Determination of antibacterials in river water by solid phase extraction using LC -MS/MS

Abstract

Analytical method was developed for the detection of fluoroquinolones (FQs), sulfonamides and Amphenicol in Emajogi river in Tartu City. The compounds were simultaneously extracted from river water using solid phase extraction (SPE). Identification and quantification was done through Liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in selected reaction monitoring (MRM) mode.The recovery of FQs ranged 62% for Enrofloxacin to 76% Marbofloxacin and 68% Florfenicol ,69% sulfamethoxazole. Limit of Quantification ranged from 0.1 ngg-1 for SA’s ,0.6 - 1.5 ngg-1 for FQ’s, and 0.9ngg-1 for FF. The method was developed and valdated for river water analysis of samples from upstream, midpoint and down stream of the WWTP. The method developed may be used for a more in-depth study on the occurence and fate of these commonly used pharmaceuticals in river water bodies.