Isotope dilution for quantitation of steroid estrogens and nonylphenols by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in septic, soil, and groundwater matrices

A simplified, in-line solid-phase extraction and clean-up process is presented for rapid extraction and analysis of steroid estrogens and nonylphenols by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Isotope dilution with multiple deuterated standards has been developed, evaluated, and verified using this method against standard addition for the analysis of estrone, estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, and 4-nonylphenols in septic, soil, and groundwater matrices. The accuracy and precision of isotope dilution was comparable to standard addition yet was able to quantify analytes with the use of fewer samples by including [2H4]estradiol, [2H4]ethinylestradiol, [2H4]nonylphenol, and estradiol-17-acetate as internal standards. Specific details and validation of the method are presented as are data showing the occurrence of estrogens and nonylphenols in an on-site wastewater treatment (septic) system with advanced stages of pretreatment and recirculation to an office building for non-potable reuse.