Multi-residue method for trace level determination of pharmaceuticals in environmental samples using liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

► We developed a single run LC-MS/MS method for determination of 100 pharmaceuticals. ► We validated the method for surface water and sewage effluent. ► The use of matrix matched standards is necessary. ► We obtained satisfactory recoveries and results variability for the most pharmaceuticals (91 and 93 respectively).