Automated microextraction by packed sorbent of endocrine disruptors in wastewater using a high-throughput robotic platform followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Author(s)

Bocelli, Marcio David ; Medina, Deyber Arley Vargas ; Lancas, Fernando Mauro ; dos Santos-Neto, Alvaro Jose

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY; v. N/A, p. 12-pg., 2023-08-03.

Abstract

An automated microextraction by packed sorbent followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MEPS-LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of four endocrine disruptors-parabens, benzophenones, and synthetic phenolic antioxidants-in wastewater samples. The method utilizes a lab-made repackable MEPS device and a multi-syringe robotic platform that provides flexibility to test small quantities (2 mg) of multiple extraction phases and enables high-throughput capabilities for efficient method development. The overall performance of the MEPS procedure, including the investigation of influencing variables and the optimization of operational parameters for the robotic platform, was comprehensively studied through univariate and multivariate experiments. Under optimized conditions, the target analytes were effectively extracted from a small sample volume of 1.5 mL, with competitive detectability and analytical confidence. The limits of detection ranged from 0.15 to 0.30 ng L-1, and the intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations were between 3 and 21%. The method's applicability was successfully demonstrated by determining methylparaben, propylparaben, butylated hydroxyanisole, and oxybenzone in wastewater samples collected from the Sao Carlos (SP, Brazil) river. Overall, the developed method proved to be a fast, sensitive, reliable, and environmentally friendly analytical tool for water quality monitoring. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/02147-0 - Single drop chromatography and its coupling to mass spectrometry: instrumental strategies, development of materials, automation and analytical applications
• Grantee: Fernando Mauro Lanças
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/22724-7 - Novel instrumental approaches for automated and miniaturized analytical methods for the detection of organic compounds by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry
• Grantee: Deyber Arley Vargas Medina
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 15/15462-5 - Employment of graphene as sorbent in miniaturized sample preparation techniques.
• Grantee: Bruno Henrique Fumes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 14/07347-9 - Development of novel materials and devices for miniaturized sample preparation techniques in the area of food safety
• Grantee: Fernando Mauro Lanças
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants