Rapid gas chromatography–mass spectrometry screening method for human pharmaceuticals, hormones, antioxidants and plasticizers in water

A rapid gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method was developed and validated allowing quantification at the ng/l level of 19 analytes in water including human pharmaceuticals, hormones, antioxidants and a plasticizer. On-line continuous liquid–liquid extraction with dichloromethane of 10–40 l unfiltered water samples was used to achieve a 10 000–40 000–fold concentration factor. No sample cleanup or derivatization was required. Recoveries ranged from 57 to 120%. Application of the method to water recycling plant effluent demonstrated the presence of nearly all targeted compounds at ng/l to μg/l levels. Screening for nontarget compounds in the treated effluent samples indicated the method could be readily extended to include additional analytes.