Determination of microcystin-LR in drinking water using UPLC tandem mass spectrometry-matrix effects and measurement

A simple detection method using ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS-MS) coupled with the sample dilution method for determining trace microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in drinking water is presented. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.04 μg/L and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 0.1 μg/L. Water matrix effects of ionic strength, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and pH were examined. The results indicate that signal detection intensity for MC-LR was significantly suppressed as the ionic strength increased from ultrapure water condition, whereas it increased slightly with solution pH and DOC at low concentrations. However, addition of methanol (MeOH) into the sample was able to counter the signal suppression effects. In this study, dilution of the tap water sample by adding 4% MeOH (v/v) was observed to be adequate to compensate for the signal suppression. The recoveries of the samples fortified with MC-LR (0.2, 1, and 10 μg/L) for three different tap water samples ranged from 84.4% to 112.9%.     

Determination of microcystins in blue-green algae, fish and water using liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection after sample clean-up employing immunoaffinity chromatography

Anti-microcystin LR immunnoaffinity cartridges were evaluated for their ability to selectively remove microcystins from extracts of blue-green algae, fish and water samples for subsequent analysis by liquid chromatography with UV absorbance detection at 238 nm. Blue-green algae and fish samples were extracted with 75% methanol in water. A portion of the extract was diluted and passed through an immunoaffinity cartridge. Water samples were applied directly to the cartridge. The cartridge was rinsed with water and 25% methanol in water. The microcystins were eluted with 80% methanol in water containing 4% acetic acid. It was found that the cartridges were effective in isolating the microcystins from blue-green algae, fish and water samples, resulting in extracts that were clean enough to enable direct LC-UV detection down to approximately 0.03 microg/g in the blue-green algae and fish samples, and as low as 0.02 ng/ml for water samples. The cartridges were found to have a capacity of approximately 200 ng each for a mixture of microcystins RR, YR, LR and LA, or as much as 525-800 ng for individual compounds. Recoveries trough the complete analytical procedure ranged from 64 to 115% (all values) with an overall average of approximately 80% at spiking levels of 0.5-4.0 microg/g for the microcystins in blue-green algae. The average recoveries (n=8) from spiked (0.1-0.5 microg/g) fish samples were 73% for RR, 79% for YR, 81% for LR and 77% for LA, while from the spiked (2.0-0.04 ng/g) tap and river water samples (n=6), recoveries were 78% for RR, 86% for YR, 94% for LR and 89% for LA.     

Simultaneous determination of toxins in algae and water samples by high-performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

A facile method based on liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry working in selected reaction monitoring mode has been established to analyze toxins in the algae and water samples. Twelve types of toxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, dinophysistoxin-1, nodularin, okadaic acid, microcystins) were efficiently separated under optimized liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry conditions in the selected reaction monitoring mode. Correlation coefficients of the calibration curves, all felt in the range of 0.9958-0.9998, indicated good linearity. The detection limits of toxins in this method were all lower than 0.20 ng/mL and the quantification limits were in the range from 0.04 to 0.60 ng/mL. Except for anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, and nodularin, the other toxins' recoveries varied from 55.45 to 140.85%. And the relative standard deviations of interday and intraday precision were at 8.61% (n = 5). The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/electrospray ionization (ESI)-mass spectrometery (MS) method was also successfully applied to analyze the algae and water samples. Owing to its exclusive selectivity and excellent sensitivity, the developed method is a tool for comprehensive analyses of the 12 types of toxins at nanogram levels.     

Fast screening and quantitation of microcystins in microalgae dietary supplement products and water by liquid chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry

Cyanobacteria, commonly called "blue-green algae", may accumulate in surface water supplies as "blooms" and may concentrate on the surface as blue-green "scums". Some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins and are of relevance to water supplies and to microalgae dietary supplements. To ensure the safety of drinking water and blue-green algae products, analyses are the only way to determine the presence or absence of toxins. This paper shows the use of ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to orthogonal acceleration time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometry for the detection and quantitation of microcystins. The method presented is very sensitive, simple, fast, robust and did not require fastidious clean-up step. Limits of detection of 0.1 microg L(-1) in water and 0.1-0.2 microg g(-1) in microalgae samples were achieved. Method performances were satisfactory and appropriate for monitoring of water and dietary supplements. The method was applied in routine to samples taken from Swiss market or buy on internet website. Among 19 samples, six showed the presence of microcystins LR and LA at harmful levels.     

Simultaneous determination of perfluoroalkyl phosphonates, carboxylates, and sulfonates in drinking water

A trace analytical method based on high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight high resolution mass spectrometry was developed for simultaneous determination of perfluoroalkyl phosphonates (PFPAs, carbon chain lengths C6,8,10), perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs, C5-12), and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs, C4,6,8,10) in drinking water (tap water). Analytes were enriched on a mixed mode co-polymeric sorbent (C8+quaternary amine) using solid phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax Extend C18 reversed phase column using a mobile phase gradient consisting of water, methanol, and acetonitrile containing 2mM ammonium acetate and 5 mM 1-methyl piperidine. The mass spectrometer was operated in electrospray negative ion mode. Use of 1-methyl piperidine in the mobile phase resulted in a significant increase in instrument sensitivity for PFPAs through improved chromatographic resolution, background suppression, and increased ionization efficiency. Method detection limits for extraction of 500 mL tap water were in the ranges of 0.095-0.17 ng/L, 0.027-0.17 ng/L, and 0.014-0.052 ng/L for PFPAs, PFCAs, and PFSAs, respectively. Whole method recoveries at a spiking level of 0.5 ng/L to 500 mL HPLC grade water were 40-56%, 56-97%, and 55-77% for PFPAs, PFCAs, and PFSAs, respectively. A matrix effect (signal enhancement) was observed in the detection of PFPAs in tap water extracts, leading to calculated recoveries of 249-297% at a 0.5 ng/L spiking level. This effect resulted in an additional improvement of method sensitivity for PFPAs. To compensate for the matrix effect, PFPAs in tap water were quantified using matrix-matched and extracted calibration standards. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of drinking water collected from six European countries. PFPAs were not detected except for perfluorooctyl phosphonate (PFOPA) at close to the detection limit of 0.095 ng/L in two water samples from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Highest levels were found for perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS, 18.8 ng/L) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA, 8.6 ng/L) in samples from Amsterdam as well as for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS, 8.8 ng/L) in tap water from Stockholm, Sweden.     

Determination of volatile organic compounds in water using ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction followed by gas chromatography

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic compounds in the air, water and land. In the proposed method, ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction (USAEME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been developed for the extraction and determination of eight VOCs in water samples. The influence of each experimental parameter of this method (the type of extraction solvent, volume of extraction solvent, salt addition, sonication time and extraction temperature) was optimized. The procedure for USAEME was as follows: 15 μL of 1-bromooctane was used as the extraction solvent; 10 mL sample solution in a centrifuge tube with a cover was then placed in an ultrasonic water bath for 3 min. After centrifugation, 2 μL of the settled 1-bromooctane extract was injected into the GC-MS for further analysis. The optimized results indicated that the linear range is 0.1-100.0 μg/L and the limits of detection (LODs) are 0.033-0.092 μg/L for the eight analytes. The relative standard deviations (RSD), enrichment factors (EFs) and relative recoveries (RR) of the method when used on lake water samples were 2.8-9.5, 96-284 and 83-110%. The performance of the proposed method was gauged by analyzing samples of tap water, lake water and river water samples.     

Simultaneous determination of benzotriazoles and ultraviolet filters in ground water, effluent and biosolid samples using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A new method using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of four benzotriazoles, i.e. benzotriazole (BT), 5-methylbenzotriazole (5-TTri), 5-chlorobenzotriazole (CBT), 5,6-dimethylbenzotriazole (XTri), and six UV filters, i.e. benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)camphor (4-MBC), octyl 4-methoxycinnamate (OMC), 2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-5-chloro benzotriazole (UV-326), 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-octylphenyl)-benzotriazole (UV-329), and octocrylene (OC) in ground water, effluent and biosolid samples. Solid phase extraction (SPE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) were applied as the preconcentration method for water samples (ground water and effluent) and biosolid samples, respectively. The optimized method allowed us to quantify all target compounds with the method detection limits ranging from 0.29 to 11.02 ng/L, 0.5 to 14.1 ng/L and 0.33 to 8.23 ng/g in tap water, effluent and biosolid samples, respectively. The recoveries of the target analytes in tap water, effluent and biosolid samples were 70-150%, 82-127% and 81-133%, respectively. The developed analytical method was applied in the determination of these target compounds in ground water, effluent and biosolid samples collected from Bolivar sewage treatment plants in South Australia. In effluent samples, the target compounds BT, 5-TTri, CBT, XTri and BP-3 tested were detected with the maximum concentration up to 2.2 μg/L for BT. In biosolid samples, eight out of ten compounds tested were found to be present at the concentrations ranging between 18.7 ng/g (5-TTri) and 250 ng/g (4-MBC).     

LC-MS analyses of microcystins in fish tissues overestimate toxin levels—critical comparison with LC-MS/MS

Microcystins are cyclic peptide toxins with hepatotoxic and tumour-promoting properties which are produced in high quantities in freshwater cyanobacterial water blooms, and several studies have reported microcystin accumulation in fish with possible food transfer to humans. In this study, we provide the first comparison of liquid chromatography with single mass-spectrometric and with tandem mass-spectrometric detection for analyses of microcystins in complex fish tissue samples. Use of traditional single mass spectrometry (i.e. monitoring of ions with m/z 519.5 for microcystin-RR and m/z 995.5 for microcystin-LR) was found to provide false-positive responses, thus overestimating the concentrations of microcystins in the tissue samples. More selective tandem mass spectrometry seems to provide more reliable results. The concentrations of microcystins detected by tandem mass spectrometry in fish from controlled-exposure experiments were more than 50% lower in comparison with concentrations obtained by single mass spectrometry. Extensive analyses of edible fish parts—muscles (148 fish specimens from eight different species from five natural reservoirs with dense cyanobacterial water blooms)—showed negligible microcystin concentrations (all analyses below the limit of detection; limit of detection of 1.2–5.4 ng/g fresh weight for microcystin-RR, microcystin-YR and microcystin-LR in multiple reaction monitoring mode). Our findings have practical consequences for critical re-evaluation of the health risks of microcystins accumulated in fish.     

Simultaneous determination of cyanobacterial hepato-and neurotoxins in water samples by ion-pair supported enrichment and HPLC-ESI-MS-MS

Summary Cyanobacterial neurotoxins, such as anatoxin-a and saxitoxin, as well as hepatotoxins including microcystins and nodularin were simultaneously determined in water samples by ion-pair supported, solid phase extraction (SPE) and reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to UV and tandem mass spectrometry (RP-LC-UV; MS-MS). With quantification limits in water samples of approximately 50 ng L⁻¹ for the microcystins (MC-LR,-YR,-RR,-LA), nodularin, and anatoxin-a and 630 ng L⁻¹ for saxitoxin the method is well suited for surveillance of the proposed WHO guidelines for cyanobacterial toxins. MS detection permits, unlike the commonly used UV detection, unambiguous identification and accurate quantification of cyanobacterial toxins even in highly matrix-polluted, water samples.     

Analysis of microcystins by capillary high performance liquid chromatography using a polymethacrylate-based monolithic column

A polymethacrylate-based monolithic column was prepared and its application to the separation of three kinds of similar microcystins (MCs) in capillary high performance liquid chromatography (capillary-HPLC) with ultraviolet detection was studied. The monolithic matrix contains both hydrophobic and cation-exchange interaction sites. Factors influencing the separation performance have been investigated. A baseline separation could be achieved by means of Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer of mildly alkaline pH and acetonitrile as the mobile phases in less than 5 min. The calibration curves were linear with a correlation coefficient r>0.9990 over a range of 0.25-18.00 mg/L. This method was successfully applied to the separation of microcystins from other compounds in spiked uncontaminated lake water after performing solid-phase extraction. The whole procedure provided low LODs, e. g. the LODs for MC-LR, MC-YR, and MC-RR were found to be 0.49, 0.67, 0.30 microg/L, respectively. The LODs, precision, efficiency, and the results obtained for the real samples demonstrate the potential of polymethacrylate-based monolithic columns as fast separation tools for routine use in the monitoring of microcystins in real water samples.     

Quantification of triiodinated benzene derivatives and X-ray contrast media in water samples by liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

A method for the analysis of iodinated X-ray contrast media and possible metabolites in environmental water samples is presented. The method consists of a sequential solid-phase extraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for detection. The recoveries for the analytes in tap water varies between 70 and 100%. For matrix poor samples the detection limit is in the lower ng/l range. In case of native, complex samples the recoveries are lower and the parallel analysis of a spiked sample is necessary to obtain reliable data. With the presented method iodinated X-ray contrast media could be detected and quantified in a sewage treatment plant effluent, in a receiving channel and lake. In the receiving lake the concentrations are still high with values between 0.5 and 4 μg/l.     

Improved solvent collection system for a dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction of organochlorine pesticides from water using low-density organic solvent

In this study, the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) levels in lake and tap water samples were determined by a dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method using a low-density organic solvent and an improved solvent collection system (DLLME-ISCS). This method used a very small volume of a solvent of low toxicity (11 μL of 1-nonanol and 400 μL of methanol) to extract OCPs from 10 mL water samples prior to the analysis by GC. After centrifugation in the dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, there was a liquid organic drop floating between the water surface and the glass wall of the centrifuge tube. The liquid organic drop (with some water phase) was transferred into a microtube (3 mm×15 mm) with a syringe. The organic and aqueous phases were separated in the microtube immediately. Then, 1 μL of the organic solvent (which was in the upper portion of liquid in the microtube) was easily collected by a syringe and injected into the GC-ECD system for the analysis. Under optimum conditions, the linear range of this method was 5-5000 ng/L for most of the analytes. The correlation coefficient was higher than 0.997. Enrichment factors ranged from 1309 to 3629. The relative recoveries ranged from 73 to 119% for lake water samples. The LODs of the method ranged from 0.7 to 9.4 ng/L. The precision of the method ranged from 1.0 to 10.8% for lake water.     

改进的QuEChERS结合超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法快速测定地表水中双酚类物质

建立了同时测定地表水中8种双酚类物质(BPs)的超高效液相色谱-串联质谱(UPLC-MS/MS)分析方法.方法 基于QuEChERS处理技术,选用乙酸乙酯为提取剂,从基质效应(ME)和萃取回收率(RE)两方面对过程效率(PE)进行优化,确定了50 mg N-丙基乙二胺(PSA)和50 mg石墨化炭黑(GCB)混合吸附剂...     

Evaluation of magnetic matrix solid‐phase dispersion for the determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in water samples by gas chromatography with electron capture detection

A vortex‐assisted magnetic matrix solid‐phase dispersion method was proposed for the determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in different matrix water samples by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Magnetic bamboo charcoal (MBC) was synthesized for the adsorption of polychlorinated biphenyls in water samples. Complete separation of the liquid phase and the solid magnetic bamboo charcoal was easily achieved by using a permanent magnet. Under the optimized conditions, good linearity in the range of 0.006–5.0 μg/L was obtained with regression coefficients (r) higher than 0.9986. Based on a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3, limits of detection were found to be 0.001–0.003 μg/L. Relative standard deviations ranged from 2.92 to 6.56%. Relative recoveries were 96.6–111.2% for the spiked wastewater sample and 90.7–104.7% for the spiked lake water sample. All results showed that the proposed method was simple, sensitive, and reliable for the determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in water samples.     

Validated dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for analysis of organophosphorous pesticides in water

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was applied to the determination of six organophosphorous pesticides (OPPs) in water samples. The analytes included in this study were prophos, diazinon, chlorpyrifos methyl, methyl parathion, fenchlorphos and chlorpyrifos. Several extraction and dispersion solvents were tested for dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction of these analytes and the best results were obtained using chloroform as extraction solvent and 2-propanol as dispersion solvent. Calibration curves of the analytes in water samples were constructed in the concentration range from 100 to 1100 ng/L for prophos, diazinon and methyl parathion and in the range from 100 to 1000 ng/L for chlorpyrifos methyl, fenchlorphos and chlorpyrifos. Limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 1.5-9.1 ng/L and limits of quantification (LOQs) were in the range of 5.1-30.3 ng/L, below the maximum admissible level for drinking water. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) were between 6.5 and 10.1% in the concentration range of 100-1000 ng/L. The relative recoveries (%RRs) of tap, well and irrigation water samples fortified at 800 ng/L were in the range of 46.1-129.4%, with a larger matrix effect being detected in tap water.     

Determination of cyanobacterial cyclic peptide hepatotoxins in drinking water using CE

Four cyanobacteria hepatotoxins microcystin LR, microcystin RR, microcystin YR, and nodularin were simultaneously determined in drinking water using CZE and MEKC coupled with UV detection. The toxins were satisfactorily separated in both CZE and MEKC modes. Detection limits were in the range of 0.82–4.81 μg/mL, with R² values of 0.994–0.999. The linearity range tested for the standards was 5–100 μg/mL and RSD percentages were in the range of 1.0–2.5% for retention time and 3.0–10.2% for peak area. When a known amount of standard was spiked into a known volume of water and extracted, recoveries were 90.3% (RR), 101.5% (nodularin), 90.6% (YR), and 88.2% (LR). The use of SPE enabled cleanup and pre‐concentration of a real sample to achieve a 100‐fold concentration factor. Detection limits after SPE of the real sample spiked with microcystins were 0.090 μg/L (RR), 0.076 μg/L (YR), and 0.110 μg/L (LR), with RSD percentage values of 9.9–11.7% for peak area and 2.2–3.3% for retention time. The technique developed provides an alternative method for determining microcystins at levels of concentration that will be able to meet WHO drinking water guidelines for microcystins.     

Determination of benzene series compounds and chlorobenzenes in water sample by static headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection

A simple, efficient, solvent‐free, and readily commercially available approach for the determination of eight benzene series compounds and 12 chlorobenzenes in water samples using the static headspace sampling and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection has been described in this paper. The proposed static headspace sampling method was initially optimized, and the optimum experimental conditions explored were 10 mL water sample containing 20% w/v sodium chloride placed in a 20 mL vial and stirred at 70°C for 43 min. The linearity of the method ranged from 1 to 200 μg/L for 20 analytes, with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.9962 and 0.9994. The limits of detection were in the μg/L level, ranging between 0.15 and 0.4 μg/L. The relative recoveries of spiked benzene series and chlorobenzenes with external calibration method at different concentration levels in pure, tap, and sea water samples were 84–113, 78–115 and 85–119%, respectively, with relative standard deviations of 3.8–6.8, 4.1–5.8, and 4.8–5.4% (n = 5), respectively. That this method can be successfully applied to the determination of benzene series compounds and chlorobenzenes in pure, tap, and sea water samples, simultaneously.     

单滴微萃取-气相色谱-质谱联用测定水中的硝基咪唑类药物

建立了单滴液相微萃取(SDME)与气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)联用技术快速检测水中的硝基咪唑类药物,对影响萃取的因素(溶剂的种类及用量、萃取时间、萃取温度及搅拌子的搅拌速度)进行优化。优化的萃取条件为:溶剂为2.5μL正辛醇,温度为50℃,搅拌速度为600 r/min,时间为20 min。萃取后,微液滴转移至衍生化试管,于70℃水浴中衍生45 min,进样分析。该方法在水中的线性范围为0.5~400μg/L,线性相关系数良好(r0.998),检测限为0.16~0.57μg/L。加标自来水和湖水中的相对平均回收率为80.9%~103.6%,相对标准偏差为1.7%~9.0%。     

基于离子液体的分散液液微萃取-柱前荧光衍生高效液相色谱法测定水样中8种磺胺类药物

建立了一种基于离子液体的分散液液微萃取技术结合柱前荧光衍生高效液相色谱(IL-DLLME-HPLC-FL)对8种磺胺类药物进行检测的方法,并成功应用于实际环境水样的分析。实验考察了萃取参数对磺胺萃取效率的影响及衍生产物的稳定性。最佳实验条件:以40 μL [C₆MIM]PF₆]为萃取剂,0.1 mL丙酮为分散剂,对pH=4且不含NaCl的水溶液进行不超声的分散液液微萃取,并衍生化反应6 h。结果表明:在最佳实验条件下,该法在0.2~10 μg/L和10~500 μg/L两个浓度范围内线性良好,线性相关系数r ≥0.9989;检出限为0.08~0.5 μg/L (S/N=3)。对实验室自来水、湖水、珠江水、池塘水分别加标5、50、200 μg/L的回收率为87.2%~101.4%,相对标准偏差为3.7%~6.2%。该法环保、简便,可用于测定实际水样中磺胺类药物。     

悬浮固化分散液液微萃取-高效液相色谱法测定水体中邻苯二甲酸酯

建立了悬浮固化分散液液微萃取（SFO-DLLME）结合高效液相色谱（HPLC）快速测定水样中6种邻苯二甲酸酯（PAEs）的分析方法。通过对影响萃取效率因素的优化,确定了最佳萃取条件：十二烷醇萃取剂20 μL、萃取温度60℃、离子强度20 g/L、萃取时间1 min。6种PAEs在2~2000 μg/L范围内呈良好的线性关系,相关系数（r）为0.9995~0.9999,检出限（S/N=3）为0.3~0.6 μg/L。对自来水、湖水、江水、污水、海水、市售塑料瓶装纯净水和矿泉水进行测定,能检测到部分PAEs。对加标水样进行回收率试验（10、100和1000 μg/L）,6种PAEs的回收率为84.9%~94.5%,相对标准偏差为4.1%~6.8%（n=5）。该法环保、简单,可用于实际水样中6种PAEs的检测分析。