Comparison of different sorbent materials for on-line solid-phase extraction with liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry of phenols

Rationally designed RGO@CuO@Mn2O3 as an excellent electrocatalyst for the rapid and real-time detection of 2-nitrophenol

Rationally designed and functional electronic structures of TMOs (precisely Cu and Mn) with purposeful morphologies were prepared using a facile synthetic method.

Analytical methods for the endocrine disruptor compounds determination in environmental water samples

The potential risk of exposure to different xenobiotics, which can modulate the endocrine system and represent a treat for the wellness of an increasing number of people, has recently drawn the attention of international environmental and health agencies. Several agents, characterized by structural diversity, may interfer with the normal endocrine functions that regulate cell growth, homeostasis and development. Substances such as pesticides, herbicides, plasticizers, metals, etc. having endocrine activity (EDCs) are used in agriculture and industry and are also used as drugs for humans and animals. A difficulty in the analytical determination of these substances is the complexity of the matrix in which they are present. In fact, the samples most frequently analyzed consist of groundwater and surface water, including influent and effluent of wastewater treatment plants and drinking water. In this review, several sample pretreatment protocols, assays and different instrumental techniques recently used in the EDCs determination have been considered. This review concludes with a paragraph in which the most recent hyphenated-instrument techniques are treated, highlighting their sensitivity and selectivity for the analyses of environmental water samples.

Conductometric tyrosinase biosensor for the detection of diuron, atrazine and its main metabolites

The determination of diuron, atrazine, desisopropylatrazine (DIA) and desethylatrazine (DEA) were investigated using conductometric tyrosinase biosensor. Tyrosinase was immobilised on the biosensor sensitive part by allowing it to mix with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and then cross-linking in saturated glutaraldehyde (GA) vapour for 30min. The determination of pollutants in a solution was performed by comparison of the output signal (i.e percentage of the enzymatic activity) of the biosensor before and after contact with pollutants. The measurement of the enzymatic activity was performed using 4-chlorophenol, phenol and catechol substrates and response times ranging from 1 to 5min were observed. A 4-chlorophenol substrate was used to detect pesticides. A 30min contact time of the biosensor in the pollutant solution was used. Under the experimental conditions employed, detection limits for diuron and atrazine were about 1ppb and dynamic range of 2.3-2330 and 2.15-2150ppb were obtained for diuron and atrazine, respectively. A relative standard deviation (n=3) of the output signal was estimated to be 5% and a slight drift of 1.5muSh(-1) was observed. The 90% of the enzyme activity was still maintained after 23 days of storage in a buffer solution at 4 degrees C.

Drug-like properties: guiding principles for the design of natural product libraries

While natural products or their derivatives and mimics have contributed around 50% of current drugs, there has been no approach allowing front-loading of chemical space compliant with lead- and drug-like properties. The importance of physicochemical properties of molecules in the development of orally bioavailable drugs has been recognized. Classical natural product drug discovery has only been able to undertake this analysis retrospectively after compounds are isolated and structures elucidated. The present approach addresses front-loading of both extracts and subsequent fractions with desired physicochemical properties prior to screening for drug discovery. The physicochemical profiles of natural products active against two neglected disease targets, malaria and African trypanosomiasis, are presented based on this strategy. This approach can ensure timely development of natural product leads at a hitherto unachievable rate.

Voltammetric response of ferroceneboronic acid to diol and phenolic compounds as possible pollutants

A voltammetric determination of possible organic pollutants such as diol and phenolic compounds in water was studied using ferroceneboronic acid (FBA) as a redox-active marker. A cyclic voltammogram of FBA exhibited a pair of oxidation and reduction peaks at 230 and 170 mV at pH 7.0, respectively, while another pair of redox peaks was observed in the presence of diol or phenolic compounds tested. The results were rationalized based on the formation of boronate esters of FBA with the added compounds. The changes in the redox peak currents were dependent on the concentration of the additives, suggesting a usefulness of FBA in the electrochemical determination of these compounds in water.

Determination of endocrine disrupting chemicals in surface water and industrial wastewater from Beijing, China

An analytical method was developed for determination of some endocrine-disrupting chemicals in water samples from Beijing, China. Fifty two surface water and 50 industrial wastewater samples were analyzed. The residue was detected in 26 industrial wastewater and 19 surface water samples. Atrazine was detected in 8 samples at different levels ranging from 0.12 to 5.16 microg L(-1), and phenolic compounds were detected in 19 samples ranging from 0.8 to 26.1 microg L(-1). The results show that the main pollutants of surface water samples were atrazine and octylphenol. In industrial wastewater samples, bisphenol A and octylphenol were most commonly found.

Solid phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of sulfonamides, tetracyclines, analgesics and hormones in surface water and wastewater in Luxembourg

In the early 1990s different studies highlighted the relationship between pharmaceuticals, human health and the environment. Among the emerging contaminants, antibiotics are obviously of high concern, because of their potential for inducing antibiotic resistance. In addition, natural and synthetic hormones are relevant because of their potential endocrine-disrupting effects on wildlife. This investigation focuses on the analysis of four classes of veterinary and human pharmaceuticals (sulfonamides, tetracyclines, analgesics and hormones) in surface water and wastewater in Luxembourg. The selected eleven pharmaceuticals include four sulfonamides (sulfathiazole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfadimethoxine and sulfamethazine), two tetracyclines (tetracycline and oxytetracycline), two analgesics (ibuprofen and diclofenac), and three hormones (2 naturals, estrone and beta-estradiol, and a synthetic one, 17-alpha-ethinyl estradiol). The most innovative parts of this study are the simultaneous extraction of the above-mentioned pharmaceuticals as well as tracking their behaviour during flood events in a small river catchment. The method includes pre-concentration by solid phase extraction using Oasis HLB (Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance) which gave superior results compared to Chromabond C-18EC, Chromabond(R) EASY and Bond Elut PLEXA cartridges, also evaluated in this investigation. The analysis of the investigated pharmaceutical compounds is carried out by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The limits of quantification were 1 ng L(-1), except for beta-estradiol (2 ng L(-1)) and 17-alpha-ethinyl estradiol (6 ng L(-1)). Recovery rates range from 70 to 94%, with relative standard deviations between 4 and 19%. Application of this method to river concentration and flood events revealed high concentrations of ibuprofen (10-4000 ng L(-1)), with highest levels during flood events, while concentrations of estrogens (1-240 ng L(-1)) and sulfonamides (1-20 ng L(-1)) were comparatively low.

Evaluation of resin and fatty acid concentration levels by online sample enrichment followed by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (APCI-MS)

BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE

In papermaking, there is a continuous interest both to minimize fresh water consumption and to reduce discharges into the environment. These general trends mean an increase in the amounts of detrimental substances, such as resin and fatty acids, in papermaking process waters. Resin acids, in particular, are responsible for much of the toxicity typically present in paper mill effluents and, for this reason, the routine and rapid monitoring of these compounds in various process streams is necessary. This also means that there is a continuous need to develop straightforward offline and online techniques to clarify problems occurring, for example, as a result of the introduction of more intensively closed systems of water circulation. In the present study, we describe the use of a novel, online, sample enrichment technique followed by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (APCI-MS) suitable for monitoring the concentration levels of common resin and fatty acids in papermaking process waters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The representative process water samples were taken from the grinding zone of a thermomechanical pulping mill. The samples were first preconcentrated in a precolumn C18, and the analytes were transferred online to MS. The high intensive [M-H](-) ion was used for the identification of each analyte since, according to the present ionization method, no other fragmentation was observed. Laboratory-scale, online measurements with an online sample feed were carried out by connecting a centrifugal pump and a ceramic filter to the APCI-MS.

RESULTS

Quality parameters, such as repeatability, linearity, and limit of detection (LOD), were determined by using dehydroabietic acid (DHAA) in order to evaluate the suitability of the method for the rapid screening of concentration levels. This method provided satisfactory linearity and a good correlation between analyte concentration and peak area. The suitability of the system for the continuous analysis of the same acids was evaluated in laboratory-scale, online experiments. In all cases, the response to changes in the analyte concentration was linear, and the repeatability of the system was also satisfactory.

DISCUSSION

Only a few studies have been published on the analysis of resin and fatty acids with MS techniques. The present method was applied to the monitoring of dehydroabietic, oleic, and stearic acids. The quality parameters were highly comparable with those reported earlier, and the LOD values of the DHAA were below the levels usually encountered in process waters. The quality parameters were only slightly higher than those obtained by the traditional methods of analysis, probably due to the absence of an effective sample clean-up before analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the laboratory-scale, online experiments indicated that the online enrichment APCI-MS system is a suitable alternative for monitoring the concentration levels of selected resin and fatty acids in papermaking process waters. The method can be used, for example, to provide useful information about the concentration levels of these acids in different stages of the process, thus signaling possibly impending problems. In general, faster and simpler measurements are needed to meet the requirements for a reduction in fresh water usage in papermaking.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES

Compared to the conventional methods used for this purpose, the main benefits of the method are rapidity of measurement, simplicity of use, and absence of the need for multistage sample treatments (short analysis time). For this reason, this online method is more suitable for the control of papermaking by analyzing the concentration levels of interfering substances (i.e., selected resin and fatty acids) than an offline analysis detailing all the individual extractives-based compounds in process streams. It is also obvious that the technique can easily be modified for other environmental pollutants as well.

Methodologies for the extraction of phenolic compounds from environmental samples: new approaches

Phenolic derivatives are among the most important contaminants present in the environment. These compounds are used in several industrial processes to manufacture chemicals such as pesticides, explosives, drugs and dyes. They also are used in the bleaching process of paper manufacturing. Apart from these sources, phenolic compounds have substantial applications in agriculture as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. However, phenolic compounds are not only generated by human activity, but they are also formed naturally, e.g., during the decomposition of leaves or wood. As a result of these applications, they are found in soils and sediments and this often leads to wastewater and ground water contamination. Owing to their high toxicity and persistence in the environment, both, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Union have included some of them in their lists of priority pollutants. Current standard methods of phenolic compounds analysis in water samples are based on liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) while Soxhlet extraction is the most used technique for isolating phenols from solid matrices. However, these techniques require extensive cleanup procedures that are time-intensive and involve expensive and hazardous organic solvents, which are undesirable for health and disposal reasons. In the last years, the use of news methodologies such as solid-phase extraction (SPE) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) have increased for the extraction of phenolic compounds from liquid samples. In the case of solid samples, microwave assisted extraction (MAE) is demonstrated to be an efficient technique for the extraction of these compounds. In this work we review the developed methods in the extraction and determination of phenolic derivatives in different types of environmental matrices such as water, sediments and soils. Moreover, we present the new approach in the use of micellar media coupled with SPME process for the extraction of phenolic compounds. The advantages of micellar media over conventional extractants are reduction of organic solvent, low cost, easy handling and shorter time procedures.

Automated on-line column-switching HPLC-MS/MS method with peak focusing for measuring parabens, triclosan, and other environmental phenols in human milk

Parabens (esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid) and triclosan are widely used as preservatives and antimicrobial agents, respectively, in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. Because of their widespread use and potential risk to human health, assessing human exposure to these compounds in breastfed infants is of interest. We developed a sensitive method, using a unique on-line solid-phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system with peak focusing feature, to measure in human milk the concentrations of five parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, and benzyl parabens), triclosan, and six other environmental phenols: bisphenol A (BPA); ortho-phenylphenol (OPP); 2,4-dichlorophenol; 2,5-dichlorophenol; 2,4,5-trichlorophenol; and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3). The method, validated by use of breast milk pooled samples, shows good reproducibility (inter-day coefficient of variations ranging from 3.5% to 16.3%) and accuracy (spiked recoveries ranging from 84% to 119% at four spiking levels). The detection limits for most of the analytes are below 1 ng mL(-1) in 100 microL of milk. We tested the usefulness of the method by measuring the concentrations of these twelve compounds in four human milk samples. We detected methyl paraben, propyl paraben, triclosan, BPA, OPP, and BP-3 in some of the samples tested. The free species of these compounds appear to be the most prevalent in milk. Nevertheless, to demonstrate the utility of these measures for exposure and risk assessment purposes, additional data about sampling and storage of the milk, and on the stability of the analytes in milk, are needed.

New materials in sorptive extraction techniques for polar compounds

This paper provides an overview of the new developments in material and format technology that improve the extraction of polar compounds in several extraction techniques. They mainly include solid-phase extraction, but there are also other sorptive extraction techniques, such as stir bar sorptive extraction and solid-phase microextraction that use either fibers or in-tube devices. We focus on new synthesised materials that are both commercially available and "in-house". Most novel materials that enhance the extraction of polar compounds are hydrophilic and have large specific surface area; however, we also cover other leading technologies, such as sol-gel or monolith. We describe the morphological and chemical properties of these new sorbents so that we can better understand them and relate them to their capability of retaining polar compounds. We discuss the extraction efficiency for polar compounds when these polymers are used as sorptive material and compare them to other materials. We also mention some representative examples of applications.

Automated on-line column-switching HPLC-MS/MS method with peak focusing for the determination of nine environmental phenols in urine

We developed a method using isotope dilution on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) for the determination in urine of nine environmental phenolic compounds: Bisphenol A; 4-tert-octylphenol; o-phenylphenol; 2,4-dichlorophenol; 2,5-dichlorophenol; 2,4,5-trichlorophenol; 2,4,6-trichlorophenol; benzophenone-3 (2-hydroxy-4-metoxybenzophenone); and triclosan (2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxyphenyl ether). A unique fully automated column-switching system, constructed using 1 autosampler, 2 HPLC pumps, and a 10-port switching valve, was designed to allow for concurrent SPE-HPLC operation with peak focusing. The phenols present in 100 microL of urine were retained and concentrated on a C18 reversed-phase size-exclusion SPE column. Then, the phenols were "back-eluted" from the SPE column and diluted through a mixing Tee before being separated from other urine matrix components using a pair of monolithic HPLC columns. The phenols were detected by negative ion-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-MS/MS. The efficient preconcentration of the phenols by the SPE column, analyte peak focusing by the dilution, and minimal ion suppression in the LC/MS interface by the buffer-free mobile phases resulted in limits of detection as low as 0.1-0.4 ng/mL for most analytes. The method was validated on spiked pooled urine samples and on urine samples from 30 adults with no known occupational exposure to environmental phenols. The method can be used for quick and accurate analysis of large numbers of samples in epidemiologic studies for assessing the prevalence of human exposure to environmental phenols.

Solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for analysis of phenols and nitrophenols in rainwater, as their t-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has been used for analysis of four phenols and sixteen nitrophenols in rainwater samples. Analytes were extracted from the water in the immersion mode and derivatised for 5 min during direct desorption in the GC injector. Before desorption, 2 microL N-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide (MDBSTFA) was introduced into the injector, which was maintained at 280 degrees C. Different conditions affecting extraction efficiency were studied, including temperature, type of microextraction fibre, and effect of pH and ionic strength. Five different fibre coatings were tested: 85-mum polyacrylate (PA), 100-microm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), 65-mum Carbowax-divinylbenzene (CW-DVB), 75-microm Carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (CAR-PDMS), and 65-microm polydimethylsiloxane-divinylbenzene (PDMS-DVB). The best conditions were use of PA fibres for 40 min at ambient temperature (75 g NaCl per 100 mL, pH 3.0). MDBSTFA was used as derivatising agent because it enables analysis of phenols derivatives with high confidence in identification, because in electron-impact mode TBDMS-phenol derivatives produce the specific M-57 ion. Quantification was achieved by using 4-nitrophenol-d4, at 1 mg L(-1), as internal standard. Linearity was good, with correlation coefficients in the range 0.9888 (o-cresol) to 0.9987 (dinitro-o-cresol, DNOC). Detection limits varied between 0.208 and 99.3 microg L(-1) and quantification limits between 0.693 and 331 microg L(-1). Uncertainties varied between 8.7% (phenol) and 17.9% (4-methyl-2-nitrophenol). The method was successfully applied to the analysis of rainwater collected at urban and rural sites in Alsace (East of France). Because of derivatisation in the injector and the associated high temperature, the lifetime of the fibre is severely reduced.

Development of a method for fast analysis of phenolic molecular markers in biomass burning particles using high performance liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry

A high performance liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (HPLC/APCI-MS) method for the fast analysis of 21 biomass burning tracers in particles samples has been developed. Separation was done with a Zorbax SB-C18 Rapid Resolution cartridge column (4.6 mm x 30 mm x 3.5 microm), using a CH3OH/H2O/CH3COOH gradient at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The observed relative standard deviations (RSD) for the retention times and peak areas were <0.6 and <15%, respectively. With the short analytical column and the sensitive detector the total analysis time for the standard mixture was reduced to 15 min. Instrumental detection limits were <1 microM (S/N=3) for all standard compounds except homovanillic acid (4.3 microM). The suitability of the developed method for the analysis of biomass burning particles is demonstrated by the measurements of five different real biomass burning samples. The results of these measurements showed clear differences between the different kinds of biomass and they are in good agreement with results from earlier studies in the literature.

Ion chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry for the determination of trace chlorophenols in clam tissues

A novel analytical method has been developed for the determination of 14 trace chlorophenols in clam tissues by ion chromatography (IC) coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI-MS) in the negative mode. The method comprised a fast ultrasound-assisted extraction using a mixture of methanol/water (4:1v/v) containing 5% triethylamine (TEA) as extraction solvent, solid-phase extraction with an Oasis HLB cartridge and gradient separation using KOH/acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min on an IonPac AG11 guard column (50 mm x 4.0 mm I.D.) and an IonPac AS11 analytical column (250 mm x 4.0 mm I.D.). The molecular ions m/z [M-H](-) 127, 129; 161, 163; 195, 197 and 263, 265, 267 were selected for quantification in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode for monochlorophenols (MCPs), dichlorophenols (DCPs), trichlorophenols (TCPs) and pentachlorophenol (PCP), respectively. The average recoveries of the objective compounds spiked in clam tissues were between 80.2% and 98.2%. Within-day and day-to-day relative standard deviations were less than 12.6% and 13.2%, respectively. The optimum IC-APCI-MS conditions were successfully applied to the analyses of 14 trace chlorophenols in clam tissues.

Highly selective micro-sequential injection lab-on-valve (μSI-LOV) method for the determination of ultra-trace concentrations of nickel in saline matrices using detection by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A highly selective procedure is proposed for the determination of ultra-trace level concentrations of nickel in saline aqueous matrices exploiting a micro-sequential injection Lab-On-Valve (muSI-LOV) sample pretreatment protocol comprising bead injection separation/pre-concentration and detection by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Based on the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) reaction used for nickel analysis, the sample, as contained in a pH 9.0 buffer, is, after on-line merging with the chelating reagent, transported to a reaction coil attached to one of the external ports of the LOV to assure sufficient reaction time for the formation of Ni(DMG)(2) chelate. The non-ionic coordination compound is then collected in a renewable micro-column packed with a reversed-phase copolymeric sorbent [namely, poly(divinylbenzene-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone)] containing a balanced ratio of hydrophilic and lipophilic monomers. Following elution by a 50-muL methanol plug in an air-segmented modality, the nickel is finally quantified by ETAAS. Under the optimized conditions and for a sample volume of 1.8 mL, a retention efficiency of 70 % and an enrichment factor of 25 were obtained. The proposed methodology showed a high tolerance to the commonly encountered alkaline earth matrix elements in environmental waters, that is, calcium and magnesium, and was successfully applied for the determination of nickel in an NIST standard reference material (NIST 1640-Trace elements in natural water), household tap water of high hardness and local seawater. Satisfying recoveries were achieved for all spiked environmental water samples with maximum deviations of 6 %. The experimental results for the standard reference material were not statistically different to the certified value at a significance level of 0.05.

Determination of benzoylureas in ground water samples by fully automated on-line pre-concentration and liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection

An on-line pre-concentration method for the analysis of five benzoylureas (diflubenzuron, triflumuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron and flufenoxuron) in ground water samples was evaluated using two C(18) columns, and fluorescence detection after photochemical induced fluorescence (PIF) post-column derivatization. The trace enrichment was carried out with 35 mL of ground water modified with 15 mL of MeOH on a 50 mm x 4.6 mm I.D. first enrichment column (C-1) packed with 5 microm Hypersil Elite C(18). Retention properties of pesticides and humic acids usually contained in ground water were studied on C-1 at concentration levels ranging between 0.04 and 14.00 microg/L in water samples. The results obtained in this study show that the pesticides are pre-concentrated in the first short column while the humic acids contained in the ground water samples are eluted to waste. Pesticides recoveries ranged between 92.3 and 109.5%. The methodology proposed was used to determine benzoylureas in ground water samples at levels lower than 0.1 microg/L (maximum levels established by the European Union).

Evaluation of a new hypercrosslinked polymer as a sorbent for solid-phase extraction of polar compounds

A new hypercrosslinked polymer (HXLGp) with hydrophilic character due to the presence of hydroxyl moieties has been tested as a sorbent for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) of several polar compounds from water samples. This new sorbent enables the on-line extraction of 300 ml of sample with recoveries higher than 80% for polar compounds such as oxamyl, methomyl or desisopropylatrazine (DIA). The HXLGp has also been compared to other commercially available sorbents such as Oasis HLB (hydrophilic macroporous), to hydrophobic hypercrosslinked resins and to a previously synthesized sorbent based on N-vinylimidazole-divinylbenzene. The results are consistently better with the new synthesized sorbent. The method was successfully applied to the on-line SPE-HPLC of tap and river water samples. The validation with river water samples provided good linearity range and detection limits between 0.03 for methomyl and 4-nitrophenol (4NP) to 0.2 microg l(-1) for phenol (Ph).

Preconcentration and determination of priority pollutant phenols in waters at trace levels using a polymeric solid-phase extraction cartridge

A method to preconcentrate and analyse the EPA priority pollutant phenols from water samples is evaluated. Spe-ed Advanta cartridges, containing 100mg of a polymeric matrix modified with polar groups, are used in the extraction and enrichment step. Several parameters are studied in order to find the best experimental conditions to perform a solid-phase extraction process. Sample flow rate and pH appear as variables that could significantly affect the recoveries obtained. Water samples need a pH adjustment to values lower than 3 units and must be percolated through the cartridges with flow rates over 5 mL min(-1). The highest recoveries and preconcentrations are obtained using acetonitrile as the elution solvent. Sample volumes from 100 mL to 1 L with concentrations ranging from 50 to 0.5 microg L(-1) are analysed with quantitative recoveries and similar efficiencies being achieved. After establishing the best conditions, we applied the method to the analysis of spiked natural waters.

Determination of weakly acidic endocrine-disrupting compounds by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry with post-column base addition

A sensitive analytical method based on liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) has been developed for the determination of seven endocrine-disrupting compounds: 4-n-nonylphenol (NP), 4-tert-butylphenol (t-BP), bisphenol A (BPA), 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP), 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (TCP), pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid (BBA) in water samples. To achieve a good LC separation, acidification of the LC mobile phase was necessary, but this led to MS signal suppression for the less acidic compounds. In order to enhance the sensitivity for these analytes, post-column addition of different bases such as ammonia, trimethylamine, and 1,8-diazabicyclo-(5,4,0)undec-7-en (DBU) was evaluated. The post-column addition of base is proposed here to raise effluent pH, helping in the ionisation process of the compounds with higher pKa values (t-BP, BPA, DCP and NP). The use of DBU, diluted in MeOH, proved to be the most efficient post-column reagent for enhancing the MS signal. The signal-to-noise ratios for t-BP and NP increased by more than 200-fold and 35-fold, respectively, whereas for DCP and BPA an increase of about 10-fold was achieved. This strategy permitted direct determination of the seven compounds at low ppb levels. For application to real water samples, an extraction and preconcentration step using the solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique was carried out. The applicability of three solid-phase materials--Bond Elut C18, and two polymeric sorbents: LiChrolut EN and Oasis HLB--and the optimization of other SPE parameters such as the elution solvent and sample volume used, were studied in order to maximize extraction efficiency. Oasis HLB provided the best results, obtaining--with the proposed SPE procedure--satisfactory percentage recoveries for all compounds (70-110%) with the exception of NP, for which a recovery of 54% was achieved. Application of the whole method, SPE-LC-(ESI)-MS, to natural waters permitted low nanogram-per-liter determination of all seven compounds.