Development of On-Line Solid-Phase Extraction-Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method to Quantify Pharmaceutical, Glucuronide Conjugates and Metabolites in Water

Abstract : The present work describes the development of an analytical method, based on automated on-line solid phase extraction followed by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (SPELC- MS/ MS) for the quantification of 37 pharmaceutical residues, covering various therapeutic classes, and some of their main metabolites, in surface and drinking water. A special attention was given to some glucuronide conjuguates and metabolites of active subtances. Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) was chosen and two transitions per compound are monitored (quantification and confirmation transitions). Quantification is performed by standard addition approach to correct matrix effect. The method provides limit of quantification inferior to 20 ng.L-1 for all compounds. The methodology was successfully applied to the analysis of surface water and drinking water of 8 drinking water treatment plant in west of France. The highest drug concentrations in surface water and drinking water were reported for ketoprofen, hydroxyibuprofen, acetaminophen, caffeine and danofloxacin.