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 high-performance 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.