Analysis of 18 perfluorinated compounds in river waters: Comparison of high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and capillary liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Miniaturized liquid chromatography in environmental analysis. A review

The greater and more widespread use of chemicals, either from industry or daily use, is leading to an increase in the discharge of these substances into the environment. Some of these are known to be hazardous to humans and the environment and are regulated, but there is a large and increasing number of substances which pose a potential risk even at low concentration and are not controlled. In this context, new techniques and methodologies are being developed to deal with this concern. Miniaturized liquid chromatography (LC) emerges as a greener and more sensitive alternative to conventional LC. Furthermore, advances in instrument miniaturization have made possible the development of portable LC instrumentation which may become a promising tool for in-situ monitoring. This work reviews the environmental applications of miniaturized LC over the last 15 years and discusses the different instrumentation, including off- and on-line pretreatment techniques, chromatographic conditions, and contributions to the environmental knowledge.

Analytical methods for determining environmental contaminants of concern in water and wastewater

Control and prevention of environmental pollution have emerged as paramount global concerns. Anthropogenic activities, such as industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal, introduce a wide range of contaminants into various ecosystems. These pollutants encompass organic and inorganic compounds, particulates, microorganisms, and disinfection by-products, posing severe threats to human health, ecosystems, and the environment. Effective monitoring methods are indispensable for assessing environmental quality, identifying pollution sources, and implementing remedial measures. This paper suggests that the development and utilization of highly advanced analytical tools are both essential for the analysis of contaminants in water samples, presenting a foundational hypothesis for the review. This paper comprehensively reviews the development and utilization of highly advanced analytical tools which is mandatory for the analysis of contaminants in water samples. Depending on the specific pollutants being studied, the choice of analytical methods widely varies. It also reveals insights into the diverse applications and effectiveness of these methods in assessing water quality and contaminant levels. By emphasizing the critical role of the reviewed monitoring methods, this review seeks to deepen the understanding of pollution challenges and inspire innovative monitoring solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable global environment.•Urgent global concerns: control and prevention of pollution from diverse sources.•Varied contaminants, diverse methods: comprehensive review of analytical tools.•Inspiring a sustainable future: innovative monitoring for a cleaner environment.

Determination of organic contaminants in L'Albufera Natural Park using microporous polyethylene tube passive samplers: An environmental risk assessment

L'Albufera Natural Park (Valencia, Spain) is a protected wetland of international significance that provides critical habitats to endemic and threatened bird and plant species. This study aims to use multiple cross-validation techniques to generate an accurate estimation of the environmental risk of organic contaminants (OCs) in an internationally important coastal wetland, to identify compounds of concern and their potential sources and risk factors. Microporous polyethylene tube (MPT) passive samplers were deployed at 12 locations across L'Albufera Natural Park with concurrent grab samples collected. A subset of MPT samplers were also analysed by an additional laboratory in Australia to widen the range of contaminants and assess interlaboratory reproducibility of results. Forty-three pesticides, 20 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), 20 per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 4 organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) were detected in the MPT samplers. The fungicides tebuconazole and difenoconazole were detected at the highest concentrations in passive samplers (maximum concentrations, 153 ng sampler-1 and 106 ng sampler-1, respectively). Several other pesticides were detected in all locations (mean concentrations >1 ng sampler-1). The compounds fenamiphos, propyzamide, difenoconazole, propiconazole, metsulfuron methyl, sodium bis (perfluorohexyl) phosphinate (6:6 PFPiA), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaine (6:2 FTAB), 6:2 fluorotelomersulfonate (6:2 FTS), citalopram desmethyl and citalopram were reported in the wetland for the first time. Spatial distribution analysis revealed higher pesticide concentrations in the North of L'Albufera. A risk quotient (RQ) analysis showed that ibuprofen is of concern in the area. Overall, the MPT sampling approach is promising as a risk assessment tool for better understanding the transport and fate of OCs in protected areas.

Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances in Portuguese Rivers: Spatial-Temporal Monitoring

Eighteen per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated in surface waters of four river basins in Portugal (Ave, Leça, Antuã, and Cértima) during the dry and wet seasons. All sampling sites showed contamination in at least one of the seasons. In the dry season, perfluorooctanoate acid (PFOA) and perfluoro-octane sulfonate (PFOS), were the most frequent PFASs, while during the wet season these were PFOA and perfluobutane-sulfonic acid (PFBS). Compounds detected at higher concentrations were PFOS (22.6 ng L^-1) and perfluoro-butanoic acid (PFBA) (22.6 ng L^-1) in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Moreover, the prospective environmental risks of PFASs, detected at higher concentrations, were evaluated based on the Risk Quotient (RQ) classification, which comprises acute and chronic toxicity. The results show that the RQ values of eight out of the nine PFASs were below 0.01, indicating low risk to organisms at different trophic levels in the four rivers in both seasons, wet and dry. Nevertheless, in the specific case of perfluoro-tetradecanoic acid (PFTeA), the RQ values calculated exceeded 1 for fish (96 h) and daphnids (48 h), indicating a high risk for these organisms. Furthermore, the RQ values were higher than 0.1, indicating a medium risk for fish, daphnids and green algae (96 h).

From Rice Husk Ash to Silica-Supported Carbon Nanomaterials: Characterization and Analytical Application for Pre-Concentration of Steroid Hormones from Environmental Waters

Rice husk (RH) in the rice industry is often air-burnt to obtain energy in the form of heat and RH ash (RHA) residue. In this work, RHA was applied as a starting material to obtain silica-supported carbon nanomaterials, resulting in a new reuse of a globally produced industrial waste product, in a circular economy approach. The preparation involves ultrasound-assisted one-pot oxidation with a sulfonitric mixture followed by wet oven treatment in a closed vessel. A study of oxidation times and RHA amount/acid volume ratio led to a solid material (nC-RHA@SiO2) and a solution containing silica-supported carbon quantum dots (CQD-RHA@SiO2). TEM analyses evidenced that nC-RHA@SiO2 consists of nanoparticle aggregates, while CQD-RHA@SiO2 are carbon-coated spherical silica nanoparticles. The presence of oxygenated carbon functional groups, highlighted by XPS analyses, makes these materials suitable for a wide range of analytical applications. As the main product, nC-RHA@SiO2 was tested for its affinity towards steroid hormones. Solid-phase extractions were carried out on environmental waters for the determination of target analytes at different concentrations (10, 50, and 200 ng L−1), achieving quantitative adsorption and recoveries (RSD < 20%, n = 3). The method was successfully employed for monitoring lake, river, and wastewater treatment plant water samples collected in Northern Italy.

Sensors for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A critical review of development challenges, current sensors, and commercialization obstacles

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of compounds that have become environmental contaminants of emerging concern. They are highly persistent, toxic, bioaccumulative, and ubiquitous which makes them important to detect to ensure environmental and human health. Multiple instrument-based methods exist for sensitive and selective detection of PFAS in a variety of matrices, but these methods suffer from expensive costs and the need for a laboratory and highly trained personnel. There is a big need for fast, inexpensive, robust, and portable methods to detect PFAS in the field. This would allow environmental laboratories and other agencies to perform more frequent testing to comply with regulations. In addition, the general public would benefit from a fast method to evaluate the drinking water in their homes for PFAS contamination. A PFAS sensor would provide almost real-time data on PFAS concentrations that can also provide actionable information for water quality managers and consumers around the planet. In this review, we discuss the sensors that have been developed up to this point for PFAS detection by their molecular detection mechanism as well as the goals that should be considered during sensor development. Future research needs and commercialization challenges are also highlighted.

Room-temperature synthesis of amino-functionalized magnetic covalent organic frameworks for efficient extraction of perfluoroalkyl acids in environmental water samples

The novel amino-functionalized magnetic covalent organic framework nanocomposites (Fe₃O₄@[NH₂]-COFs) were fabricated at room temperature, which were explored as a magnetic adsorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE). On the basis of the hydrophobic surfaces of magnetic nanocomposites and introduction of primary amines into the COFs shell, Fe₃O₄@[NH₂]-COFs displayed excellent enrichment capacity in "catching" ultratrace perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from water samples because of the synergistic combination of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between PFAAs and Fe₃O₄@[NH₂]-COFs. Under the optimized pretreatment and instrumental parameters, the proposed pretreatment approach, which hybridized MSPE using Fe₃O₄@[NH₂]-COFs and HPLC-MS/MS, displayed favorable linearity (10-10,000 ng L^-1) with R² (0.9990-0.9999), low limits of detection (0.05-0.38 ng L^-1), and excellent repeatability (3.7-9.2%). Moreover, the established approach was successfully utilized to determine PFAAs in real water samples with spiked recoveries ranging from 72.1% to 115.4%. Results indicated that Fe₃O₄@[NH₂]-COFs would be a potential alternative for MSPE of PFAAs at ultra-low levels.

Occurrence, distribution and behavior of emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in a Mediterranean wetland protected area

The analysis of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) in the different environmental compartments of a characteristic coastal wetland, the Albufera Natural Park (Valencia, Spain), is required for understanding the transport, accumulation and fate of these pollutants in an area under high anthropogenic pressure. Samples included 13 wastewater treatment plant influents, 13 effluents, 12 surface water, 19 sediment samples and 10 fish individuals from the Albufera Natural Park and the surrounding area. Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were at the highest concentrations in water, 330.2 ng L^-1 and 47.8 ng L^-1, respectively. In fish and sediment PFOS was also the most detected while perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was in all types of water. Higher levels of target compounds (mainly PFASs) in wastewater effluents compared to influent suggested both, formation from precursors during treatment and poor removal efficiency. Mean levels of PFOS in water and fish were higher than the environmental quality standards (EQS) established by the European Union Directive 2013/39/EU. The influence of the metropolitan area of Valencia and its surrounding industrial belt could explain the significantly higher levels reported in the northern part (influenced by the Turia River).

A Molecularly Imprinted Polymer on a Plasmonic Plastic Optical Fiber to Detect Perfluorinated Compounds in Water

A novel Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) able to bind perfluorinated compounds, combined with a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) optical fiber platform, is presented. The new MIP receptor has been deposited on a D-shaped plastic optical fiber (POF) covered with a photoresist buffer layer and a thin gold film. The experimental results have shown that the developed SPR-POF-MIP sensor makes it possible to selectively detect the above compounds. In this work, we present the results obtained with perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) compound, and they hold true when obtained with a perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAs) mixture sample. The sensor’s response is the same for PFOA, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) or PFA contaminants in the C₄–C₁₁ range. We have also tested a sensor based on a non-imprinted polymer (NIP) on the same SPR in a D-shaped POF platform. The limit of detection (LOD) of the developed chemical sensor was 0.13 ppb. It is similar to the one obtained by the configuration based on a specific antibody for PFOA/PFOS exploiting the same SPR-POF platform, already reported in literature. The advantage of an MIP receptor is that it presents a better stability out of the native environment, very good reproducibility, low cost and, furthermore, it can be directly deposited on the gold layer, without modifying the metal surface by functionalizing procedures.

Seasonal variations in the occurrence of perfluoroalkyl substances in water, sediment and fish samples from Ebro Delta (Catalonia, Spain)

The main objective of this study was to assess the concentration levels and the seasonal variations of 13 poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in different compartments (water, sediments and fish) of the Ebro Delta (NE Spain) and surrounding coastal areas. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the most frequently detected compound in waters and sediments. Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were the compounds found at the highest concentrations in water samples. On the other hand, sediments were more enriched in perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) (range<1.02-22.6ng/g dw). Waters and sediments showed a different seasonal trend. While waters were characterised by a substantial constant level of PFASs over the year, sediments showed a progressive decrease from autumn to summer, revealing the great influence that environmental conditions exert on PFAS distribution in sediments. As regards fish samples, in spite of the ban of its production, PFOS was the most frequently detected compound in seawater fishes, in agreement with its high persistency, bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Moreover, PFASs showed to be more distributed in the skin rather than in muscle tissues. In addition, river fishes were characterised by very high PFAS levels (∑PFAS range from 63.8ng/g ww to 938ng/g ww), with perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids being more concentrated than sulfonates. The PFASs concentrations in water, sediment, and biota revealed that one of the studied sites, Isla de Buda was the most contaminated site of the Ebro Delta. These results are consistent with its location at the final part of the estuary, where many irrigation channels are collected together.

The importance of quality control in validating concentrations of contaminants of emerging concern in source and treated drinking water samples

A national-scale survey of 247 contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including organic and inorganic chemical compounds, and microbial contaminants, was conducted in source and treated drinking water samples from 25 treatment plants across the United States. Multiple methods were used to determine these CECs, including six analytical methods to measure 174 pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides. A three-component quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program was designed for the subset of 174 CECs which allowed us to assess and compare performances of the methods used. The three components included: 1) a common field QA/QC protocol and sample design, 2) individual investigator-developed method-specific QA/QC protocols, and 3) a suite of 46 method comparison analytes that were determined in two or more analytical methods. Overall method performance for the 174 organic chemical CECs was assessed by comparing spiked recoveries in reagent, source, and treated water over a two-year period. In addition to the 247 CECs reported in the larger drinking water study, another 48 pharmaceutical compounds measured did not consistently meet predetermined quality standards. Methodologies that did not seem suitable for these analytes are overviewed. The need to exclude analytes based on method performance demonstrates the importance of additional QA/QC protocols.

Analysis of the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances in water, sediment and biota of the Jucar River (E Spain). Sources, partitioning and relationships with water physical characteristics

The presence, sources and partitioning of 21 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs: C4-C14, C16, C18 carboxylate, C4, C6-C10 sulfonates and C8 sulfonamide) were assessed in water, sediment, and biota of the Jucar River basin (E Spain). Considering the three matrices, perfluoropentanoate (PFPeA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were the most frequent compounds, being remarkable the high occurrence of short-chain PFASs (C≤8), which are intended to replace the long-chain ones in several industrial and commercial applications. In general, all samples were contaminated with at least one PFAS, with the exception of three fish samples. Mean concentrations detected in sediments (0.22-11.5ng g(-1)) and biota (0.63-274µgkg(-1)) samples were higher than those measured in water (0.04-83.1ngL(-1)), which might suggest (bio) accumulation. The occurrence of PFAS is related to urban and industrial discharges (Cuenca city in the upper part of basin, and car's factory, and effluents of the sewage treatment plant (STP) of Alzira, in the lower part). Increasing pollution gradients were found. On the other hand, higher contamination levels were observed after regulation dams of the catchment pointing out their importance in the re-distribution of these contaminants. None of the hazard quotients (HQ) calculated indicate potential risk for the different tropic levels considered (algae, Daphnia sp. and fish). PFAS concentrations found in this study can be considered in acceptable levels if compared to existing Regulatory Legislation and, consequently, they do not pose an immediate human health risk.

Shared effects of organic microcontaminants and environmental stressors on biofilms and invertebrates in impaired rivers

Land use type, physical and chemical stressors, and organic microcontaminants were investigated for their effects on the biological communities (biofilms and invertebrates) in several Mediterranean rivers. The diversity of invertebrates, and the scores of the first principal component of a PCA performed with the diatom communities were the best descriptors of the distribution patterns of the biological communities against the river stressors. These two metrics decreased according to the progressive site impairment (associated to higher area of agricultural and urban-industrial, high water conductivity, higher dissolved organic carbon and dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations, and higher concentration of organic microcontaminants, particularly pharmaceutical and industrial compounds). The variance partition analyses (RDAs) attributed the major share (10%) of the biological communities' response to the environmental stressors (nutrients, altered discharge, dissolved organic matter), followed by the land use occupation (6%) and of the organic microcontaminants (2%). However, the variance shared by the three groups of descriptors was very high (41%), indicating that their simultaneous occurrence determined most of the variation in the biological communities.

Perfluoroalkyl substances in the Ebro and Guadalquivir river basins (Spain)

Mediterranean rivers are characteristically irregular with changes in flow and located in high population density areas. This affects the concentration of pollutants in the aquatic environments. In this study, the occurrence and sources of 21 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were determined in water, sediment and biota of the Ebro and Guadalquivir river basins (Spain). In water samples, of 21 analytes screened, 11 were found in Ebro and 9 in Guadalquivir. In both basins, the most frequents were PFBA, PFPeA and PFOA. Maximum concentration was detected for PFBA, up to 251.3 ng L(-1) in Ebro and 742.9 ng L(-1) in Guadalquivir. Regarding the sediments, 8 PFASs were detected in the samples from Ebro and 9 in those from Guadalquivir. The PFASs most frequently detected were PFBA, PFPeA, PFOA and PFOS. Maximum concentration in Ebro samples was, in dry weight, for PFOA (32.3 ng g(-1)) and in Guadalquivir samples for PFBA (63.8 ng g(-1)). For biota, 12 PFASs were detected in fish from the Ebro River and only one (PFOS) in that from Guadalquivir. In the Ebro basin, the most frequents were PFBA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFBS, PFOS and PFOSA. Maximum concentration in Ebro samples was, in wet weight, for PFHxA with 1280.2 ng g(-1), and in Guadalquivir samples for PFOS with 79.8 ng g(-1). These compounds were detected in the whole course of the rivers including the upper parts. In some points contamination was due to point sources mostly related to human activities (e.g. ski resorts, military camps, urban areas.). However, there are also some areas clearly affected by diffuse sources as atmospheric deposition.

Optimization and comparison of several extraction methods for determining perfluoroalkyl substances in abiotic environmental solid matrices using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

In this study, four extraction methods of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in soils and sediments were validated and compared in order to select the one that provides the best recoveries and the highest sensitivity. The determination of PFASs was carried out by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The extraction methods compared were based on (i) an aqueous solution of acetic acid and methanol (recoveries 44-125%, relative standard deviation (RSD) <25%), (ii) methanol (34-109%, <25%), (iii) sodium hydroxide digestion (24-178%, <49%), and (iv) ion pair (35-179%, <31%). The best results were obtained with methanol extraction, which recovered a greater number of PFASs and provided values between 45-103% in sediment and 34-109% in soil with RSDs <25% and limits of quantification (LOQs) between 0.02-0.31 and 0.01-6.00 ng g(-1), respectively. The selected method was successfully applied to Segura River sediments and soil samples taken near the Turia River. This study demonstrates the presence of PFASs in the studied rivers of the Valencian Community (0.07-14.91 ng g(-1) in Segura River sediments; 0.02-64.04 ng g(-1) in Turia River soils). Graphical Abstract Selected matrices and extraction methods for determination of perfluoroalkyl substances.

Application of surfactant-templated ordered mesoporous material as sorbent in micro-solid phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for determination of perfluorinated carboxylic acids in aqueous media

In the present study, micro-solid phase extraction (µ-SPE) followed by liquid chromatography-triple tandem mass spectrometery (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) at trace levels in water samples. The µ-SPE device comprised of a porous polypropylene membrane bag containing 5mg sorbent. The membrane bag acted as a clean-up filter and prevented matrix compounds from interfering with the extraction process. Analysis was carried out by LC-MS/MS in negative electrospray ionization mode. MS/MS parameters were optimized for multiple reaction monitoring. Calcined and non-calcined MCM-41, as silica-ordered mesoporous materials, were used as sorbents in µ-SPE for the extraction of five PFCAs-perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)-from aqueous media. The performances of these two sorbents were compared with other sorbents such as octadecylsilane (C18) modified silica, HayeSep-A, HayeSep-B, and Porapak-R. It was found that non-calcined MCM-41 showed better extraction performance for the analytes considered. Parameters influencing extraction efficiency, such as desorption time, extraction time, desorption solvent, and salt concentration, were investigated. The effect of the matrix on MS signals (suppression or enhancement) was also evaluated. Only minor effects on ionization efficiencies were observed. The developed method proved to be convenient and offered good sensitivity and reproducibility. The limits of detection ranged from 0.02 to 0.08ng L(-1), with a relative standard deviations between 1.9 and 10.5. It was successfully applied to the extraction of PFCAs in river and rain water samples. As expected from the ubiquitous nature of PFCAs, contamination at low levels was detected for some analytes in the samples (with the highest concentration recorded for PFOA). Satisfactory relative recoveries ranging between 64% and 127% at spiking levels of 10ng L(-1) of each analyte were obtained.

Perfluoroalkyl substance contamination of the Llobregat River ecosystem (Mediterranean area, NE Spain)

The occurrence and sources of 21 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs: C4-C14, C16, C18 carboxylate, C4, C6-C8 and C10 sulfonates and C8 sulfonamide) were determined in water, sediment, and biota of the Llobregat River basin (NE Spain). Analytes were extracted by solid phase extraction (SPE) and determined by liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC-QqQ-MS). All samples were contaminated with at least one PFAS, being the most frequently found perfluorobutanoate (PFBA), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (L-PFOS). In general, mean PFAS concentrations measured in sediments (0.01-3.67 ng g(-1)) and biota (0.79-431 μg kg(-1)) samples were higher than those found in water (0.01-233 ng L(-1)). L-PFOS presented very high levels in biota and water, particularly in the Anoia River where a maximum concentration of 2.71 μg L(-1) was related to important industrial activities. However, this pollution does not extend down the Llobregat River according to cumulated values. None of the hazard quotients (HQ) calculated indicate potential risk for the different tropic levels considered (algae, Daphnia sp. and fish). According to Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) proposed by the European Commission (L-PFOS) and to Provisional Health Advisory (PHA) values (PFOA, L-PFOS) established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), only two water samples exceeded PHA concentration for L-PFOS.

Graphene-derivatized silica as an efficient solid-phase extraction sorbent for pre-concentration of fluoroquinolones from water followed by liquid-chromatography fluorescence detection

This work presents a novel analytical method based on graphene for the determination of five widely used fluoroquinolones (FQs) in aqueous matrices. The procedure entails solid-phase extraction (SPE) on graphene-derivatized silica (200mg), followed by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Monolayer graphene oxide (GO) flakes were covalently bonded onto aminopropyl silica microparticles, and then treated with aqueous hydrazine to obtain the reduced GO (RGO). The final material (RGO-silica) was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and BET analysis, and for the first time evaluated as mixed-mode sorbent for the SPE of FQs from natural waters. Accuracy was studied on tap/raw river water in the concentration range 5-10,000ngL(-1), obtaining mean absolute recoveries from 72 to 118%. The inter-day precision was good, showing relative standard deviations (RSDs) in the range 5-15%. Sample volumes up to 1L provided enrichment factors up to 1000, achieving accurate quantification of concentrations as low as 5ngL(-1). The analytes were simultaneously and quantitatively eluted from the RGO-silica cartridge in a single fraction by using acetonitrile combined with aqueous tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide. The batch-to-batch reproducibility was verified on three independently prepared RGO-silica samples. RGO-silica was advantageous in terms of adsorption capacity and reusability with respect to commercial sorbents; the cartridge proved to be reusable for at least 10 consecutive extractions, with no significant loss of efficiency (recovery >70%). The analytical procedure was applied to the determination of FQs in actual environmental waters.

Assessment of commercially available polymeric materials for sorptive microextraction of priority and emerging nonpolar organic pollutants in environmental water samples

Among the different organic pollutants, persistent organic pollutants and emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) are of particular concern due to their potentially dangerous effects on the ecosystems and on human health. In the framework of the analysis of some of these organic pollutants in water samples, sorptive extraction devices have proven to be adequate for their monitoring. The efficiency of four commercially available and low-cost polymeric materials [polypropylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate), Raffia, and polyethersulfone (PES)] for the simultaneous extraction of 16 organic compounds from five different families from environmental water samples was evaluated in this work. Firstly, the homogeneity of the sorbent materials was confirmed by means of Raman spectroscopy. After the optimization of the parameters affecting the extraction and the liquid desorption steps, it was found that PES showed the largest efficiencies for slightly polar analytes and, to a lesser extent, for nonpolar analytes. Additionally, Raffia rendered good extraction efficiencies for nonpolar compounds. Thus sorptive extraction methods followed by large volume injection-programmable temperature vaporizer-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were validated using PES and Raffia as sorbent materials. The validation of the method provided good linearity (0.978 < r (2) < 0.999 for PES and 0.977 < r (2) < 0.999 for Raffia), adequate repeatability (below 19 % and 14 % for PES and Raffia, respectively), and low method detection limits (low ng · l(-1) level). Finally, these materials were applied to the analysis of contaminants in environmental water samples.

Alternative eluent composition for LC-MS analysis of perfluoroalkyl acids in raw fish samples

A wide range of anthropogenic pollutants that possess serious environmental and health risks are known. One type of these harmful substances that have become a focus of interest during the past decade are perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), which are extensively used in industry for different purposes. Due to the harmful effects that these compounds might cause in living organisms, EFSA and EU CONTAM panel have issued a monitoring program for PFAAs in foodstuffs. This has given rise to intense research dedicated to the analysis of PFAAs over the past few years. This work focuses on chromatographic analysis of three PFAAs in fish. The analytes, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are commonly associated with the production of fluoropolymers. Fluorinated alcohols are used as eluent components, and their possible advantages as eluent modifiers in LC-MS analysis of PFAAs, alternative retention mechanism and enhanced ionization efficiency, are examined. The analyzed fish samples originating from Estonian fresh and marine waters had low contents of PFAAs.

High performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry determination of perfluorinated acids in cow milk

A new and sensitive liquid chromatography/electrospray-tandem mass spectrometric (LC/ESI-MS/MS) method for the determination of 12 perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in cow milk is described. Milk samples were extracted with acetone and cleaned-up by a graphitized carbon black solid-phase extraction cartridge, optimizing the entire procedure by using a screening experimental design. LC/ESI-MS/MS was performed in negative ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring mode. The performance of the method was evaluated under the optimized conditions in terms of matrix effects, range of linearity, accuracy, and repeatability. For all compounds, linearity in matrix was observed in the range LOQ-10μgL(-1), and coefficients of determination R(2) ranged from 0.9982 to 0.9999. The analytical recoveries, relative to the isotopic internal standard, measured at 10 and 50ngL(-1) were in the range of 91-105%, with relative standard deviations below 6% and method detection limit, based on the blank value +3 times the standard deviation of the blank, ranged from 0.5 to 3ngL(-1). The final method developed was used to determine the concentration of PFCs in 15 retail milk samples. None of these compounds were detected in cow milk analyzed samples.

Evaluation between ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography analytical methods for characterizing natural dyestuffs

An evaluation was undertaken of ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) in comparison to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for characterizing natural dyes in cultural heritage objects. A new UHPLC method was optimized by testing several analytical parameters adapted from prior UHPLC studies developed in diverse fields of research. Different gradient elution programs were tested on seven UHPLC columns with different dimensions and stationary phase compositions by applying several mobile phases, flow rates, temperatures, and runtimes. The UHPLC method successfully provided more improved data than that achieved by the HPLC method. Indeed, even though carminic acid has shown circa 146% higher resolution with HPLC, UHPLC resulted in an increase of 41-61% resolution and a decrease of 91-422% limit of detection, depending on the dye compound. The optimized method was subsequently assigned to analyse 59 natural reference materials, in which 85 different components were ascribed with different physicochemical properties, in order to create a spectral database for future characterization of dyes in cultural heritage objects. The majority of these reference samples could be successfully distinguished with one single method through the examination of these compounds' retention times and their spectra acquired with a photodiode array detector. These results demonstrate that UHPLC analyses are extremely valuable for the acquisition of more precise chromatographic information concerning natural dyes with complex mixtures of different and/or closely related physicochemical properties, essential for distinguishing similar species of plants and animals used to colour cultural heritage objects.

Recent developments in methods for analysis of perfluorinated persistent pollutants

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are proliferated into the environment on a global scale and present in the organisms of animals and humans even in remote locations. Persistent organic pollutants of that kind therefore have stimulated substantial improvement in analytical methods. The aim of this review is to present recent achievements in PFASs determination in various matrices with different methods and its comparison to measurements of Total Organic Fluorine (TOF). Analytical methods used for PFASs determinations are dominated by chromatography, mostly in combination with mass spectrometric detection. However, HPLC may be also hyphenated with conductivity or fluorimetric detection, and gas chromatography may be combined with flame ionization or electron capture detection. The presence of a large number of PFASs species in environmental and biological samples necessitates parallel attempts to develop a total PFASs index that reflects the total content of PFASs in various matrices. Increasing attention is currently paid to the determination of branched isomers of PFASs, and their determination in food.

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