Quantitative performance of liquid chromatography coupled to Q-Exactive high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for the analysis of tetracyclines in a complex matrix

The presence of antibiotics in the environment is of increased interest and, as modern mass spectrometers become more efficient, we are increasingly aware of traces of pharmaceuticals appearing in a wide range of environmental and biological matrices. The Q-Exactive mass spectrometer is part of these innovative hybrid high-resolution mass spectrometers (HRMS) which is often associated with peptide sequencing or metabolomics but with a limited number of studies focusing on its application to the quantification of small molecules in environmental and biological matrices. It combines the high resolving power (RP) performance of the Orbitrap with the high performance selectivity of the quadrupole. Tetracyclines (TCs) are a family comprising some of the most widely used antibiotics in veterinary medicine. This study presents the quantitative performances of the Q-Exactive by illustrating a new approach to quantify TCs using liquid chromatography coupled to a HRMS in a complex matrix, i.e., swine manure. The Q-Exactive was used at high-resolution in both full scan (FS) and targeted ion fragmentation (tMS²) modes. These two modes were optimized and compared to determine the most reliable and efficient approach to quantify TCs with good accuracy. The proposed method was optimized to obtain the best selectivity and sensitivity, thus eliminating false positive and allowing the detection of trace levels of analyte. The TCs were extracted from the matrix by sonication using McIlvaine buffer followed by an off-line solid phase extraction method to concentrate and clean the extracts. Both FS and tMS² modes presented good linearity (R² > 0.991) and repeatability (RSD < 15%). Mass accuracy was acceptable with values below 2 ppm. The method detection limits (MLD) calculated from the calibration curves ranged from 2.0 to 12 ng g⁻¹ for FS mode and from 1.5 to 3.6 ng g⁻¹ for tMS² mode. Accuracy and interday/intraday relative standard deviations were below 21% for both modes studied. TCs were quantified in real samples of swine manure with concentrations ranging from 29 to 75 ng g⁻¹. This study showed the possibility of using hybrid HRMS for trace detection and quantification of TCs in a complex matrix, thus avoiding false positive while achieving good selectivity and sensitivity.     

Quantification of anthelmintic drug residues in milk and muscle tissues by liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

A simple method for the determination of some anthelmintic drugs and phenylbutazone residues in milk and muscle was developed. Following a fast and easy extraction and evaporation procedure, the extract was injected into an ultra performance liquid chromatography system coupled to a single stage Orbitrap detector. The high mass resolution of 50,000 full width at half maximum and corresponding narrow mass windows permitted a very selective and sensitive detection of analytes without requiring fragmentation of the observed [M+H]⁺ or [M+Na]⁺ ions. This eliminated some difficulties which have plagued the analysis of compounds belonging to the group of avermectins. The analytical method was validated according to the EU commission decision for Orbitrap based, but also for more traditional tandem mass spectrometry based detection and quantification. Equal repeatability but significantly higher sensitivity for critical compounds (avermectins) was obtained for the Orbitrap based detection. A result of this study was the conclusion that analytes with poor fragmentation properties (e.g. sodium-cationized molecules) can be more easily quantified by single stage high resolution mass spectrometry than by tandem mass spectrometry.     

高效液相色谱-四极杆/静电场轨道阱高分辨质谱测定奶粉中的低聚果糖

建立了高效液相色谱-四极杆/静电场轨道阱高分辨质谱法测定奶粉中低聚果糖的方法。奶粉样品用水溶解,加乙酸锌沉淀蛋白,经离心、0.22 μm粒径的微孔膜过滤后,采用Carbohydrate色谱柱(100 mm×2.1 mm, 2.6 μm)进行分离,以乙腈与0.1%乙酸水溶液为流动相进行梯度洗脱。质谱采用正离子Target-MS/MS模式,在分离窗口为m/z 4.0和碰撞能为30 eV的条件下,提取响应值较高且在待测样品中无干扰的目标子离子的精确质量数,此方法能够很好地排除样品中的基质干扰。在所建立的色谱-质谱条件下,蔗果三糖(GF₂)、蔗果四糖(GF₃)和蔗果五糖(GF₄)能够得到较好的分离,高分辨质谱提取的质量准确度小于5×10^-6(5 ppm),整个分析时间只需10 min。该方法对GF₂和GF₃的检出限可达100 μg/kg,对GF₄的检出限可达55 μg/kg。待测物质采用外标法定量,线性关系良好,相关系数均大于0.998。通过加标验证,在5、10和20 mg/kg 3个加标水平下,奶粉中GF₂、GF₃和GF₄的平均回收率在75.8%~107.3%范围内,相对标准偏差(RSD)在1.6%~8.3%范围内。该方法样品前处理过程简单,只需沉淀蛋白质,通过二级子离子的选择即可排除基质干扰,分析时间短,测定结果准确、可靠,适用于任何奶粉的高通量测定。     

Quantitative profiling of phosphatidylethanol molecular species in human blood by liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a group of aberrant phospholipids formed in cell membranes in the presence of ethanol by the catalytic action of the enzyme phospholipase D on phosphatidylcholine. Recently published literature has demonstrated the existence of several molecular species of PEth in samples drawn from alcohol-dependent subjects. A novel liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method coupled with a lipidomic strategy was developed and validated for the quantitative profiling of PEth molecular species in human blood collected from heavy and social drinkers. Chromatography was performed on a C18 column using acetonitrile, 10mM ammonium acetate, and 2-propanol as mobile phases with a 22-min gradient. HRMS experiments were performed on an LTQ-Orbitrap XL hybrid mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source operated in negative ion mode. The theoretical masses of [M-H](-) of PEth species were calculated from the elemental chemical formula by varying the length and unsaturation grade of the fatty acid side chains; identification of PEth species in blood was achieved by searching the accurate masses of the targeted compounds in the acquired full-scan LC-HRMS chromatogram. The chemical structure of tentatively identified PEth species was elucidated through HR multiple mass experiments. The validated LC-HRMS method was selective, as warranted by HRMS at 60,000 resolution and 4 ppm accuracy. Linearity was observed in the 0.001-2.000 μM range, and limit of detection of 0.0005 μM and limit of quantitation of 0.001 μM were obtained for single PEth species. Imprecision and inaccuracy were always lower than 10% and 15%, respectively. The identification capabilities of the method were tested on blood samples collected from heavy drinkers (n=11), social drinkers (n=8), and teetotalers (n=10). The high sensitivity of the method led to the simultaneous identification of 17 different PEth molecular species in blood collected from heavy drinkers, and 2 PEth species (16:0/18:1 and 16:0/18:2) in blood collected from social drinkers.     

Rapid quantification of pharmaceuticals and pesticides in passive samplers using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry

The presence of both pharmaceuticals and pesticides in the aquatic environment has become a well-known environmental issue during the last decade. An increasing demand however still exists for sensitive and reliable monitoring tools for these rather polar contaminants in the marine environment. In recent years, the great potential of passive samplers or equilibrium based sampling techniques for evaluation of the fate of these contaminants has been shown in literature. Therefore, we developed a new analytical method for the quantification of a high number of pharmaceuticals and pesticides in passive sampling devices. The analytical procedure consisted of extraction using 1:1 methanol/acetonitrile followed by detection with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution and high mass accuracy Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Validation of the analytical method resulted in limits of quantification and recoveries ranging between 0.2 and 20 ng per sampler sheet and between 87.9 and 105.2%, respectively. Determination of the sampler-water partition coefficients of all compounds demonstrated that several pharmaceuticals and most pesticides exert a high affinity for the polydimethylsiloxane passive samplers. Finally, the developed analytical methods were used to measure the time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of the targeted pollutants in passive samplers, deployed at eight stations in the Belgian coastal zone. Propranolol, carbamazepine and seven pesticides were found to be very abundant in the passive samplers. These obtained long-term and large-scale TWA concentrations will contribute in assessing the environmental and human health risk of these emerging pollutants.     

Coupling liquid chromatography to Orbitrap mass spectrometry

The Orbitrap mass analyzer has become a mainstream mass spectrometry technique. In addition to providing a brief introduction to the Orbitrap technology and its continuing development, this article reviews the most recent publications quoting the use of the Orbitrap detection for a variety of chromatographic separation techniques. Its coupling to reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) represents undoubtedly the most ubiquitous approach to both small molecule and proteomic analyses. Multi-dimensional LC separations have an important role to play in the proteomics applications while an ultra-high-pressure LC is more frequently encountered in the area of metabolomics and metabolite analysis. Recently, special chromatographic techniques such as hydrophilic interaction chromatography and its variations have also been also cited with the Orbitrap detection.     

Novel approaches in analysis of Fusarium mycotoxins in cereals employing ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry

Rapid, simple and cost-effective analytical methods with performance characteristics matching regulatory requirements are needed for effective control of occurrence of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal-based products to which they might be transferred during processing. Within this study, two alternative approaches enabling retrospective data analysis and identification of unknown signals in sample extracts have been implemented and validated for determination of 11 major Fusarium toxins. In both cases, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (U-HPLC) coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (HR MS) was employed. ¹³C isotopically labeled surrogates as well as matrix-matched standards were employed for quantification. As far as time of flight mass analyzer (TOF-MS) was a detection tool, the use of modified QuEChERS (quick easy cheap effective rugged and safe) sample preparation procedure, widely employed in multi-pesticides residue analysis, was shown as an optimal approach to obtain low detection limits. The second challenging alternative, enabling direct analysis of crude extract, was the use of mass analyzer based on Orbitrap technology. In addition to demonstration of full compliance of the new methods with Commission Regulation (EC) No. 401/2006, also their potential to be used for confirmatory purposes according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC has been critically assessed.     

A new strategy for the discovery of epimedium metabolites using high-performance liquid chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry

In this paper, a new strategy of drug metabolite discovery and identification was established using high-performance liquid chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC–HRMS) and a mass spectral trees similarity filter (MTSF) technique. The MTSF technique was developed as a means to rapidly discover comprehensive metabolites from multiple active components in a complicated biological matrix. Using full-scan mass spectra as the stem and data-dependent subsequent stage mass spectra to form branches, the HRMS and multiple-stage mass spectrometric data from detected compounds were converted to mass spectral trees data. Potential metabolites were discovered based on the similarity between their mass spectral trees and that known compounds or metabolites in a mass spectra trees library. The threshold value for match similarity scores was set at above 200, allowing approximately 80% of interference to be filtered out. A total of 115 metabolites of five flavonoid monomers (epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariin, and baohuoside I) and herbal extract of epimedium were discovered and identified in rats via this new strategy. As a result, a metabolic profile for epimedium was obtained and a metabolic pathway was proposed. In addition, comparing to the widely used neutral loss filter (NLF), product ion filter (PIF), and mass defect filter (MDF) techniques, the MTSF technique was shown superior efficiency and selectivity for discovering and identifying metabolites in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).     

Analysis of multiple mycotoxins in cereals under ambient conditions using direct analysis in real time (DART) ionization coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry

Direct analysis in real time (DART) ionization coupled to an (ultra)high resolution mass spectrometer based on orbitrap technology (orbitrapMS) was used for rapid quantitative analysis of multiple mycotoxins isolated from wheat and maize by modified QuEChERS procedure. After initial evaluation of ionization efficiencies for major groups of mycotoxins achievable with DART technology, sample preparation procedure and instrument parameter settings were optimized to obtain sensitive and accurate determination of most intensively ionizing toxins (deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, zearalenon, actyldeoxynivalenol, deepoxy-deoxynivalenol, fusarenon-X, altenuene, alternariol, alternariolmethylether, diacetoxyscirpenol, sterigmatocystin). The lowest calibration levels (LCLs) estimated for the respective analytes ranged from 50 to 150 μg kg⁻¹. Quantitative analysis was performed either with the use of matrix-matched standards or by employing commercially available ¹³C-labeled internal standards (available for deoxynivalenol, nivalenol and zearalenon). Good recoveries (100-108%) and repeatabilities (RSD 5.4-6.9%) were obtained at spiking level 500 μg kg⁻¹ with isotope dilution technique. Based on matrix-matched calibration, recoveries and repeatabilities were in the range 84-118% and 7.9-12.0% (RSD), respectively. The trueness of data obtained for deoxynivalenol and zearalenon in wheat/maize by DART-orbitrapMS was demonstrated by analysis of certified reference materials (CRMs). Good agreement of these results with data generated by validated ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was documented.     

高效液相色谱-串联质谱法同时测定牛奶和奶粉中的青霉素类药物及其主要酶解代谢产物

建立了液相色谱-串联质谱法同时测定牛奶和奶粉中4种青霉素(青霉素G、青霉素V、阿莫西林、氨苄西林)及其4种 β-内酰胺酶酶解产物(青霉素G脱羧噻唑酸、青霉素V脱羧噻唑酸、阿莫西林脱羧噻唑酸、氨苄西林脱羧噻唑酸)残留的方法。样品采用乙腈-水提取,浓缩后经HLB柱净化,用液相色谱-串联质谱检测,外标法定量。结果表明,青霉素原药在4~200 μg/L,酶解产物在10~500 μg/L范围呈良好线性,线性相关系数均大于0.99;样品检出限为5~50 μg/kg(S/N≥3),定量限为8~100 μg/kg(S/N≥10);对牛奶和奶粉样品分别进行3个水平的加标回收实验(n=6),牛奶中青霉素及其酶解产物的平均回收率为83.48%~96.97%,相对标准偏差为3.86%~10.87%;奶粉中青霉素及其酶解产物的平均回收率为82.70%~95.14%,相对标准偏差为3.02%~9.81%。该方法稳定、可靠,适用于牛奶和奶粉中青霉素类药物及其酶解代谢产物的测定。     

The use of high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry coupled to advanced data mining and chemometric tools for discrimination and classification of red wines according to their variety

In this study, the potential of high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC–QTOFMS) for metabolomic profiling of red wine samples was examined. Fifty one wines representing three varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir) of various geographical origins were sourced from the European and US retail market. To find compounds detected in analyzed samples, an automated compound (feature) extraction algorithm was employed for processing background subtracted single MS data. Stepwise reduction of the data dimensionality was followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) which were employed to explore the structure of the data and construct classification models. The validated PLS-DA model based on data recorded in positive ionization mode enabled correct classification of 96% of samples. Determination of molecular formula and tentative identification of marker compound was carried out using accurate mass measurement of full single MS spectra. Additional information was obtained by correlating the fragments obtained by MS/MS accurate mass spectra using the QTOF with collision induced dissociation (CID) of precursor ions.     

Screening for exogenous androgen anabolic steroids in human hair by liquid chromatography/orbitrap-high resolution mass spectrometry

A method for the screening of various anabolic steroids and their esters in human hair, based on liquid-chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry using an Exactive benchtop Orbitrap mass spectrometer, has been set up and validated. This method involved methanolic incubation of 30 mg of hair and analysis of the relevant extract in HPLC using a C18 column. The mass detector, with nominal resolving power of 100,000, operated in full scan mode in APCI under positive ionization mode. Analytes were identified by exact mass, correspondence of isotopic cluster and retention times.     

Rapid confirmatory analysis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in bovine milk by rapid resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid method has been developed to analyse carprofen (CPF), diclofenac (DCF), mefenamic acid (MFN), niflumic acid (NIFLU), naproxen (NAP), oxyphenylbutazone (OXYPHEN), phenylbutazone (PBZ) and suxibuzone (SUXI) residues in bovine milk. Milk samples are extracted with acetonitrile and sample extracts were purified on Evolute™ ABN solid phase extraction cartridges. Aliquots were analysed by rapid resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-MS/MS) with a runtime of 6.5 min. The method was validated in bovine milk, according to the criteria defined in Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. CCα values of 0.46, 1.08, 0.92, 1.26, 1.29, 2.12, 0.55 and 2.86 ng mL⁻¹ were determined for CPF, DCF, MFN, NIFLU, NAP, OXYPHEN, PBZ and SUXI, respectively. CCβ values of 0.79, 1.85, 1.56, 2.15, 2.19, 3.62, 0.94 and 4.87 ng mL⁻¹ were determined for CPF, DCF, MFN, NIFLU, NAP, OXYPHEN, PBZ and SUXI, respectively. The measurement uncertainty of the method was estimated at 9, 28, 28, 45, 46, 45, 10 and 39% for CPF, DCF, MFN, NIFLU, NAP, OXYPHEN, PBZ and SUXI. Fortifying bovine milk samples (n = 18) in three separate assays, show the accuracy of the method to be between 82 and 108%. The precision of the method, expressed as RSD values for the within-lab reproducibility at the three levels of fortification (5, 7.5 and 10 ng mL⁻¹) was less than 16%, respectively. The advantage of the method is that low ng mL⁻¹ levels can be detected and quantitatively confirmed rapidly in milk and that 3 batches of samples can be analysed within a single day using RRLC-MS/MS with a runtime of 6.5 min.     

超高效液相色谱-静电场轨道阱高分辨质谱法同时测定合成革中8种异氰酸酯残留

建立了超高效液相色谱-静电场轨道阱高分辨质谱（UPLC-Orbitrap HRMS）同时测定合成革中8种异氰酸酯残留的方法。样品中残留的异氰酸酯经二氯甲烷超声萃取后,用9-甲氨基甲基蒽（MAMA）进行衍生,衍生产物浓缩定容后进行UPLC-Orbitrap HRMS分析,外标法定量。衍生产物在Hypersil GOLD色谱柱（100 mm×2.1 mm,1.9 μm）上进行分离,流动相为乙腈-0.1%（v/v）甲酸水溶液,采用电喷雾正离子（ESI⁺）模式电离,以保留时间和准分子离子精确质量数定性,以提取离子色谱峰面积定量。各组分的定量限均为0.2 μg/kg,在3个加标浓度水平下,方法的平均加标回收率为85.41%～95.53%,相对标准偏差（RSD）为2.55%～6.87%。应用该方法对市售合成革产品进行监测,结果在1个样品中检出了异佛尔酮二异氰酸酯。该方法定性准确,定量限低,灵敏度高,可用于合成革中异氰酸酯残留的测定。     

Determination of seven drugs of abuse and their metabolites in surface and wastewater using solid‐phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry

A method based on liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry (Exactive Orbitrap) combined with solid‐phase extraction using a strong cationic exchange mixed‐mode sorbent has been developed for the determination of seven drugs of abuse, including two synthetic cathinones, as well as some of their metabolites in environmental water samples. The method provides low detection limits and a high confirmation power thanks to the diagnostic and two fragment ions monitored for each compound in high‐resolution mass spectrometry, providing six identification points for each analyte. The clean‐up step based on methanol in the extraction step adequately decreased the matrix effect, mainly for river and effluent water, and provided suitable process efficiency. Method detection and quantitation limits for environmental waters were at low nanogram per liter. The method was applied to analyze the samples of influent and effluent wastewater, as well as surface water. Codeine, methadone, and its metabolite were determined in all samples of wastewater and the metabolite of cocaine, benzoylecgonine, was found at the highest concentration.     

超高效液相色谱-四极杆/静电场轨道阱高分辨质谱检测食品中的牛奶过敏原酪蛋白

基于超高效液相色谱-四极杆/静电场轨道阱高分辨质谱系统,建立了食品中牛奶过敏原酪蛋白的快速筛查和定量检测方法。样品经缓冲液提取后,采用5 kD超滤膜去除小分子杂质,得到蛋白质提取液。以数据依赖采集(data-dependent acquisition,DDA)方式获得全扫描质谱图,进行蛋白质定性确证,以平行反应监测(parallel reaction monitoring,PRM)技术对目标特征肽段进行定量分析。针对特征肽段,设计并合成了内标肽和内标物质,以降低基质效应和抵消处理过程中的损失。该方法应用于食品中的α-酪蛋白、β-酪蛋白和κ-酪蛋白的快速筛查和定量检测。结果表明,该方法在5~250μg/L范围内线性关系良好,定量限为0.2~5.5μg/kg,平均回收率在68.8%~104.4%之间,RSD6%。该方法可用于果汁饮料、果酱、面包、早餐谷物中牛奶过敏原酪蛋白的快速筛查和定量分析。     

Application of multiwalled carbon nanotubes as sorbents for the extraction of mycotoxins in water samples and infant milk formula prior to high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis

In this work, a simple and environmental friendly methodology has been developed for the analysis of a group of six mycotoxins with estrogenic activity produced by Fusarium species (i.e. zearalanone, zearalenone, α‐zearalanol, β‐zearalanol, α‐zearalenol, and β‐zearalenol), using microdispersive SPE (μ‐dSPE) with multiwalled carbon nanotubes as sorbent. Separation, determination, and quantification were achieved by HPLC coupled to ion trap MS with an ESI interface. Parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of µ‐dSPE such as pH of the sample, amount of multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and type and volume of elution solvent, were studied and optimized. The methodology was validated for mineral, pond, and wastewater as well as for powdered infant milk using 17β‐estradiol‐2,4,16,16,17‐d₅ (17β‐E₂‐D₅) as internal standard, obtaining recoveries ranging from 85 to 120% for the three types of water samples and from 77 to 115% for powdered infant milk. RSD values were lower than 10%. The LOQs achieved were in the range 0.05–2.90 μg/L for water samples and 2.02–31.9 μg/L for powdered infant milk samples.     

超高效液相色谱/高分辨飞行时间质谱法同时检测乳制品中19种抗生素

利用超高效液相色谱/高分辨飞行时间质谱结合数据库建立了乳制品中19种抗生素的分析方法。样品依次经过乙腈和酸化乙腈处理后,冷冻离心浓缩,经超高效液相色谱分离,正离子扫描模式下,在10 min内对19种抗生素进行分离和检测,质量浓度在10～500或15～1000 μg/L范围内具有良好的线性关系,检出限为3～5 μg/L,平均回收率为68.4%～96.7%。加标样品的筛查结果表明,保留时间偏差不大于0.1 min,质量偏差小于5 mDa,同位素峰形匹配度不低于87.4%, 19种加标抗生素被全部检测出来,且大部分抗生素获得很高的鉴定评分。对购自本地超市的40余份乳制品进行了筛查分析,未检出阳性样品。该分析方法具有前处理简单、分析速度快、灵敏度高、质量精确度高的特点,可应用于乳制品中抗生素的快速筛查。     

Analysis of catecholamines and their metabolites in adrenal gland by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Two simple, rapid and specific analytical methods for 13 catecholamines and their metabolites have been developed based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in a multiple reaction monitoring mode. Tyrosine, dopamine, dihydroxyphenylalanine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, 3-methoxytyramine, normetanephrine, metanephrine and isoproterenol (internal standard) were separated on a Kromasil™ Cyano analytical column by a mobile phase consisting of 60% (v/v) acetonitrile and 40% (v/v) water adjusted with formic acid to pH 3.0, and detected by positive ionization electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. While vanillymandelic acid, 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid, homovanillic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylglycol and 5-hydroxy-2-indolecarboxylic acid (internal standard) were separated on a reversed-phase Shim-Pak VP-ODS column with the mobile phase of 60% (v/v) acetonitrile, and 40% (v/v) water adjusted with formic acid to pH 4.5 and detected in the negative ionization electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. The influence of various parameters such as column type and mobile phase composition on separation and sensitivity were investigated. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.5-20 ng mL⁻¹. The mean recoveries determined from three different concentrations of each analyte were above 85.4%. The precision of the method calculated as relative standard deviation was lower than 5.3%. Deduced from the results of real sample analysis, adrenal gland synthesizes and stores the catecholamine hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine.     

Pressurized liquid extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry applied to determine iodinated X-ray contrast media in sewage sludge

Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) has been successfully applied for the first time to the extraction of five iodinated X-ray contrast media from sludge. Once optimized all PLE parameters, the extract has been analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, being the method developed sensible enough to reach limit of quantifications (LOQs) of 25 μg kg⁻¹ (d.w.). The developed method has been applied to the analysis of sludge from urban sewage treatment plants and although some compounds such as iopromide, diatrizoic acid and iopamidol have been identified, their concentrations have been lower than their LOQs.