Liquid chromatography/time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (LC/TOF/MS) for the analysis of emerging contaminants

Abstract

In this review, we focus on the importance of unequivocally detecting emerging contaminants, as well as establishing their presence in the environment by accurate mass spectrometric measurement techniques. The environmental issue of emerging contaminants is tied to the analysis of wastewater samples using the new analytical methods of the last decade, especially liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and time-of-flight mass spectrometric (TOF/MS) techniques. Because of the high complexity of some environmental samples (i.e. wastewater and sludge samples), high-resolving power techniques are needed to provide additional structural information. Thus, this paper focuses on LC/TOF/MS to analyze unknowns in the aquatic environment. Emerging contaminants are defined as compounds that are not currently covered by existing regulations of water quality, that have not been previously studied, and that are thought to be a possible threat to environmental health and safety. In particular, these compounds include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, surfactants, and pesticide degradates. Unique types of structural information for these compounds are derived from TOF/MS and quadrupole (Q)-TOF/MS instruments for the analysis of emerging contaminants in water and sediments. This review explains the unique features of these instruments and gives examples of their applications.