A new pretreatment and improved method for determination of selected estrogens in high matrix solid sewage samples by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

► This analytical method is applied for trace estrogens under a complex matrix. ► Good purification results are ensured by a precisely designed procedure. ► The purification effects were evaluated by UV-vis and matrix effect equation. ► Both recovery and optimization experiments were conducted for each procedure. ► Factors which influence the recovery were discussed in a mechanism level.