Novel amide polar-embedded reversed-phase column for the fast liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method to determine polyether ionophores in environmental waters

A fast chromatographic method has been developed that takes less than 5 min per run to determine five polyether ionophores with a novel amide polar-embedded reversed-phase column coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. A comparison between Oasis HLB and Oasis MAX sorbents for the solid-phase extraction was done. Oasis HLB sorbent gave recoveries close to 90% and the repeatability (%RSD, 25–100 ng/L, n = 3) of the method was less than 7% for all compounds in all matrices. The presence of polyether ionophores in environmental waters such as river water and sewage was investigated. Monensin and narasin were frequently determined in influent and effluent sewage at concentrations from 10 ng/L to 47 ng/L in influents and from 6 ng/L to 34 ng/L in effluents. In river waters, polyether ionophores were not detected in any sample.

► Fast LC–MS/MS method to determine five polyether ionophores in environmental waters. ► SPE procedure developed provides recoveries close to 90% for all compounds. ► Method provides limits of detection and quantification at low ng/L levels. ► Monensin and narasin were determined in sewages.