Bruker has released an application note detailing a simple and convenient method for the quantification of trace pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in clean water, using Bruker’s EVOQ triple quadrupole liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS).

PPCPs are products used for personal health or cosmetic reasons. PPCPs in environmental and potable water are potentially harmful for both humans and the environment, so are strictly regulated by environmental bodies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).  Bruker’s technique proved simpler than traditional solid phase extraction (SPE) based methods and the EVOQ showed excellent sensitivity and robustness throughout.    

PPCPs include a very broad group of chemical substances such as human and veterinary medicines, cosmetics and housecleaning products. PPCPs may prove harmful to the environment due to their unpredictability when mixed with other chemicals. They also are highly soluble and some degrade slowly over a long period of time, and as a result some PPCPs are also detected in soil and higher up the food chain. For this reason the US EPA stringently monitors trace concentrations of PPCPs. Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry delivers the sensitivity and selectivity to detect PPCPs at trace levels required by legislation.

The application note explores the high sensitivity of the EVOQ in detecting PPCPS in clean water. Several water samples were analyzed for a range of PPCP species including tap water samples along with bottled and creek water. Samples were analyzed for a range of PPCP representing compounds displaying varied properties and concentrations. All PPCPs were detected at 2 ppt or better within 0.4 mL samples. Excellent linearity, sensitivity and robustness were achieved throughout. The technique proved more convenient and simpler than traditional SPE based methods in detecting PPCPs.

Joe Anacleto, Bruker VP of Market Development explained that "The EVOQ’s robustness and high sensitivity deliver game-changing performance in high-throughput laboratories conducting routine environmental monitoring as well as food and water analysis.” Anacleto went on to say, “Our unique innovations, including the EVOQ’s Active Exhaust and IQ Dual Funnel, deliver sustained high sensitivity, which is central to improving productivity. Our PACER software provides faster data-to-report times by reducing unnecessary review."

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