hormones level in rat serum and testis had a significant decrease as they were oral gavage treated with different high concentrations of studied pesticides. Both pesticides were distributed in the body of rats by the multi-compartment model (liver, testis, and serum).

Recent advances in analysis of bisphenols and their derivatives in biological matrices

Biomonitoring is a very useful tool to evaluate human exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), like bisphenols (BPs), which are widely used in the manufacture of plastics. The development of reliable analytical methods is key in the field of public health surveillance to obtain biomonitoring data to determine what BPs are reaching people's bodies. This review discusses recent methods for the quantitative measurement of bisphenols and their derivatives in biological samples like urine, blood, breast milk, saliva, and hair, among others. We also discuss the different procedures commonly used for sample treatment, which includes extraction and clean-up, and instrumental techniques currently used to determine these compounds. Sample preparation techniques continue to play an important role in the analysis of complex matrices, for liquid matrices the most commonly employed is solid-phase extraction, although microextraction techniques are gaining importance in this field, and for solid samples ultrasound-assisted extraction. The main instrumental techniques used are liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Finally, we present data on the main parameters obtained in the validation of the revised methods. This review focuses on various methods developed and applied for trace analysis of bisphenols, their conjugates, halogenated derivatives, and diglycidyl ethers in biological samples to enable the required selectivity and sensitivity. For this purpose, a review is carried out of the most recent relevant publications from 2016 up to present.

Magnet integrated fabric phase sorptive extraction of selected endocrine disrupting chemicals from human urine followed by high-performance liquid chromatography - photodiode array analysis

In current paper, a new advanced modification of fabric phase sorptive extraction is introduced for the first time. This advantageous configuration that integrates the stirring and extraction mechanism into a single sample preparation device was originated by equally considering the beneficial role of the increase of extraction kinetics and more specifically of diffusion on the extraction efficiency of the equilibrium based microextraction techniques and the need for integrating and unite processes for better promotion and implementation of the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. The resulted magnet integrated fabric phase sorptive extraction (MI-FPSE) device was the spearhead to develop a new analytical methodology for the determination of selected very common endocrine disrupting chemicals as model analytes in human urine by high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array analysis. More specifically, the sol-gel Carbowax 20 M coated on hydrophilic cellulose fabric substrate, MI-FPSE device was efficiently employed for the establishment of a new extraction protocol before the chromatographic determination. The sample preparation workflow was methodically optimized in terms of the elution solvent mixture, the volume of the sample, the extraction and the elution time, the stirring speed during the extraction, the ionic strength, and the pH of the sample matrix. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Spherisorb C18 column and a gradient elution program within 14 minutes. Mobile phase consisted of 0.05 ammonium acetate aqueous solution and acetonitrile. The method was validated towards linearity, sensitivity, selectivity, precision, accuracy, and stability. LOD and LOQ ranged between 1.05-1.80 and 3.5-6.0 ng/mL, while %RSD values were found lower than 9.0% in all cases. The method was efficiently applied to the bioanalysis of real samples. All the chosen EDCs were measured at high detection levels. The new MI-FPSE device has demonstrated its performance superiority as a magnet integrated stand-alone extraction device and could be considered as a significant improvement in the field of analytical/bioanalytical sample preparation.

A simple, rapid and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of eighteen environmental phenols in human urine

Environmental phenols are a typical group of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and have caused growing concerns upon the potential adverse effects on humans. Urinary concentrations of phenols can be used as valid biomarkers for the assessment of human exposure. A method was developed for the simultaneous determination of eighteen environmental phenols (six parabens, seven bisphenols, four benzophenones and triclosan) in human urine using liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) coupled to high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The optimized LLE was time saving and required low volumes of organic solvents. A volume of only 0.2 mL urine sample was extracted and analyzed. The method yielded good linearity (0.9925-0.9994) and satisfactory limit of detection (LOD) (≤0.08 ng mL^-1). The relative recoveries ranged between 76.7% and 116% at three spiked levels, with intra- and inter-day precision less than 8.04% and 13.5%, respectively. Our method has been proved to be simple, rapid and sensitive by a comprehensive comparison between methods. This proposed method provides a large-scale biomonitoring tool for exposure assessment of human population to environmental phenols.

An Overview of the Analytical Methods for the Determination of Organic Ultraviolet Filters in Cosmetic Products and Human Samples

UV filters are a group of compounds commonly used in different cosmetic products to absorb UV radiation. They are classified into a variety of chemical groups, such as benzophenones, salicylates, benzotriazoles, cinnamates, p-aminobenzoates, triazines, camphor derivatives, etc. Different tests have shown that some of these chemicals are absorbed through the skin and metabolised or bioaccumulated. These processes can cause negative health effects, including mutagenic and cancerogenic ones. Due to the absence of official monitoring protocols, there is an increased number of analytical methods that enable the determination of those compounds in cosmetic samples to ensure user safety, as well as in biological fluids and tissues samples, to obtain more information regarding their behaviour in the human body. This review aimed to show and discuss the published studies concerning analytical methods for the determination of organic UV filters in cosmetic and biological samples. It focused on sample preparation, analytical techniques, and analytical performance (limit of detection, accuracy, and repeatability).

Paraben Compounds—Part I: An Overview of Their Characteristics, Detection, and Impacts

Parabens are widely used in different industries as preservatives and antimicrobial compounds. The evolution of analytical techniques allowed the detection of these compounds in different sources at µg/L and ng/L. Until today, parabens were already found in water sources, air, soil and even in human tissues. The impact of parabens in humans, animals and in ecosystems are a matter of discussion within the scientific community, but it is proven that parabens can act as endocrine disruptors, and some reports suggest that they are carcinogenic compounds. The presence of parabens in ecosystems is mainly related to wastewater discharges. This work gives an overview about the paraben problem, starting with their characteristics and applications. Moreover, the dangers related to their usage were addressed through the evaluation of toxicological studies over different species as well as of humans. Considering this, paraben detection in different water sources, wastewater treatment plants, humans and animals was analyzed based on literature results. A review of European legislation regarding parabens was also performed, presenting some considerations for the use of parabens.

Recent applications of microextraction sample preparation techniques in biological samples analysis

Analysis of biological samples is affected by interfering substances with chemical properties similar to those of the target analytes, such as drugs. Biological samples such as whole blood, plasma, serum, urine and saliva must be properly processed for separation, purification, enrichment and chemical modification to meet the requirements of the analytical instruments. This causes the sample preparation stage to be of undeniable importance in the analysis of such samples through methods such as microextraction techniques. The scope of this review will cover a comprehensive summary of available literature data on microextraction techniques playing a key role for analytical purposes, methods of their implementation in common biological samples, and finally, the most recent examples of application of microextraction techniques in preconcentration of analytes from urine, blood and saliva samples. The objectives and merits of each microextration technique are carefully described in detail with respect to the nature of the biological samples. This review presents the most recent and innovative work published on microextraction application in common biological samples, mostly focused on original studies reported from 2017 to date. The main sections of this review comprise an introduction to the microextraction techniques supported by recent application studies involving quantitative and qualitative results and summaries of the most significant, recently published applications of microextracion methods in biological samples. This article considers recent applications of several microextraction techniques in the field of sample preparation for biological samples including urine, blood and saliva, with consideration for extraction techniques, sample preparation and instrumental detection systems.

[Research progress of microextraction by packed sorbent and its application in microvolume sample extraction]

Microextraction is a rapidly developing sample preparation technology in the field of analytical chemistry, which is seeing widespread application. Accurate sample preparation can not only save time but also improve the efficiency of analysis, determination, and data quality. At present, sample pretreatment methods must be rapid, allow for miniaturization, automation, and convenient online connection with analytical instruments. To meet the requirements of green analytical methods and improve the extraction efficiency, microextraction techniques have been introduced as suitable replacements to conventional sample preparation and extraction methods. Microextraction using a packed sorbent (MEPS) is a new type of sample preparation technology. The MEPS equipment was prepared using microsyringe with a volume of 50-500 μL, including MEPS syringes and MEPS adsorption beds (barrel insert and needle, BIN), which is essentially similar to a miniaturized solid phase extraction device. The BIN contains the adsorbent and is built into the syringe needle. A typical MEPS extraction procedure involves repeatedly pumping the sample solution in two directions (up and down) through the adsorbent multiple times in the MEPS syringe. The specific operation course of MEPS includes conditioning, loading, washing, elution, and introduction into the analysis instrument. The conditioning process is adopted to infiltrate the dry sorbent and remove bubbles between the filler particles. The adsorption process is accomplished by pulling the liquid plunger of the syringe so that the sample flows through the adsorbent in both directions multiple times. The washing process involves rinsing the sorbent to remove unwanted components after the analyte is retained. The elution process involves the use of an eluent to ensure that the sample flows through the adsorbent in both directions multiple times, so that elution can be realized by the pumping-pushing action. The target analyte is eluted with the eluent, which can be directly used for chromatographic analysis. However, when processing complex biological matrix samples by MEPS, pretreatment steps such as dilution of the sample and removal of proteins are commonly required. At present, the operation modes of the MEPS equipment are classified into three types: manual, semi-automated, and fully automated. This increase in the degree of automation is highly conducive to processing extremely low or extremely high sample volumes. Critical factors affecting the MEPS performance have been investigated in this study. The conditions for MEPS optimization are the operating process parameters, including sample flow rate, sample volume, number of sample extraction cycles, type and volume of the adsorbent, and elution solvents. It is also necessary to consider the effect of the sample matrix on the performance of MEPS. The MEPS sorbent should be cleaned by a solvent to eliminate carryover and reuse. The sorbent is a core aspect of MEPS. Several types of commercial and non-commercial sorbents have been used in MEPS. Commercial sorbents include silica-based sorbents such as unmodified silica (SIL), C2, C8, and C18. Unmodified silicon-based silica is a normal phase adsorption material, which is highly polar and can be used to retain polar analytes. C18, C8, and C2 materials are suitable for reversed-phase adsorption, while SCX, SAX, APS, and M1 (C8+SCX) adsorbents are suitable for the mixed-mode and ion-exchange modes. Noncommercial sorbents include molecularly imprinted materials, restricted-access molecularly imprinted materials, graphitized carbon, conductive polymer materials, modified silicon materials, and covalent-organic framework materials. The performance of MEPS has recently been illustrated by online with LC-MS and GC-MS assays for the analysis of biological matrices, environmental samples, and food samples. Pretreatment in MEPS protocols includes dilution, protein precipitation, and centrifugation in biological fluid matrices. Because of the small sample size, fast operation, etc., MEPS is expected to be more widely used in the analysis of bio-matrix samples. MEPS devices could also play an important role in field pretreatment and analysis.

Searching for Small Molecules as Antibacterials: Non-Cytotoxic Diarylureas Analogues of Triclocarban

Triclocarban (TCC), a broad-spectrum lipophilic antimicrobial agent, is a diarylurea derivative that has been used for more than 60 years as a major ingredient of toys, clothing, food packaging materials, food industry floors, medical supplies and especially of personal care products, such as soaps, toothpaste and shampoo. In September 2016, the U.S. FDA banned nineteen antimicrobial ingredients, including TCC, in over-the-counter consumer antiseptic wash products, due to their toxicity. Withdrawal of TCC has prompted efforts to search for new antimicrobial compounds. In this paper, we present the synthesis and biological evaluation, as antibiotic and non-cytotoxic agents, of a series of diarylureas, analogues of TCC. These compounds are characterized by an intriguingly simple chemistry and can be easily synthesized. Among the synthesized compounds, 1ab and 1bc emerge as the most interesting compounds as they show the same activity of TCC (MIC = 16 µg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus, and a higher activity than TCC against Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 32 µg/mL versus MIC = 64 µg/mL). Moreover, 1ab and 1bc show no cytotoxicity towards the human mammary epithelial cells MCF-10A and embryonic kidney epithelial cells Hek-293, in opposition to TCC, which exhibits a marked cytotoxicity on the same cell lines and shows a good antitumor activity on a panel of cell lines tested.

Multivariate optimization of low-temperature cleanup followed by dispersive solid-phase extraction for detection of Bisphenol A and benzophenones in infant formula

A simple and effective analytical method to determine six contaminants, including five benzophenones (BP, BP-1, BP-3, BP-8, and BP-12) and bisphenol A (BPA) in infant formulas was developed in this study. For this, a sequential experimental design was used to optimize the extraction and cleanup method using low temperature partition (LTP) combined with dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE). The effect of primary secondary amine (PSA), sodium chloride (NaCl), graphitized carbon black (GCB), octadecyl (C18), strong anion exchanger (SAX), water, acetonitrile (ACN) and, ultrasound (US) time were evaluated using a sequential design of experiments including a Plackett-Burman, a central composite rotatable design, and the Derringer and Suich's tool. The method was validated, and it showed a limit of quantification varying from 0.06 to 2 mg.kg^-1, good precision (< 20% RSD), and recovery (52-106%). The method proposed was applied to twenty-five samples of commercial infant formulas.

A fast-multiclass method for the determination of 21 endocrine disruptors in human urine by using vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (VADLLME) and LC-MS/MS

Simplicity, speed, and reduced cost are essential demands for routine analysis in human biomonitoring studies. Moreover, the availability of higher volumes of human specimens is becoming more restrictive due to ethical controls and to the costs associated with sample transportation and storage. Thus, analytical methods requiring much lower sample volumes associated with simultaneous detection capability (multiclass analysis) are with a very high claim. In this sense, the present approach aimed at the development of a method for preconcentration and simultaneous determination of four classes of endocrine disruptors (seven bisphenols, seven parabens, five benzophenones, and two antimicrobials) in the urine. The approach is based on vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (VADLLME) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After optimization of the significant parameters of VADLLME extraction, the proposed procedure showed to be simple, fast, sensitive, requiring only 1.0 mL of urine, 400 μL of organic solvents with a total stirring time of 20 s. Moreover, a variation of inter-day and between-day runs were lower than 10.0% and 11.0%, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of 50 urine samples of Brazilian pregnant women to establish reference ranges.

Photocatalytic degradation and rate constant prediction of chlorophenols and bisphenols by H3PW12O40/GR/TiO2 composite membrane

Photocatalysis is a promising approach to remove highly toxic and refractory aromatics pollutants. However, developing highly active photocatalyst is a long-standing challenge for pollutant degradation. This study addressed this challenge by developing GR (graphene)/TiO₂ and HPW (H₃PW₁₂O₄₀)/GR/TiO₂ membranes by sol-gel method. The removal efficiencies of HPW/GR/TiO₂ (the doping of 1.0% HPW) membrane for chlorophenols (including o-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol) and bisphenols (such as Bisphenol A, Bisphenol AP, Bisphenol AF, and Bisphenol S) were up to 97.02-82.71% and 93.28-68.63% with simulated sunlight radiation for 5 h, respectively. Compared with GR/TiO₂ composite membrane, HPW/GR/TiO₂ remarkably accelerated the formation rates of O₂^- and OH, due to the simultaneous transfer of photo-generated electrons (generated by TiO₂) to GR and HPW. In addition, the activity of the HPW/GR/TiO₂ membrane did not decline noticeably after 10-time recycle. Furthermore, the photocatalytic degradation reaction rate constants (k) of phenols by HPW/GR/TiO₂ membrane were calculated, and those for other chlorophenols and bisphenols were predicted using a quantitative structure-activity relationship model. The HPW/GR/TiO₂ membrane developed in this study poses high potential as an ideal photocatalyst for removal of phenolic pollutants in wastewater.

Comprehensive Screening and Identification of Phillyrin Metabolites in Rats Based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive Mass Spectrometry Combined with Multi-Channel Data Mining

Phillyrin, a well-known bisepoxylignan, has been shown to have many critical pharmacological activities. In this study, a novel strategy for the extensive acquisition and use of data was established based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive mass spectrometry to analyze and identify the in vivo metabolites of phillyrin and to elucidate the in vivo metabolic pathways of phillyrin. Among them, the generation of data sets was mainly due to multichannel data mining methods, such as high extracted ion chromatogram (HEIC), diagnostic product ion (DPI), and neutral loss filtering (NLF). A total of 60 metabolites (including the prototype compound) were identified in positive and negative ion modes based on intuitive and useful data such as the standard's cleavage rule, accurate molecular mass, and chromatographic retention time. The results showed that a series of biological reactions of phillyrin in vivo mainly included methylation, hydroxylation, hydrogenation, sulfonation, glucuronidation, demethylation, and dehydrogenation and their composite reactions. In summary, this study not only comprehensively explained the in vivo metabolism of phillyrin, but also proposed an effective strategy to quickly analyze and identify the metabolites of natural pharmaceutical ingredients in nature.