Poly[(2‐(acryloyloxy) ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate monolith on‐line solid‐phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry for the fast determination of salicylic acid in foodstuffs

We report the fabrication of an anion‐exchange monolithic column in a stainless‐steel chromatographic column (10 mm × 2.1 mm i.d.) using [2‐(acryloyloxy) ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride as the monomer and ethylene dimethacrylate as the crosslinker. The prepared monolith was developed as the adsorbent for the on‐line solid‐phase extraction of salicylic acid in various animal‐origin foodstuffs combined with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. The monolith was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption analysis, and elemental analysis. Potential factors affecting the on‐line solid‐phase extraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis were studied in detail. Under the optimized conditions, the total analysis time including cleanup and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry separation was 17 min. The developed method gave the linear range of 15–750 μg/kg, detection limits (S/N = 3) of 5 μg/kg, and quantification limits (S/N = 10) of 15 μg/kg. The recoveries obtained by spiking 10, 20, and 100 μg/kg of salicylic acid in the animal‐origin food samples were in the range of 85.2–98.4%. In addition, the monolith was stable enough for 550 extraction cycles with the precision of peak area ≤11.6%.     

Simultaneous determination of six alkaloids in tobacco and tobacco products by direct analysis of real‐time triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with a modified pretreatment method

In order to determine six alkaloids (mass fraction) of nicotine, nornicotine, myosmine, anatabine, anabasine, and nicotyrine in tobacco and tobacco products quickly, accurately, and simultaneously, a novel method based on direct analysis of real‐time model in situ ionization technique combined tandem mass spectrometry with a modified sample pretreatment was established, in which experimental parameters such as the type and amount of extraction solvent and injection rate were optimized, respectively. The samples of five commercial cigarettes and five kinds of tobacco leaves were analyzed by the established method, and the determined values were compared with those obtained using a gas chromatography with mass spectrometry method: (1) Under optimized conditions (30 mL ultrapure water as extraction solvent and with extraction rate of 0.6 mm/s), analysis could be completed within 10 min. (2) The linear range of the method was 0.002–2000 μg/g with, the recovery ranged from 86.8 to 105.6%, and the limit of detection and the limit of quantification were 0.004–0.835 μg/g and 0.013–2.787 μg/g, respectively. (3) The relative standard deviation between direct analysis of real‐time method and the gas chromatography with mass spectrometry method was 0.34–8.83%. The established method is rapid, reliable, and suitable for the ultrafast determination of six alkaloids in tobacco and tobacco products.     

Poly(methacrylic acid‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate‐N‐vinylcarbazole) monolithic column for the enrichment of trace benzodiazepines from urine and beer samples

A sensitive microextraction method based on a new poly(methacrylic acid‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate‐N‐vinylcarbazole) monolithic capillary column, coupled with gas chromatography and electron capture detection, was established for the determination of three benzodiazepines (estazolam, alprazolam, and triazolam) in urine and beer samples. Owing to the abundant π electrons and polar surface of N‐vinylcarbazole, N‐vinylcarbazole‐incorporated monolith showed a higher extraction performance than neat poly(methacrylic acid‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) because of the enhanced π–π stacking interactions derived from the π‐electron‐rich benzene groups from N‐vinylcarbazole. The monolith exhibited a homogeneous and continuous structure, good permeability, and a long lifetime. Factors affecting the extraction such as solution pH, salt concentration, sample volume, desorption solvent, and desorption volume were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, limits of detection of 0.011–0.026 ng/mL were obtained. The one‐column and column‐to‐column precision values were ≤7.2 and ≤9.8%, respectively. The real samples were first diluted with deionized water and then treated by the monolith microextraction before gas chromatography analysis. The recoveries were 81.4–93.3 and 83.3–94.7% for the spiked samples, with relative standard deviations of 4.1–8.1 and 3.8–8.5%, respectively. This method provides an accurate, simple, and sensitive detection platform for drug analysis.     

Simultaneous quantitative assessment of nine glycosides in tobacco by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A simple and efficient method combining ultrasound‐assisted extraction, the conditions of which were optimized by response surface methodology, with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry was established and validated for the absolute quantification of nine non‐volatile neutral glycosides originating from tobacco (Nicotiana tobaccum L.) leaves, comprising three phenolic glycosides, one benzanoid glycoside, and five sesquiterpene glycosides within three isomers, originating from tobacco leaves. Factors of extraction time, sample quantity, extraction solvent, liquid chromatographic conditions, and electrospray ionization parameters were carefully investigated to ensure the selectivity and sensitivity of the method. All calibration curves showed excellent coefficients of determination ranging from 0.9940 to 0.9996, within the range of tested concentrations. The limits of detection and quantification were 2.33–25.9 and 7.06–78.5 ng/mL, respectively. Satisfactory values of accuracy were between 80.1 to 107.9% among different sample matrixes. The relative standard deviations of intra‐ and inter‐day analysis were less than 13.7 and 13.0% respectively. The developed method was successfully applied in a pilot study to determine the amounts of the nine endogenous glycosides in real flue‐cured tobacco samples obtained from different habitats in China.     

Development of multiple monolithic fiber solid‐phase microextraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the sensitive monitoring of aminoglycosides in honey and milk samples

A simple and sensitive method for the simultaneous extraction and determination of six aminoglycosides in honey and milk samples was developed using multiple monolithic fiber solid‐phase microextraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The multiple monolithic fibers based on poly(methacrylic acid‐co‐ethylenedimethacrylate) monolith as the extraction medium was used to concentrate target analytes. Because there were abundant carboxyl groups in the monolith, the monolithic fibers could extract aminoglycosides effectively through cation‐exchange and hydrophobic interactions. To obtain optimum extraction performance, several extraction parameters including desorption solvent, adsorption and desorption time, pH value and ionic strength in sample matrix, were investigated in detail. Under the optimized extraction conditions, the limits of detection of the proposed method were 0.10–0.30 and 0.23–0.59 μg/kg for honey and milk samples, respectively. Satisfactory linearity was achieved for analytes with the coefficients of determination above 0.99. At the same time, the developed method showed acceptable method repeatability and reproducibility. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of aminoglycosides in real honey and milk samples. Recoveries obtained for the determination of six target analytes in spiking samples ranged from 67.9 to 110%, and the relative standard deviations were in the range of 1.2–11%.     

Magnetic solid‐phase extraction of benzoylurea insecticides in tea samples with Fe3O4‐hyperbranched polyester magnetic composite as sorbent

In this work, a method for the analysis of benzoylurea insecticides, including hexaflumuron, flufenoxuron, lufenuron and chlorfluazuron, in tea samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography with Fe₃O₄‐hyperbranched polyester nanocomposite as the adsorbent for magnetic solid‐phase extraction was developed. The magnetic nanocomposite was prepared and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The as‐prepared nanocomposite was used as a sorbent for the extraction and preconcentration of pesticide residues in tea samples. The extraction and desorption conditions, including mass ratios of raw materials, amount of sorbent, pH value, extraction time, and desorption time, were investigated. Under the final conditions chosen for the analysis, good linearity was obtained for all the tested compounds, with R² values of at least 0.9979. The limits of detection were determined in the range of 0.15–0.3 μg/L. The recovery obtained from the analysis of tea samples with various spiked concentrations was between 90.7 and 98.4%, with relative standard deviations (n = 4) lower than 4.1%. Furthermore, the present approach was successfully applied to the quantitative determination of residues of benzoylurea insecticides in real samples.     

Application of micro‐solid‐phase extraction for the on‐site extraction of heterocyclic aromatic amines in seawater

An efficient on‐site extraction technique to determine carcinogenic heterocyclic aromatic amines in seawater has been reported. A micro‐solid‐phase extraction device placed inside a portable battery‐operated pump was used for the on‐site extraction of seawater samples. Before on‐site applications, parameters that influence the extraction efficiency (extraction time, type of sorbent materials, suitable desorption solvent, desorption time, and sample volume) were investigated and optimized in the laboratory. The developed method was then used for the on‐site sampling of heterocyclic aromatic amines determination in seawater samples close to distillation plant. Once the on‐site extraction completed, the small extraction device with the analytes was brought back to the laboratory for analysis using high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Based on the optimized conditions, the calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 0.05–20 μg/L with correlation coefficients up to 0.996. The limits of detection were 0.004–0.026 μg/L, and the reproducibility values were between 1.3 and 7.5%. To evaluate the extraction efficiency, a comparison was made with conventional solid‐phase extraction and it was applied to various fortified real seawater samples. The average relative recoveries obtained from the spiked seawater samples varied in the range 79.9–95.2%.     

Preparation of iron‐based MIL‐101 functionalized polydopamine@Fe3O4 magnetic composites for extracting sulfonylurea herbicides from environmental water and vegetable samples

Here, we describe a simple one‐pot solvothermal method for synthesizing MIL‐101(Fe)@polydopamine@Fe₃O₄ composites from polydopamine‐modified Fe₃O₄ particles. The composite was used as a magnetic adsorbent to rapidly extract sulfonylurea herbicides. The herbicides were then analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The best possible extraction efficiencies were achieved by optimizing the most important extraction parameters, including desorption conditions, extraction time, adsorbent dose, salt concentration, and the pH of the solution. Good linearity was found (correlation coefficients >0.9991) over the herbicide concentration range 1–150 μg/L using the optimal conditions. The limits of detection (the concentrations giving signal/noise ratios of 3) were low, at 0.12–0.34 μg/L, and repeatability was good (the relative standard deviations were <4.8%, n = 6). The method was used successfully to determine four sulfonylurea herbicides in environmental water and vegetable samples, giving satisfactory recoveries of 87.1–108.9%. The extraction efficiency achieved using MIL‐101(Fe)@polydopamine@Fe₃O₄ was compared with the extraction efficiencies achieved using other magnetic composites (polydopamine@Fe₃O₄, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)‐1@polydopamine@Fe₃O₄, and MIL‐100(Fe)@polydopamine@Fe₃O₄). The results showed that the magnetic MIL‐101(Fe)@polydopamine@Fe₃O₄ composites have great potential for the extraction of trace sulfonylurea herbicides from various sample types.     

Application of ionic‐liquid‐supported magnetic dispersive solid‐phase microextraction for the determination of acaricides in fruit juice samples

In this study, ionic liquid (IL) supported magnetic dispersive solid‐phase microextraction was developed and a systematic investigation was conducted on imidazolium ILs for their extraction performance. This nano‐based pretreatment procedure was then applied for the determination of acaricides in fruit juice samples for the first time. A feature of this technique is that the commonly laborious chemical modification of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was skillfully circumvented. Because of the combination of ILs, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, and dispersive MNP solid‐phase microextraction, the extraction efficiency can be significantly improved using commercial MNPs. Parameters of the extraction method were investigated by one‐factor‐at‐a‐time approach. The optimal experimental conditions were as follows: emulsification for 2 min by sonication with the addition of 50 μL [C₆MIM][NTf₂] in the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction step and vortexing for 90 s after adding 40 mg spherical barium ferrite nanoparticles (20 nm). The desorption time was 2 min. Good linearity (0.5–500 ng/mL) and detection limits within the range of 0.05–0.53 ng/mL were achieved. The application of the proposed method was demonstrated by the analysis of real fruit juice samples, in which recoveries between 85.1 and 99.6% were obtained.     

Loading controlled magnetic carbon dots for microwave‐assisted solid‐phase extraction: Preparation,extraction evaluation and applications in environmental aqueous samples

An adsorbent of carbon dot@poly(glycidyl methacrylate)@Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles has been developed for the microwave‐assisted magnetic solid‐phase extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental aqueous samples prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV/visible spectroscopy detection. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. The chain length and amount of carbon dots attached on them can be easily controlled through changing polymerization conditions, which contributes to tunable extraction performance. The successful fabrication of the nano‐adsorbent was confirmed by transmission electronic microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. The extraction performance of the adsorbent was evaluated by using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as model analytes. The key factors influencing the extraction, such as microwave power, adsorption time, desorption time and desorption solvents were investigated in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the microwave‐assisted method afforded magnetic solid‐phase extraction with short extraction time, wide dynamic linear range (0.02–200 μg/L), good linearity (R² ≥ 98.57%) and low detection limits (20–90 ng/L) for model analytes. The adsorbent was successfully applied for analyzing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental aqueous samples and the recoveries were in the range of 86.0–124.2%. Thus, the proposed method is a promising candidate for fast and reliable preconcentration of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in real water samples.     

A bioinspired polydopamine approach toward the preparation of gold‐modified magnetic nanoparticles for the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of steroids in multiple samples

In this work, a simple, facile, and sensitive magnetic solid‐phase extraction method was developed for the extraction and enrichment of three representative steroid hormones before high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. Gold‐modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, as novel magnetic adsorbents, were prepared by a rapid and environmentally friendly procedure in which polydopamine served as the reductant as well as the stabilizer for the gold nanoparticles, thus successfully avoiding the use of some toxic reagents. To obtain maximum extraction efficiency, several significant factors affecting the preconcentration steps, including the amount of adsorbent, extraction time, pH of the sample solution, and the desorption conditions, were optimized, and the enrichment factors for three steroids were all higher than 90. The validity of the established method was evaluated and good analytical characteristics were obtained. A wide linearity range (0.8–500 μg/L for all the analytes) was attained with good correlation (R² ≥ 0.991). The low limits of detection were 0.20–0.25 μg/L, and the relative standard deviations ranged from 0.83 to 4.63%, demonstrating a good precision. The proposed method was also successfully applied to the extraction and analysis of steroids in urine, milk, and water samples with satisfactory results, which showed its reliability and feasibility in real sample analysis.     

Solid‐phase extraction with the metal–organic framework MIL‐101(Cr) combined with direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry for the fast analysis of triazine herbicides

MIL‐101(Cr) is an excellent metal–organic framework with high surface area and nanoscale cavities, making it promising in solid‐phase extraction. Herein, we used MIL‐101(Cr) as a solid‐phase extraction packing material combined with fast detection of direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART‐MS) for the analysis of triazine herbicides. After systematic optimization of the operation parameters, including the gas temperature of DART, the moving speed of the 1D platform, solvent for desorption, amount of MIL‐101(Cr) extraction time, eluent volume and salt concentration, this method can realize the simultaneous detection of five kinds of triazine herbicides. The limits of detection were 0.1～0.2 ng/mL and the linear ranges covered more than two orders of magnitude with the quantitation limits of 0.5～1 ng/mL. Moreover, the developed method has been applied for the analysis of lake water samples and the recoveries for spiked analytes were in the range of 85～110%. These results showed that solid‐phase extraction with metal–organic frameworks is an efficient sample preparation approach for DART‐MS analysis and could find more applications in environmental analysis.     

Poly(ionic liquids)‐coated stainless‐steel wires packed into a polyether ether ketone tube for in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction

An in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction device was developed by packing poly(ionic liquids)‐coated stainless‐steel wires into a polyether ether ketone tube. An anion‐exchange process was performed to enhance the extraction performance. Surface properties of poly(ionic liquids)‐coated stainless‐steel wires were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry. The extraction device was connected to high‐performance liquid chromatography equipment to build an online enrichment and analysis system. Ten polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were used as model analytes, and important conditions including extraction time and desorption time were optimized. The enrichment factors from 268 to 2497, linear range of 0.03–20 μg/L, detection limits of 0.010–0.020 μg/L, extraction and preparation repeatability with relative standard deviation less than 1.8 and 19%, respectively were given by the established online analysis method. It has been used to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental samples, with the relative recovery (5, 10 μg/L) in the range of 85.1–118.9%.     

Solid‐phase microextraction based on an agarose‐chitosan‐multiwalled carbon nanotube composite film combined with HPLC–UV for the determination of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in aqueous samples

We describe the preparation, characterization, and application of a composite film adsorbent based on blended agarose‐chitosan‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the preconcentration of selected nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in aqueous samples before determination by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The composite film showed a high surface area (4.0258 m²/g) and strong hydrogen bonding between the multiwalled carbon nanotubes and agarose/chitosan matrix, which prevent adsorbent deactivation and ensure long‐term stability. Several parameters, such as sample pH, addition of salt, extraction time, desorption solvent, and concentration of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in the composite film were optimized using a one‐factor‐at‐time approach. The optimum extraction conditions obtained were as follows: isopropanol as conditioning solvent, 10 mL of sample solution at pH 2, extraction time of 30 min, stirring speed of 600 rpm, 100 μL of isopropanol as desorption solvent, desorption time of 5 min under ultrasonication, and 0.4% w/v of composite film. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration curve showed good linearity in the range of 1–500 ng/mL (r² = 0.997–0.999), and good limits of detection (0.89–8.05 ng/mL) were obtained with good relative standard deviations of < 4.59% (n = 3) for the determination of naproxen, diclofenac sodium salt, and mefenamic acid drugs.     

Direct preparation of a graphene oxide modified monolith in a glass syringe as a solid‐phase extraction cartridge for the extraction of quaternary ammonium alkaloids from Chinese patent medicine

Packed cartridges have been widely used in solid‐phase extraction. However, there are still some drawbacks, such as they are blocked easily and the method is time‐consuming. In view of the advantages of monoliths, a monolithic extraction material has been directly synthesized in a glass syringe without any gap between the monolith and syringe inner wall. The monolithic syringe was modified with graphene oxide by loading graphene oxide dispersion onto it. The content of graphene oxide and the surface topography of the monolith have been evaluated by elemental analysis and scanning electron microscopy, respectively, which confirmed the successful modification. This prepared graphene oxide‐modified monolithic syringe was directly used as a traditional solid‐phase extraction cartridge. As expected, it shows good permeability and excellent capability for the extraction of quaternary ammonium alkaloids. The sample loading velocity (1–6 mL/min) does not affect the recovery. Under the optimal conditions, good linearities (R  = 0.9992–0.9998) were obtained for five quaternary ammonium alkaloids, and the limits of detection and quantification were 0.5‐1 and 1–2 μg/L, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for the analysis of quaternary ammonium alkaloids in Chinese patent medicine.     

Preparation of metal‐organic framework UiO‐66‐incorporated polymer monolith for the extraction of trace levels of fungicides in environmental water and soil samples

A zirconium terephthalate metal‐organic framework‐incorporated poly(N‐vinylcarbazole‐co‐divinylbenzene) monolith was fabricated in a capillary by a thermal polymerization method. The optimized monolith had a homogeneous structure, good permeability, and stability. The monolith could be used for the effective enrichment of fungicides through π‐π interactions, electrostatic forces, and hydrogen bonds. The potential factors that affect the extraction efficiency, including ionic strength, solution pH, sample volume, and eluent volume, were investigated in detail. The monolith‐based in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction coupled with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography and high‐resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry was performed for the analysis of five fungicides (pyrimethanil, tebuconazole, hexaconazole, diniconazole, and flutriafol) in environmental samples. Under the optimized conditions, the linear ranges were 0.005–5 ng/mL for pyrimethanil, 0.01–5 ng/mL for flutriafol, and 0.05–5 ng/mL for other fungicides, respectively, with coefficients of determination ≥0.9911. The limits of detection were 1.34–14.8 ng/L. The columns showed good repeatability (relative standard deviations ≤9.3%, n = 5) and desirable column‐to‐column reproducibility (relative standard deviations 5.3–9.4%, n = 5). The proposed method was successfully applied for the simultaneous detection of five fungicides in water and soil samples, with recoveries of 90.4–97.5 and 84.0–95.3%, respectively.     

Ionic liquid chemically bonded basalt fibers for in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction

Ionic liquids have been widely used in different fields by advantage of their specific properties. In this work, 1‐methyl‐3‐(3‐trimethoxysilyl propyl)imidazolium chloride was prepared and chemically bonded onto basalt fibers for in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction. Through combining in‐tube extraction device with high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with a diode array detector, an online enrichment and analysis method for eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was established under the optimum conditions. A good enrichment factor (52–814), good linearity (0.10–15 and 0.20–15 μg/L), low limits of detection (0.03–0.05 μg/L), and low limits of quantitation (0.10–0.20 μg/L) were achieved using a sample volume of 50 mL. Analysis method was applied to the real samples including the groundwater and wastewater from a chemical industry park, some target analytes were detected and the relative recoveries were in the range of 80.4–116.8%.     

Automated solid‐phase extraction of phenolic acids using layered double hydroxide–alumina–polymer disks

The application of layered double hydroxide–Al₂O₃–polymer mixed‐matrix disks for solid‐phase extraction is reported for the first time. Al₂O₃ is embedded in a polymer matrix followed by an in situ metal‐exchange process to obtain a layered double hydroxide–Al₂O₃–polymer mixed‐matrix disk with excellent flow‐through properties. The extraction performance of the prepared disks is evaluated as a proof of concept for the automated extraction using sequential injection analysis of organic acids (p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid) following an anion‐exchange mechanism. After the solid‐phase extraction, phenolic acids were quantified by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detection using a core–shell silica–C18 stationary phase and isocratic elution (acetonitrile/0.5% acetic acid in pure water, 5:95, v/v). High sensitivity and reproducibility were obtained with limits of detection in the range of 0.12–0.25 μg/L (sample volume, 4 mL), and relative standard deviations between 2.9 and 3.4% (10 μg/L, n = 6). Enrichment factors of 34–39 were obtained. Layered double hydroxide–Al₂O₃–polymer mixed‐matrix disks had an average lifetime of 50 extractions. Analyte recoveries ranged from 93 to 96% for grape juice and nonalcoholic beer samples.     

Magnetic solid‐phase extraction or dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for pyrethroid determination in environmental samples

The determination of 15 pyrethroids in soil and water samples was carried out by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Compounds were extracted from the soil samples (4 g) using solid–liquid extraction and then salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction. The acetonitrile phase obtained (0.8 mL) was used as a dispersant solvent, to which 75 μL of chloroform was added as an extractant solvent, submitting the mixture to dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction. For the analysis of water samples (40 mL), magnetic solid‐phase extraction was performed using nanocomposites of magnetic nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes as sorbent material (10 mg). The mixture was shaken for 45 min at room temperature before separation with a magnet and desorption with 3 mL of acetone using ultrasounds for 5 min. The solvent was evaporated and reconstituted with 100 μL acetonitrile before injection. Matrix‐matched calibration is recommended for quantification of soil samples, while water samples can be quantified by standards calibration. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.03–0.5 ng/g (soil) and 0.09–0.24 ng/mL (water), depending on the analyte. The analyzed environmental samples did not contain the studied pyrethroids, at least above the corresponding limits of detection.     

Determination of ultraviolet filter compounds in environmental water samples using membrane‐protected micro‐solid‐phase extraction

A method based on membrane‐protected micro‐solid‐phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of six ultraviolet filter compounds in various aqueous media. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes as the sorbent were encapsulated in a sealed polypropylene membrane packet and immersed in the sample to extract the analytes, and then dichloromethane was used for desorption purpose. The method was sensitive enough for quantitative analysis of the target analytes, with limits of quantification between 0.01 and 0.06 μg/L, and produced a linear response (R² > 0.991) over the calibration range (0.05–6 μg/L). The obtained reproducibility was practically suitable with relative standard deviation values of less than 14% in pure water (spiked at 0.20/μg L) and less than 15% in real samples. The optimized method was applied for the analysis of real water samples with varying matrix complexity: tap, river, and dam water; geothermal spa; and sewage treatment plant effluent. Various levels and patterns of contamination were observed in the examined samples, while the sample from spa was the most contaminated, regarding the target analytes. Matrix spikes and matrix spike replicates were also analyzed to validate the technique for analysis of real aqueous samples, and satisfactory results were achieved.