Blank and sample handling troubleshooting in ultratrace analysis of alkylphenols and bisphenol A by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

► Blank contamination can compromise results in APs and BPA determination. ► No detailed blank contamination studies in APs and BPA analysis in the literature. ► Identification of sources of blank contamination in APs and BPA analysis. ► Minimization of blank contamination (reduction >90%), instrumental blank <0.09 ng. ► Sample handling protocol was established for analysis of water samples.