UHPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of bisphenol A and its chlorinated derivatives, bisphenol S, parabens, and benzophenones in human urine samples.

In the present work, a new method based on a sample treatment by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) for the extraction of six bisphenols (bisphenol A, bisphenol S, and monochloro-, dichloro-, trichloro-, and tetrachlorobisphenol A), four parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben), and six benzophenones (benzophenone-1, benzophenone-2, benzophenone-3, benzophenone-6, benzophenone-8, and 4-hydroxybenzophenone) in human urine samples, followed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis, is validated. An enzymatic treatment allows determining the total content of the target EDCs. The extraction parameters were accurately optimized using multivariate optimization strategies. Ethylparaben ring-(13)C6, benzophenone-d10, and bisphenol A-d16 were used as surrogates. Limits of quantification ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 ng mL(-1) and interday variabilities (evaluated as relative standard deviations) from 2.0 to 13.8% were obtained. The method was validated using matrix-matched standard calibration followed by a recovery assay with spiked samples. Recovery rates ranged from 94 to 106%. A good linearity, for concentrations up to 300 ng mL(-1) for parabens and 40 ng mL(-1) for benzophenones and bisphenols, was also obtained. The method was satisfactorily applied for the determination of target compounds in human urine samples from 20 randomly selected individuals.

Quantitative determination of ß-hydroxymethylbutyrate and leucine in culture media and microdialysates from rat brain by UHPLC-tandem mass spectrometry.

The main objective of the present work was to develop a method to determine ß-hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB) and leucine (Leu) in culture media and brain microdialysates. An accurate, selective, and cost-effective method, based on the use of ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), was developed for the identification and quantification of both compounds. The method consisted of sample dilution, direct injection onto the chromatographic equipment, and quantification with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer using an electrospray ionization interface in positive mode. The procedure and the UHPLC-MS/MS parameters were accurately optimized to achieve the highest recoveries and to enhance the analytical characteristics of the method. For chromatographic separation, an Acquity UPLC BEH Hilic column using acetonitrile-water gradient with formic acid as additive was employed. The total run time was 4 min. The limits of detection (LODs) obtained ranged from 0.01 to 0.04 µg mL(-1), and the limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.04 to 0.12 µg mL(-1). Precision (expressed as relative standard deviation) was lower than 15 %, and the determination coefficient (R (2)) was higher than 99.0 % with a residual deviation for each calibration point lower than ±25 %. Mean recoveries were between 85 and 115 %. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of both compounds, HMB and Leu, in samples obtained from an experiment of blood-brain barrier (BBB) passage in vitro and to an experiment of brain microdialysis in rats in vivo after an oral challenge with HMB to detect its appearance in the brain.

A new treatment by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the determination of parabens in human serum samples.

Alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (parabens) are a family of compounds that have been in use since the 1920s as preservatives in cosmetic formulations, with one of the lowest rates of skin problems reported in dermatological patients. However, in the last few years, many scientific publications have demonstrated that parabens are weak endocrine disruptors, meaning that they can interfere with the function of endogenous hormones, increasing the risk of breast cancer. In the present work, a new sample treatment method is introduced based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the extraction of the most commonly used parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben) from human serum samples followed by separation and quantification using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method involves an enzymatic treatment to quantify the total content of parabens. The extraction parameters (solvent and disperser solvent, extractant and dispersant volume, pH of the sample, salt addition, and extraction time) were accurately optimized using multivariate optimization strategies. Ethylparaben ring (13)C6-labeled was used as surrogate. Limits of quantification ranging from 0.2 to 0.7 ng mL(-1) and an interday variability (evaluated as relative standard deviations) from 3.8 to 11.9 % were obtained. The method was validated using matrix-matched calibration standard and a spike recovery assay. Recovery rates for spiked samples ranged from 96 to 106 %, and a good linearity up to concentrations of 100 ng mL(-1) was obtained. The method was satisfactorily applied for the determination of target compounds in human serum samples.

Removal and degradation characteristics of quinolone antibiotics in laboratory-scale activated sludge reactors under aerobic, nitrifying and anoxic conditions.

This work describes the removal of 6 quinolone antibiotics from wastewaters under different redox conditions (aerobic, nitrifying and anoxic) through batch experiments in laboratory scale activated sludge reactors using mixed liquor from a membrane bioreactor pilot plant (MBR). The main removal pathways for antibiotics from wastewaters involved in each treatment are described. Mass balances indicated that sorption on sludge played a dominating role in the elimination of antibiotics. Sorption potential depended on the redox conditions, being lower in nitrifying (Kd, 414-876 L kg(-1)) and anoxic (Kd, 471-930 L kg(-1)) sludge in comparison with aerobic sludge (Kd, 534-1137 L kg(-1)). Kd was higher for piperazinylic quinolones. Redox conditions also influenced biodegradation, a secondary pathway, which followed first-order kinetics with degradation rates constants ranging from 1.8·10(-3) to 8.2·10(-3) h(-1). Biodegradation rates under anoxic conditions were negligible. The experimental results have also demonstrated much higher removal efficiency by biodegradation (36.2-60.0%) under nitrifying conditions in comparison with aerobic conditions (14.9-43.8%). The addition of allylthiourea, an ammonia monooxygenase inhibitor, inhibited nitrification completely and reduced significantly the biodegradation of target antibiotics (16.5-29.3%). The residual biodegradation in the presence of allylthiourea may be due to the activity of heterotrophs in the enriched nitrifier culture. The removal of the selected antibiotics under the studied redox conditions depended significantly on the bacteria composition of the sludge. These results suggest that despite the known persistence of this group of antibiotics it is possible to enhance their degradation using nitrifying conditions, which at adequate working conditions as high SRT, typical in MBR, become a promising alternative for improving quinolones removal from environment.

Genetic variants of antioxidant enzymes and environmental exposures as molecular biomarkers associated with the risk and aggressiveness of bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the top 10 most common tumours worldwide; however, no molecular markers are currently available for tumour management and follow-up. BC could benefit from molecular biomarkers in environmental disease, which provide mechanistic understanding of individual susceptibility to exposure-related cancers and allow characterizing genetic alterations in the molecular pathway for malignancy. This case-control study performed a molecular analysis in 99 BC and 125 controls. Buccal swabs were collected to assess SNPs in eleven genes coding for xenobiotic detoxification enzymes, cellular antioxidant defences, and hormone synthesis and signalling (NAT2 (rs1801280), GPX1 (rs1050450 and rs17650792), TXNRD1 (rs7310505), PRDX3 (rs3740562), PON1 (rs662), SOD1 (rs10432782), SOD2 (rs4880), CAT (rs1001179), CYP17A1 (rs743572) and ESR1 (rs746432)). A structured questionnaire was administered to study participants to assess environmental and dietary chemical exposures. Several miRNAs associated with BC and detoxification/antioxidant pathways were analysed in a subsample of the study population, including miR-93-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-126, miR-27a-3p, miR-193b, and miR-193a-5p. Levels of selected environmental pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and endocrine disrupting chemicals) were determined in urine from a subsample of BC cases and controls. We found that CYP17A1, CAT, SOD1, ESR1, PON1, and GPX1 (rs17650792) were associated with BC risk. Furthermore, exposure to smoke and/or dust, and alcohol intake were identified as risk factors for BC. Increased urinary levels of benzo[a]pyrene and bisphenol A were observed in BC patients relative to controls, along with an increased expression of miR-193b, miR-27a and miR-93-5p in BC. Nevertheless, further studies with a larger sample size are warranted to confirm these exploratory results. This study also shows that the combination of genetic markers (PON1 and CYP17A1) and miRNA (miR-221-3p and miR-93-5p) open a new scenario in the use of non-invasive biomarkers in the stratification of BC to guide personalized medicine, which is extremely urged in the current clinical setting.

Chromatographic Methods for the Determination of Emerging Contaminants in Natural Water and Wastewater Samples: A Review.

This review is devoted to analytical methods published in the scientific literature in the last 10 years for the determination of emerging contaminants in aquatic media. The article is mainly focused on sample preparation and on instrumental techniques most used for the detection and quantification of the analytes of interest. The sample preparation techniques include classical liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction, but also recent microextraction techniques such as solid-phase microextraction, stir-bar sorptive extraction, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction, or microextraction by packed sorbent. Most studies focus on minimizing the number of analysis steps and on the use of the lowest amount of solvents in the sample treatment step. Liquid chromatography and gas chromatography mainly coupled to tandem mass spectrometry are usually the employed analytical techniques. A large number of multiresidue methods are being developed for the determination of several families of these compounds with only one extraction step to minimize sample handling and treatment.

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric study of the degradation of phenolic compounds in wastewater olive oil by Azotobacter Chroococcum.

Compounds present in wastewater olive oil (WWOO) which can be used in metabolic pathways of Azotobacter chroococcum (A. chroococcum) have been investigated. Some compounds such as syringic acid, p-coumaric acid and syringaldehyde do not favour microorganism growing up. However, it has been shown that in batch culture, polyphenolic compounds (PCs) such as protocatetic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid do facilitate the growing up of microorganism. What is more, the maximum concentration in which bacteria can grow was 0.3% (w/v) for both polyphenols. At higher concentrations, substrate inhibition was observed; which is characterized by decreasing growth rates. Therefore, A. chroococcum can grow up using PCs as an individual source of carbon and energy supply but it is also dependent on the type of the compound and on its concentration. A gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry method has been used for the study of the degradation of simple phenolic compounds.

Liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection for the determination of ethoxyquin and its dimer in pear skin and salmon samples.

Ethoxyquin (EQ) is widely used as a synthetic antioxidant in animal feed, an antiscalding agent in apples and pears and as a color preservative in some spices. Since the presence of EQ in food products could cause negative health effects it is necessary to develop reliable analytical methods to evaluate the risk of human exposure. In this work, a sensitive, selective and accurate method based on solid-liquid extraction followed by clean-up with solid sorbent and liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection analysis with boron doped diamond electrode (LC-EC) for the determination of ethoxyquin and its dimer (EQDM) in pear skin and salmon samples, was developed. The method was validated according to the European Commission guidelines. The main variables of extraction were accurately optimized. The amounts of solid sorbents for clean-up procedure were optimized by using experimental design. A Box-Behnken design to obtain the optimum conditions was applied. For validation, a matrix-matched calibration was established and a recovery assay with spiked samples was carried out. The limits of detection (LODs) found were 0.05 and 0.1mgkg-1 for EQ and its dimer, respectively. The precision (as relative standard deviation, RSD) was lower than 15% with recoveries of compounds close to 100% in spiked samples.

Determination of bisphenols with estrogenic activity in plastic packaged baby food samples using solid-liquid extraction and clean-up with dispersive sorbents followed by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

Bisphenols (BPs) are a family of chemicals with known endocrine disrupting activity. Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most representative prototype of this group of chemicals. Recently, the use of BPA, a prototype of endocrine disruptors, has been reduced and replaced with structural analogs due to its negative effects on both the environment and consumers. In this work, a new method is presented for the determination of seven BPs, with estrogenic activity in ready-to-eat plastic packaged baby foods. The procedure involves the isolation of the analytes using solid-liquid phase extraction with acetonitrile followed by a clean-up step with a mixture of dispersive-SPE sorbents (C18 and PSA) and magnesium sulphate, to reduce matrix effect from proteins, sugars and lipids. Extraction parameters were optimized using multivariate optimization methods. The compounds were detected and quantified by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The limits of quantification were between 0.1 and 1.2ngg-1 for the studied analytes. The method was validated using matrix-matched calibration and recovery assays with spiked samples. Recovery rates were between 91% and 110% and % RSD was lower than 13% in all cases. The method has been successfully applied for the determination of these endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in samples of a novel type of food consumed by pre-schoolers. This is the first study to analyze EDCs in plastic packaged foods consumed by this target group.

Multiclass method for the determination of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in compost from sewage sludge using ultrasound and salt-assisted liquid-liquid extraction followed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

An analytical method for the analysis of 16 pharmaceuticals and personal care products in compost from sewage sludge is successfully validated. Ultrasound assisted extraction with a mixture of acetonitrile:ethyl acetate (1:1, v/v) containing 10% (v/v) of acetic acid was carried out. Two cycles of extraction of 10min were applied. A clean-up of the extracts using salt-assisted liquid-liquid extraction (SALLE) was also included. Experimental design was used for the optimization of the main parameters involved in the extraction and cleaned-up steps. The chromatographic separation was carried out by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography using a mobile phase gradient mixture of a 13mM buffer ammonium formate solution (pH 9.25) (solvent A) and methanol (solvent B). An ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C18 column (1.7µm; 2.1×50mm) column was used. Analytes were separated in less than 11min. The compounds were detected and quantified using single reaction monitoring electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. The limits of detection calculated ranged from 0.5 to 4ngg-1d.w., and the limits of quantification from 2 to 13ngg-1d.w. Recoveries from 93% to 111%, with relative standar deviations lower than 11% in all cases, were obtained. The method was applied to natural compost samples. High concentrations of some analytes were found. Ketoprofen (510ngg-1d.w.), methylparaben (240ngg-1d.w.), diclofenac (175ngg-1d.w.) and flufenamic acid (128ngg-1d.w.) were the most abundant.

A novel method for the determination of glycidyl and 3-monochloropropanediol esters in fish oil by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Today, food security is one of the most important global issues with food quality control and identification of contaminants in foods and beverages, being crucial for human health and safety. In this paper, a novel single-step method for the simultaneous determination of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and glycidyl esters in samples of winterized and non-winterized fish oil by using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) is validated. The method is based on alkaline hydrolysis of esters at room temperature, using only 3-MCPD-d5 as internal standard, and a derivatization step with phenylboronic acid (PBA) at 90°C. The use of GC-MS/MS results in a simplified sample treatment and improvement of the limits of quantification and precision of the analytical method with no need of additional concentration of the extracts. A backflush tee placed between two HP-5 MS UI columns (15m×0.25µm×0.25mm) was used in order to minimize matrix effects and peak shape degradation usually observed in routine analyses. The method was validated in winterized and non-winterized fish oil, achieving a limit of quantification of 100ngg-1 and 50ngg-1 for 3-MCPD and glycidol, respectively. Method validation was accomplished by comparing our laboratory results with results obtained by an accredited reference laboratory (SGS Germany GmbH) and by calculating the recoveries obtained in an assay with spiked samples. For glycidol quantification, a mathematical equation was developed in order to compensate for the partial conversion of 3-MCPD into glycidol. This expression involves the quantification of 3-MBPD-d5 generated during hydrolysis reaction.

Multi-residue analysis of 36 priority and emerging pollutants in marine echinoderms (Holothuria tubulosa) and marine sediments by solid-liquid extraction followed by dispersive solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

Marine echinoderms are filter-feeding invertebrates widely distributed along the coasts, and which are therefore extensively exposed to anthropogenic xenobiotics. They can serve as good sentinels for monitoring a large variety of contaminants in marine ecosystems. In this context, a multi-residue analytical method has been validated and applied to Holothuria tubulosa specimens and marine sediments for the determination of 36 organic compounds, which belong to some of the most problematic groups of emerging and priority pollutants (perfluoroalkyl compounds, estrogens, parabens, benzophenones, plasticizers, surfactants, brominated flame retardants and alkylphenols). Lyophilization of samples prior to solvent extraction and clean-up of extracts with C18, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, is proposed. A Box-Behnken design was used for optimization of the most influential variables affecting the extraction and clean-up steps. For validation, matrix-matched calibration and recovery assay were applied. Linearity (% r2) higher than 99%, recoveries between 80% and 114% (except in LAS and NP1EO), RSD (precision) lower than 15% and limits of quantification between 0.03 and 12.5ngg-1 dry weight (d.w.) were achieved. The method was applied to nine samples of Holothuria collected along the coast of Granada (Spain), and to marine sediments around the animals. The results demonstrated high bioaccumulation of certain pollutants. A total of 25 out of the 36 studied compounds were quantified, being surfactants, alkylphenols, perfluoroalkyl compounds, triclocarban and parabens the most frequently detected. Nonylphenol was found in the highest concentration (340 and 323ngg-1 d.w. in sediment and Holothuria samples, respectively).

Biomonitoring of 21 endocrine disrupting chemicals in human hair samples using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Rapid industrial growth has increased human exposure to a large variety of chemicals with adverse health effects. These industrial chemicals are usually present in the environment, foods, beverages, clothes and personal care products. Among these compounds, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have raised concern over the last years. In the present work, the determination of 21 EDCs in human hair samples is proposed. An analytical method based on the digestion of the samples with a mixture of acetic acid/methanol (20:80, v/v) followed by a solid-liquid microextraction and analysis by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was developed and validated. The most influential parameters affecting the extraction method were optimized. The method was validated using matrix-matched calibration and recovery assays. Limits of detection ranged from 0.2 to 4 ng g-1, limits of quantification from 0.5 to 12 ng g-1, and inter- and intra-day variability was under 15% in all cases. Recovery rates for spiked samples ranged from 92.1 to 113.8%. The method was applied for the determination of the selected compounds in human hair. Samples were collected weekly from six randomly selected volunteers (three men and three women) over a three-month period. All the analyzed samples tested positive for at least one of the analyzed compounds.

Sorption, degradation and transport phenomena of alcohol ethoxysulfates in agricultural soils. Laboratory studies.

In the present work, laboratory studies were conducted in order to determine and model the sorption, degradation and transport processes of alcohol ethoxysulfates (AES), one of the most important groups of anionic surfactants. Adsorption/desorption isotherms were obtained for several structurally related AES ethoxymers (homologue AES-C12En with n = 0-10 ethoxymer units and homologue AES-C14En with n = 0-7 ethoxymer units) using a batch equilibrium method. Data were fitted to a linear and a Freundlich isotherm models. Additionally, experiments in continuous-flow soil columns were also carried out and the breakthrough curves observed for each compound were studied. Breakthrough curves were used to determine the fundamental parameters of the transport model (hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient, degradation rate constant and adsorption/desorption isotherm slope), that is the main phenomena that take place simultaneously when AES move through agricultural soil. When the results obtained for the AES ethoxymers are combined, they reveal a clear and consistent trend towards a sorption increase with the number of ethoxylated units and with the length of the alkyl chain that opens the possibility to estimate the values of the transport parameters for other structurally related ethoxymers.

Identification and characterization of novel angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors obtained from goat milk.

The aim of the present study was to identify and characterize new inhibitory peptides of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) from goat milk and to analyze the effect of long-term intake of a goat milk hydrolysate-supplemented (GP-hyd) diet on the development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Three new inhibitory peptides for ACE (TGPIPN, SLPQ, and SQPK) were isolated. The inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) values of individual peptides were 316, 330, and 354 micromol/L, respectively. Only TGPIPN was found to pass intact a monolayer of Caco-2 cells in small amounts. The SHR fed for 12 wk a diet (GP-hyd) enriched in a hydrolysate containing these peptides (estimated intake of TGPIPN was 230 mg/kg per d) showed lower (approximately 15 mmHg) systolic blood pressure than animals fed a control diet. The ACE activities in the aorta, left ventricle, and kidney were significantly decreased in the GP-hyd group compared with those of the control group and were similar to those found in SHR fed captopril (130 mg/kg per d). Impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine by aortic rings from SHR was improved in those fed the GP-hyd diet. The left ventricle weight and kidney weight index were significantly reduced in the GP-hyd group and captopril groups. Moreover, long-term treatment of SHR with a diet enriched in goat milk hydrolysate, or captopril, attenuated the development of hypertension, cardiac and renal hypertrophy, and endothelial dysfunction. These effects might be related to the in vivo inhibitory effects of the hydrolysate on tissue ACE activity.

Validated method for the determination of perfluorinated compounds in placental tissue samples based on a simple extraction procedure followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

Xenobiotic exposure during pregnancy is inevitable. Determination of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), chemicals described as environmental contaminants by Public Health Authorities due to their persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity, is a challenge. In the present work, a method based on a simplified sample treatment involving freeze-drying, solvent extraction and dispersive clean-up of the extracts using C18 sorbents followed by an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis was developed and validated for the determination of five perfluorinated carboxylic acids (C4-C8) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in placental tissue samples. The most influential parameters affecting the extraction method and clean-up were optimized using Design of Experiments (DOE). The method was validated using matrix-matched calibration. Found limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.03 to 2 ng g(-1) and limits of quantification (LOQs) from 0.08 to 6 ng g(-1), while inter- and intra-day variability was under 14% in all cases. Recovery rates for spiked samples ranged from 94% to 113%. The method was satisfactorily applied for the determination of compounds in human placental tissue samples collected at delivery from 25 randomly selected women.

Determination of selected parabens, benzophenones, triclosan and triclocarban in agricultural soils after and before treatment with compost from sewage sludge: A lixiviation study.

An accurate and sensitive method for the determination of selected EDCs in soil and compost from wastewater treatment plants is developed and validated. Five parabens, six benzophenone-UV filters and the antibacterials triclosan and triclocarban were selected as target analytes. The parameters for ultrasound-assisted extraction were thoroughly optimized. After extraction, the analytes were detected and quantified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Ethylparaben (ring-(13)C6 labelled) and deuterated benzophenone (BP-d10) were used as internal standards. The method was validated using matrix-matched calibration and recovery assays with spiked samples. The limits of detection ranged from 0.03 to 0.40 ng g(-1) and the limits of quantification from 0.1 to 1.0 ng g(-1), while precision in terms of relative standard deviation was between 9% and 21%. Recovery rates ranged from 83% to 107%. The validated method was applied for the study of the behavior of the selected compounds in agricultural soils treated and un-treated with compost from WWTP. A lixiviation study was developed in both agricultural soil and treated soil and first order kinetic models of their disappearance at different depths are proposed. The application of organic composts in the soil leads to an increase of the disappearance rate of the studied compounds. The lixiviation study also shows the risk of pollution of groundwater aquifers after disposal or waste of these EDCs in agricultural soils is not high.

Determination of benzophenone-UV filters in human milk samples using ultrasound-assisted extraction and clean-up with dispersive sorbents followed by UHPLC-MS/MS analysis.

A new sample preparation method for the determination of five benzophenone UV-filters in human breast milk has been developed. The procedure involves the lyophilization of the sample, and its subsequent extraction by ultrasound sonication using acetonitrile. In order to reduce matrix effects produced by milk components that are coextracted, mainly proteins, sugars and lipids, a further clean-up step with a mixture of dispersive-SPE sorbents, C18 and PSA, was applied. Extraction parameters were optimized using experimental design, and the compounds were detected and quantified by ultrahigh performance liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) in positive ESI mode. Analytes were separated in 10 min. BP-d10 was used as internal standard. The limits of detection (LODs) were between 0.1 and 0.2 ng mL(-1), and the limits of quantification (LOQs) were between 0.3 and 0.6 ng mL(-1) for the target analytes. The inter- and intra-day variability was <12%. The method was validated using matrix-matched calibration and recovery assays with spiked samples. Recovery rates were between 90.9 and 109.5%. The method was successfully applied for the determination of these compounds in human milk samples collected from volunteers lactating mothers with no known occupational exposure to these compounds who live in the province of Granada (Spain). The analytical method developed here may be useful for the development of more in-depth studies on the prenatal exposure and biomonitoring of these commonly used UV-filters.

Improved sample treatment for the determination of 17 strong sorbed quinolone antibiotics from compost by ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

The use of compost from sewage sludge for agricultural application is nowadays increasing, since composting is recognized as one of the most important recycling options for this material, being a source of nutrients for plants but also of contamination by persistent pollutants. In the present work, a multi-residue analytical method for the determination of 17 quinolone antibiotic residues in compost using multivariate optimization strategies and ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry has been developed. It is based on the use of microwave-assisted extraction at drastic conditions with ACN:m-phosphoric acid (1% w/v) for 5 min at 120°C, in order to achieve a quantitative extraction of the compounds (>76% of extraction recovery). Extracts were cleaned-up by salt-assisted liquid-liquid extraction (SALLE) with NaCl at pH 1.5 (with HClO4) and then using a dispersive sorbent (PSA). After LC separation, the MS conditions, in positive electrospray ionization mode (ESI), were individually optimized for each analyte to obtain maximum sensitivity in the selected reaction monitoring mode (SRM). The analytes were separated in less than 7 min. Cincophen was used as surrogate standard. The limits of detection ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 ng g(-1), and the limits of the quantification from 0.5 to 1.5 ng g(-1), while intra- and inter-day variability (% RSD) was under 7% in all cases. A recovery assay was performed with spiked samples. Recoveries ranging from 95.3% to 106.2% were obtained. Cleanup procedure reduced significantly matrix effects, which constitutes an important achievement, considering the important drawbacks of matrix components in quality and validation parameters. This method was applied to several commercial compost samples. Only 6 of the studied antibiotics were not detected in any of the samples. The antibiotics with the highest concentrations were ciprofloxacin (836 ng g(-1)), ofloxacin (719 ng g(-1)), and enrofloxacin (674 ng g(-1)), which were also the only ones found in all the analyzed samples. The results showed that this method could also be potentially adapted for the analysis of other strong sorbed basic pharmaceuticals in solid environmental matrices.

Improved sample treatment for the determination of fructooligosaccharides in milk related products by liquid chromatography with electrochemical and refractive index detection.

A simple and reliable method for the determination of the fructooligosaccharides (FOS) kestose (GF2), nystose (GF3), fructofuranosylnystose (GF4), in the presence of fructose, glucose and lactose in dairy products is proposed. The most relevant advantages of the proposed method are the simultaneous determination of the most common FOS in enriched products and a reduction of the time required for sample treatment since the method consists merely in addition of a precipitation solution for the removal of lipids and proteins. Furthermore, the method saves a substantial amount of reagents compared with other methods and sample manipulation is reduced. Two chromatographic separations are proposed. The first one is carried out on an amino phase column for liquid chromatography with refractive index detection (HPLC-RI) (concentration of analytes higher than 0.1 mg mL(-1)) and the second one on an anion-exchange Carbopac PA-1 column for high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) (concentration of FOS lower than 0.1 mg mL(-1)). The method was validated by recovery assays with spiked samples using matrix-matched calibration. The limits of quantification of the method ranged from 1.2 to 2.0 µg mL(-1) for HPAEC-PAD and from 140 to 200 µg mL(-1) for HPLC-RI, while inter- and intra-day variability was under 3.5% in all cases. The proposed method was applied to the determination of compounds in supplemented milk, infant formulas and milk related juices with good recoveries in all cases.