Determination of anti-inflammatory drugs and estrogens in water by HPLC with UV detection

An analytical method based on LC and UV detection has been developed for the determination of anti-inflammatory compounds and estrogens in water samples. The drugs investigated were diclofenac, ketoprofen, ibuprofen, naproxen, clofibric acid, estriol, 17 beta-estradiol, estrone and ethynylestradiol. The detection limits were in the range of 6-74 mu g/L and 0.041-0.16 mg/L for acidic pharmaceuticals and estrogens, respectively, using narrow-bore C18 analytical column. Analyte enrichment from water samples was achieved by SPE procedure using polymeric Strata-X cartridges. Average recoveries obtained from 2.5 L of surface water sample were in the range of 77-98%.