Analytical methodologies for the determination of nitroimidazole residues in biological and environmental liquid samples: A review

Nitroimidazoles (NDZs) are antiprotozoal drugs that are typically used in veterinary and human medicine. NDZs and their metabolites are believed to possess genotoxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, and this is (one reason) why their use has been banned within the European Union. Hence, the determination of trace residues of these substances in edible animal tissues has been of growing concern over the past few years. Even, though there has been a need to develop sensitive and reliable analytical methods to study the residues of these compounds in different matrices, available methodologies in environmental samples are rather limited. These and other pharmaceutical compounds have become one of the most important new classes of environmental pollutants that have been detected in wastewater-treatment-plant (WWTP) effluents, receiving waters, drinking water and groundwater. A compilation of the most representative analytical methodologies for the determination of NDZ residues during the last decade is presented in this paper. Its scope is the two main areas which require their determination, namely biological and environmental matrices. A detailed explanation of both areas, including sample treatment and detection systems, and future trends is presented, focusing on the difficulties of confirming analytes at low concentration levels.