GC-MS and HPLC-MS analysis of bioactive pharmaceuticals and personal-care products in environmental matrices

We review analytical methods published between January 2001 and January 2007 using either gas chromatography (GC) or highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separations and mass spectrometric (MS) detection technologies for the analysis of bioactive pharmaceuticals and personal-care products (PPCPs) in environmental matrices. We emphasize sample preparation, the pros and cons of available MS techniques, the benefits of using quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA) protocols during routine analysis, and the difficulties associated with the matrix effect in the electrospray ionization (ESI) source. We discuss the need for a concerted approach to determine numerical values associated with limits of detection in this emerging area of environmental analysis, along with the use of QC/QA samples and low-level data qualifiers with recommended solutions. Crown Copyright (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.