Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) encompass a wide range of chemicals utilised in various products, which can enter the environment through diverse pathways. Their presence poses potential risks to both human health and the environment. Analysing PPCPs in environmental matrices is challenging due to their low concentrations, structural similarity with other compounds, and susceptibility to degradation and derivatization processes.
To address these challenges and ensure precise and sensitive quantification of PPCPs, Eurofins Environment Testing Australia recently introduced a comprehensive approach for the analysis of PPCPs in water and soil matrices. The method incorporates sample extraction, solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up, and liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ) determination.
This method enables rapid detection and quantification of PPCPs at low concentrations, reaching as low as ng/L. It is designed to detect a broad spectrum of PPCPs. Samples undergo extraction into acidic, basic, or neutral fractions based on their physicochemical properties, facilitating efficient extraction and analysis of this diverse group of compounds. LC-MS/MS analysis is performed in both positive (+ESI) and negative (-ESI) modes to optimize sensitivity. Notably, the total analysis time on the instrument is reduced to just 30 minutes in both modes.
Eurofins has rigorously validated these methods in the laboratory, demonstrating their robustness and reliability for the analysis of PPCPs in environmental samples. Eurofins is currently on the pathway of getting accreditation for the newly developed method, emphasizing its commitment to quality and adherence to recognized standards. The company continuously expands the range of PPCPs and matrices that can be analysed using these methods, thereby enhancing our understanding of the occurrence and fate of PPCPs in the environment.