Analysis of perfluorinated compounds in sewage sludge by pressurized solvent extraction followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are widely used in everyday life and one of the main recipients of these compounds is waste water treatment plants (WWTPs). Due to the structure and physicochemical properties of PFCs, these compounds could be redistributed from influent water to sludge. This work reports a new validated protocol for the analysis of 13 perfluorinated acids, 4 perfluorosulfonates and the perfluorooctanesulfonamide. The present work has been focused to develop a sensitive and robust method for the analysis of 18 PFCs in sewage sludge, based on pressurized solvent extraction (PSE) followed by solid phase extraction (SPE) clean-up, analytes separation by liquid chromatography and analysis in a hybrid quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer (LC-QLiT-MS/MS) working in single reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The final methodology was validated using a blank sewage sludge fortified at different concentration levels. The method limits of detection were ranging in general from 15 to 79 ng/kg. These values were comparable to the decision limit (CCα) and the detection capability (CCβ), which were 17-1134 ng/kg and 18-1347 ng/kg, respectively. The percentage of recovery was from 79 to 111% in the most cases at different spiked levels. Finally, the repeatability of the method was in the range 4% (PFOS and PFOA) to 25% (RSD %). In order to evaluate the applicability of the method, 5 sludge samples were analyzed. The results showed that the 18 PFCs were present in all samples. However, the concentrations for most of them were below the limits of quantification. The compound present at higher concentrations was perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), which was in concentrations from 53.0 to 121.1 μg/kg. The other PFCs were at concentrations between 0.3 and 30.3 μg/kg.     

Optimization of pressurized liquid extraction and purification conditions for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry determination of UV filters in sludge

This work presents an effective sample preparation method for the determination of eight UV filter compounds, belonging to different chemical classes, in freeze-dried sludge samples. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were selected as extraction and determination techniques, respectively. Normal-phase, reversed-phase and anionic exchange materials were tested as clean-up sorbents to reduce the complexity of raw PLE extracts. Under final working conditions, graphitized carbon (0.5 g) was used as in-cell purification sorbent for the retention of co-extracted pigments. Thereafter, a solid-phase extraction cartridge, containing 0.5 g of primary secondary amine (PSA) bonded silica, was employed for off-line removal of other interferences, mainly fatty acids, overlapping the chromatographic peaks of some UV filters. Extractions were performed with a n-hexane:dichloromethane (80:20, v:v) solution at 75°C, using a single extraction cycle of 5 min at 1500 psi. Flush volume and purge time were set at 100% and 2 min, respectively. Considering 0.5 g of sample and 1 mL as the final volume of the purified extract, the developed method provided recoveries between 73% and 112%, with limits of quantification (LOQs) from 17 to 61 ng g(-1) and a linear response range up to 10 μg g(-1). Total solvent consumption remained around 30 mL per sample. The analysis of non-spiked samples confirmed the sorption of significant amounts of several UV filters in sludge with average concentrations above 0.6 μg g(-1) for 3-(4-methylbenzylidene) camphor (4-MBC), 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) and octocrylene (OC).     

Focused ultrasound solid-liquid extraction and selective pressurised liquid extraction to determine bisphenol A and alkylphenols in sewage sludge by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A new method for determining endocrine disrupter compounds (EDCs) in sewage sludge is described in this paper. EDCs studied were bisphenol A (BPA) and alkylphenols (APs). In order to obtain a fast and simple method, selective pressurised liquid extraction (SPLE) and focused ultrasound solid-liquid extraction (FUSLE) were tested. Best results for SPLE were obtained using Florisil as clean-up sorbent and dichloromethane as extraction solvent, while temperature was the only significant variable. Analyte extraction by SPLE was completed in only one extraction cycle of 1 min at 130 °C. FUSLE was carried out in one step of 20 s at 75% power (0.5 cycles) and with 8 mL of ethyl acetate. Although the optimised FUSLE process was faster, simpler and cheaper, SPLE provided higher recovery values (ranging from 81 to 105%) and therefore SPLE-based method was selected and validated. The SPLE and GC-MS method showed an LOD of 10.7 ng/g for BPA and LODs between 1.2 and 41.6 ng/g for APs. Relative standard deviation values lower than 6% were obtained for all analytes. As a result, an efficient, fast and simple method based on SPLE and GC-MS for the determination of BPA and APs in sewage sludge is proposed.     

Simultaneous determination of fluoroquinolones,sulfonamides and tetracyclines in sewage sludge by pressurized liquid extraction and liquid chromatography electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry

A new scheme for the quantitative determination of traces of fluoroquinolones (FQs), tetracyclines (TCs) and sulfonamides (SAs) in sewage sludge was developed. The compounds were simultaneously extracted from sewage sludge by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). A novel and effective method for PLE was developed. Solid-phase extraction was used for cleaning up the extracts. Identification and quantification of the compounds was done using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in selected reaction monitoring mode. The best recovery of FQs and TCs was obtained by using hydrophilic–lipophilic balance cartridges, recoveries ranged 59% for norfloxacin to 82% for ofloxacin and 95% for doxycycline; for SAs strong cation-exchange cartridges were more efficient, recoveries were 96% for sulfamethoxazole and 43% for sulfadimethoxine. Limit of quantification ranged from 0.1 ng/g for SAs to 160 ng/g for tetracycline. Method precision for TCs was 5.06% and 1.12%, and for SAs 0.43% and 2.01%. FQs precision ranged from 0.77% to 1.89%.     

Rapid method for the determination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in animal tissue by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with ion-trap detector

A rapid and new liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with ion-trap detection method for the determination of meloxicam (MLX), flunixin meglumine (FLU), carprofen (CPF), and tolfenamic acid (TOLF) in animal tissue is described. MRLs between 10 and 500 microg kg(-1) in muscle and between 65 and 1000 microg kg(-1) in liver, from different animal species have been established in the EU for these compounds. After chemical hydrolysis, an organic extraction from homogenised tissue was performed. Final extract was injected in a liquid chromatograph with an ion-trap mass spectrometer with electrospray interface. Four identification points (one precursor and two product ions) and a minimum of one ion ratio was monitored for each compound. For quantitative purposes flunixin-D3 (FLU-D3) was used as internal standard. The method was validated using fortified blank muscle and liver from different animal species according to the 2002/657/EC European decision criteria. The decision limits (CCalpha) and detection capabilities (CCbeta) were determined and their values were at concentrations near the MRL for each substance.     

Confirmatory and quantitative analysis using experimental design for the extraction and liquid chromatography-UV, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry determination of quinolones in turkey muscle

The aim of this work is to established methods for determination of quinolones (ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, difloxacin and flumequine), regulated by European Union, and sarafloxacin in turkey muscle. An experimental design has been applied for the optimization of the factors that influence the extraction of quinolones from turkey muscle in order to determine the experimental conditions for their extraction with high recoveries. Liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (LC-UV), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) have been used for the simultaneous quantification of quinolones antibiotics in turkey muscle. The proposed methods have been validated according to the Food Drugs Administration guideline and presents the limit of quantification below the maximum residue limits established by the European Union for quinolones in turkey muscle. The methods developed have been applied to quantification of enrofloxacin and its main metabolite ciprofloxacin in samples of turkey muscle obtained from animals treated with enrofloxacin.     

A new sample preparation method for determination of acidic drugs in sewage sludge applying microwave assisted solvent extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

This paper presents a new sample preparation procedure for determination of selected acidic pharmaceuticals (ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, and diclofenac) in sewage sludge using microwave assisted solvent extraction, dispersive matrix extraction (DME) followed by the conventionally applied solid phase extraction (SPE), derivatization, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The recoveries calculated from analytical data of spiked sludge samples changed in the range of 80-105% ± 15% for the four pharmaceuticals in mixed and activated sludge depending on the efficiency of the clean-up procedure. The measured concentration values of ibuprofen and naproxen were identical in the mixed and the activated sludge samples. However, ketoprofen and diclofenac showed about twice as high concentration in activated sludge than in the mixed one independently of the applied extraction method. The typical concentration ranges of ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen and diclofenac in sewage sludge were 10-30 ng/g, 30-50 ng/g, 50-130 ng/g, and 50-140 ng/g respectively.     

Determination of dialkyldimethylammonium compounds and other cationic surfactants in sewage water and activated sludge

Summary A method for the extraction and clean-up of four groups of cationic surfactants in sewage water and activated sludge is reported. In the case of sewage water, this is based on the extraction of the acidified aqueous sample with chloroform, centrifugation, purification by back-extraction with water and clean-up by alumina column chromatography. Activated sludge was extracted with methanolic hydrochloric acid after centrifugation. The extract was evaporated to dryness and re-dissolved in chloroform before further clean-up. The surfactants are determined by high-performance liquid-chromatography using a diol column (mobile phase methanol/tetrahydrofuran/0.25 mmol/1 hydrochloric acid) and a conductivity detector. The applicability of this analytical scheme to the new esterquats is discussed.Dedicated to Professor Dr. Wilhelm Fresenius on the occasion of his 80th birthday     

Rapid and high-throughput determination of cationic surfactants in environmental water samples by automated on-line polymer monolith microextraction coupled to high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

A rapid, high throughput and sensitive method was presented for automated determination of cationic surfactants in environmental water samples. The method was based on an automated analysis platform that was composed of on-line polymer monolith microextraction (PMME) and high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrum (HPLC-MS) with an autosampler. A poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) (MAA-co-EDMA) monolith was selected as the sorbent for purification and enrichment of cationic surfactants in environmental water samples while a new mixed-mode chromatographic column packed with octyl and sulfonic acid co-bonded silica (OSS) was employed for separation and quantitative determination of cationic surfactants in water samples. By integrating sample preparation, chromatographic separation and MS detection into one automated platform, it makes the whole analysis procedure simple, accurate, and time and labor-saving. Several parameters affecting the extraction performance were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method was applied to the analysis of seven cationic surfactants in environmental water samples. Good linearities were obtained for all cationic surfactants with R2 larger than 0.9895. The limits of detection were found to be in the range of 15-24 ng/L. The method recoveries of the cationic surfactants spiked in water samples were from 80.5% to 115.1%, with relative standard deviations less than 12.4%.     

Determination of fluorinated surfactants and their metabolites in sewage sludge samples by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry after pressurised liquid extraction and separation on fluorine-modified reversed-phase sorbents

An analytical method was elaborated for simultaneous extraction and determination of fluorinated anionic and non-ionic surfactants in sewage sludge. Surfactant compounds were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) after Soxhlet extraction, hot steam extraction and pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) using spiked sludge samples. PLE in a multiple-step procedure consisting of sequential use of ethyl acetate-dimethylformamide and methanol-phosphoric acid resulted in the most efficient extraction procedure. Quantitative analyses of the fluorinated anionic perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and the partly fluorinated non-ionic alkylpolyglycol ether (FAEO) surfactants were performed by selected ion monitoring LC-MS. Electrospray ionisation or atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation in negative or positive mode was performed. Recoveries between 105 and 120% could be reached. No PFOS and non-ionic FAEO surfactants in concentrations higher than 6 or 10 mg kg(-1) dry matter were observed in real environmental samples. Therefore aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation was performed to investigate the fate of fluorinated surfactants reaching wastewaters. Biological wastewater treatment in laboratory scale under aerobic or anaerobic conditions led to an elimination by biodegradation.     

Indirect atomic absorption spectrometric determination of some cationic surfactants by continuous liquid/liquid extraction with tetrathiocyanatocobaltate

The method involves the extraction of the detergent/tetrathiocyanatocobaltate(II) ion-pair into 4-methyl-2-pentanone. The overall concentration of cationic surfactant can be determined indirectly by measuring the cobalt in the organic layer by a.a.s. The optimum conditions for determining dodecyltrimethylammonium and tetraheptylammonium bromide (0.4–9.0 μg ml^?1) are described. The relative standard deviation is 1.2%. The method is selective and free from the interference of nonionic surfactants, and is applied to the determination of cationic surfactants added to water samples.     

Preconcentration and fluorimetric determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons based on the acid-induced cloud-point extraction with sodium dodecylsulfate

The acid-induced cloud-point extraction (CPE) technique based on sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) micelles has been used for preconcentration of ten representatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for the following fluorescence determination. The effect of the acidity of solution, SDS and electrolyte concentrations, centrifugation time and rate on the two-phase separation process and extraction percentages of PAHs have systematically been examined. Extraction percentages have been obtained for all PAHs after CPE ranged from 67 to 93%. Pyrene was used as a fluorescent probe to monitor the micropolarity of the surfactant-rich phase compared with SDS micelles and this allows one to conclude that water content in micellar phase after CPE is reduced. The spectral, metrological and analytical characteristics of PAH fluorimetric determination after acid-based CPE with sodium dodecylsulfate are presented. Advantages provided by using CPE in combination with fluorimetric determination of PAHs are discussed. The determination of benz[a]pyrene in tap water is presented as an example.     

Microporous membrane liquid-liquid extraction coupled on-line with normal-phase liquid chromatography for the determination of cationic surfactants in river and waste water

Membrane-based continuous liquid-liquid extraction combined on-line with normal-phase liquid chromatography is proposed for the determination of cationic surfactants in complex aqueous samples. The technique has the potential for complete automation. Selective enrichment of cationic surfactants from spiked river water and waste-water samples with simultaneous removal of matrix constituents, followed by a quantitative transfer of the extract onto a liquid chromatographic column and separation of the surfactant homologues yielding low detection limits, has been realised. The homologues of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (Dodigen 226) were chosen as model compounds in the method development. Dodigen homologues were ion-paired with heptanoic acid and extracted into chlorobutane by means of microporous membrane liquid-liquid extraction. It was thereby possible to attain an enrichment of over 250 times for one of the homologues, viz. the concentration in the organic liquid is 250 times higher than in the original sample. Detection limits for the three best-detected homologues of the mixture were in the range 0.7-5 microg/l in spiked river water samples. Ion-pair normal-phase liquid chromatography, again with heptanoic acid as counter-ion, gave the necessary separation of the surfactant homologues.     

Determination of natural and synthetic estrogens and their conjugates in sewage sludge by pressurized liquid extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

In this study we present a pressurized liquid extraction/liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (PLE/LC-MS-MS) method to determine a group of estrogens and conjugated estrogens in sewage sludge. Parameters that affect the extraction step such as extraction solvent, temperature, pressure, static extraction time, number of cycles, purge time and flush volume have been optimized. In the LC-MS-MS system, electrospray ionization and a triple quadrupole analyzer have been used, and the multiple reaction monitoring mode has enabled low levels of target analytes to be detected. All recoveries were higher than 81% except for estrone 3-glucoronide and estradiol 17-glucoronide which were not extracted and consequently, they were not considered in the present study. The repeatability and reproducibility between days expressed as %RSD (n=3), were lower than 6% and 9%, respectively. The method developed allowed the target analytes to be quantified at low levels of microg/kg. The limits of detection were lower than 26 microg/kg of dry weight (d.w.) of sewage sludge, except for 17 alpha-estradiol, 17beta-estradiol, 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol and estradiol 17-acetate whose values were between 150 and 175 microg/kg (d.w.). The method was applied to determine these compounds in sewage sludge from two domestic sewage treatment plants. Estrone 3-sulfate, estradiol 3-sulfate, diethylstilbestrol, estrone and estriol were determined in some samples and estriol showed the highest value (406 microg/kg d.w.).     

Analysis of steroids in environmental water samples using solid-phase extraction and ion-trap gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

This paper describes an improved method for the extraction and determination of three steroids, oestrone, 17beta-oestradiol, and the synthetic contraceptive steroid 17alpha-ethinyloestradiol in aqueous matrices. Samples of wastewater and environmental water were spiked with internal standards, comprising isotopically labelled analogues of the steroids to be determined. The samples were extracted using solid-phase extraction disks and the extracts were then derivatized to form tert.-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives. The derivatised steroids were determined in the final extracts by GC-MS or GC-MS-MS allowing an operational detection limit for each steroid in effluent samples of 1 ng l(-1).     

Application of solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to the determination of neonicotinoid pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables

A rapid and simple method for simultaneous analysis of four neonicotinoid insecticides including acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam in fruit and vegetable matrices has been developed. For instance, ready-to-use cartridges filled with a macroporous diatomaceous material were used to extract in a single step insecticide residues with dichloromethane from aqueous-acetone extracts of fruits and vegetables. The eluate was evaporated, the residue redissolved with methanol and then analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in the electrospray ionization (ESI) positive mode. Average recoveries of the four pesticides were between 74.5 and 105% at both spiking levels 0.1 and 1.0 mg kg(-1) in peach, pear, courgette, celery and apricot. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 10% for all of the recovery tests. The calculated limits of quantitation (LOQs) (0.1-0.5 mg kg(-1)) were equal or lower then the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by European legislation (0.1-0.5 mg kg(-1)). The proposed method is fast, easy to perform and could be utilized for monitoring of pesticides residues.     

Determination of organochlorine pesticides in sewage sludge by matrix solid-phase dispersion and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) has been developed for the determination of 16 organochlorine pesticides (OCs) in sludge from municipal sewage plants. Samples of lyophilized sludge were blended with alumina, placed in small columns and OCs extracted with dichloromethane assisted by sonication. Purification of the extracts was accomplished by solid-phase extraction on C₁₈ columns and OCs were eluted with acetonitrile. Analyses were performed by gas chromatography with electron impact mass spectrometric detection in the selected ion monitoring mode (GC–MS-SIM) using deuterated OCs as internal standards. The limits of detection were between 0.03 ng/g for 4,4′-DDE and 0.7 ng/g for endrin aldehyde.

Levels of OCs were determined in sewage sludge collected from 19 water treatment plants located in the province of Madrid (Spain). In all of the analyzed samples, aldrin was the compound most often found with a mean concentration of 76 ng/g. Endosulfan-I, -BHC, 4,4′-DDE and 4,4′-DDT were also present at high concentrations, with average values ranging from 32.3 to 74.3 ng/g. OCs were detected in all of the samples, with a total concentration ranging from 52 to 528 ng/g dry weight.     

Comparison of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of fatty and resin acids in paper mill process waters

A comparative study of the performance of liquid chromatography (LC)-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI)-mass spectrometry (MS) and gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry techniques for the determination of resin and fatty acids from paper mill process waters was carried out. These compounds are responsible for the high toxicity of paper mill effluents and little research has been carried out regarding their analysis using mass spectrometric techniques. To prove the usability of GC and LC-MS, 16 treated and untreated water samples of recycle, kraft and pulp paper mills were analysed and good agreement was observed as regards to compounds detected and corresponding concentrations. This paper also reports the limits of detection, recoveries, reproducibility, linearity and precision using the two methods. GC-MS presented better selectivity and lower detection limits (below 0.2 microg/l), but derivatization of the extracts and the short life of derivatives (12-24 h) made the technique tedious and prone to high variations. Although LC-APCI-MS presented coelution of the non-aromatic resin acids, it also showed good sensitivity (limits of detection <3 microg/l) and permitted the detection of resin and fatty acids at microg/l level. In addition, since samples could be directly injected to the chromatographic system, LC-APCI-MS was proven as a powerful technique for quick and unequivocal quality control during papermaking.     

Quantitative determination of lipase activity by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

We developed a novel in vitro lipase assay based on the quantitation of fatty acids by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Oleic acids enzymatically released from triolein substrates were isolated from the reaction mixture by reverse-phase chromatography, ionized in negative mode electrospray mass spectrometry and quantitated with the aid of [(13)C]-oleic acid internal standard. The enzymatic activity was measured by monitoring oleic acid productions at multiple time points. This method overcomes the substrate and pH limitations of conventional techniques and thus serves as a generic lipase activity assay.     

Comparative evaluation of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry versus gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of hexabromocyclododecanes and their degradation products in indoor dust

Domestic and office dust samples (n=37) were analyzed for hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) using gas chromatography-electron-capture negative ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-ECNI/MS) and liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS/MS). To determine the best method to quantify HBCDs using GC-ECNI/MS, BDE 128 was used as internal standard (I.S.) in all samples, while 13C-labeled alpha-HBCD was used as I.S. in some samples. Total HBCD concentrations (sum of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-HBCD diastereomers) were calculated using response factors (RFs) for alpha- and gamma-HBCD as individual diastereomers and using an average RF for both diastereomers. Statistical comparison showed that concentrations obtained via GC-ECNI/MS were statistically indistinguishable (p>0.05) from those obtained using LC-ESI/MS/MS. The closest match between the two techniques was obtained using [13C]alpha-HBCD as I.S. and the average RF for alpha- and gamma-HBCDs. Excellent linear correlations (Pearson coefficient values r>0.9) were obtained between the GC-ECNI/MS and LC-ESI/MS/MS results, with slopes ranging from 0.76 to 1.36. Pentabromocyclododecenes (four isomers) and tetrabromocyclododecadienes (two isomers) were detected in the studied samples and were identified as degradation products of HBCDs after separation from the parent compound on the basis of both retention time and mass spectrum. This finding suggests that the elimination of HBr is the major degradation pathway for HBCDs in dust.