Multi-residue analysis of steroids at sub-ng/L levels in surface and ground-waters using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

J Chromatogr A. 2008 Nov 7;1210(1):84-91. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2008.09.034. Epub 2008 Sep 16.

Abstract

Most analytical methodologies currently available for the determination of steroids in water only identify a few representative compounds (mainly estrogens). In this context, a multi-residue methodology based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of 26 steroids including natural and synthetic estrogens, progestagens and androgens. The method described involves limited sample preparation as it includes a filtration followed by a single solid-phase extraction step using a C18 cartridge. The analytical procedure allows the determination of the target analytes in the lower ng/L range, with recoveries above 80%. The methodology was successfully applied to the analysis of steroids in several surface and ground-waters. In all the waters, estrogens, androgens and/or progestagens were determined.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Liquid / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Solid Phase Extraction / methods
  • Steroids / chemistry*
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / chemistry*

Substances

  • Steroids
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical