A Rapid LCMS Method for Evaluating PPCPs Contaminants Found in Drinking Water

Significance of the Topic

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) are increasingly detected in water supplies due to their widespread use in human health, cosmetics and agriculture. Even at parts-per-billion levels, these trace contaminants may pose risks to ecosystems and public health. Reliable, rapid analytical methods are essential to assess environmental exposure, support regulatory frameworks and guide remediation efforts.

Study Objectives and Overview

This work aimed to develop and validate a high-throughput liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method capable of separating, detecting and quantifying a broad range of PPCPs in environmental water at sub-ppb levels within a single 6.5-minute run. The method covers 20 target analytes plus two internal standards, aligning with EPA methods 1694, 6810 and 4167.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

The method employs reversed-phase ultra-fast liquid chromatography with a binary gradient and heated electrospray ionization in both positive and negative modes. Key procedural elements include:

• Analyte panel: broad-spectrum antibiotics, antifungals, stimulants, opiates, alkaloids, antihistamines, biguanides and progestins (20 compounds plus two internal standards)
• Chromatography: Shim-Pack XR-ODS column at 40 °C, 0.6 mL/min flow, 1 µL injection, autosampler at 15 °C
• Mass spectrometry: Shimadzu LCMS-8050 with heated ESI, nebulizing gas 3 L/min, drying gas 7 L/min, interface 350 °C, DL 125 °C, heat block 350 °C

Main Results and Discussion

Calibration curves in mobile-phase matrix demonstrated linearity (R2 > 0.98 for all analytes) over ranges spanning 0.1–750 ppb (varying by compound). Limits of quantitation fell between 0.1 and 5 ppb, with %RSD at LOQ below 15%. Precision and accuracy studies at 10 ppb and 75 ppb levels yielded average recoveries within ±15% and %RSD below 12%. In a set of river water samples, only miconazole was detected above the LOQ, likely reflecting sample dilution from heavy rainfall.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• Rapid throughput: complete analysis in 6.5 minutes enables high sample volumes
• Broad analyte coverage: simultaneous quantitation of diverse PPCP classes
• High sensitivity and reproducibility suitable for environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance
• Direct applicability to drinking water quality assessment and wastewater surveillance

Future Trends and Opportunities for Use

Advances may include extension of analyte panels to emerging contaminants, automation for fully unattended operation, coupling with high-resolution MS for non-target screening and integration with field-deployable systems for near real-time monitoring. Data from longitudinal surveys can inform risk assessment and guide policy development.

Conclusion

A robust, ultra-fast LC-MS/MS method was established for quantifying trace PPCPs in water with high sensitivity, precision and throughput. This platform supports environmental surveillance efforts and can be adapted for broader contaminant screening under varying field conditions.

References

Pryor K., Byrne J., Lieberman R., Gilles C. A rapid LCMS method for evaluating PPCP contaminants found in drinking water. Shimadzu Scientific Instruments; ASMS 2017; TP-166.