Determination of UV Filters in Waste Sludge Using QuEChERS Method Followed by In-Port Derivatization Coupled with GC–MS/MS

Abstract

UV filters (UVFs) are widely used in personal care and in industrial products for protection against photodegradation. In recent years, their potential toxicological and environmental effects have received growing attention. Due to their excessive use, their residue levels in the environment are gradually increasing and they tend to accumulate on biological wastewater treatment sludge. The utilization of sludge as fertilizer could be one of the main routes of UVF contamination in the environment. Therefore, the development of a reliable and sensitive method of analyzing their trace level residues in waste sludge samples is of great importance. The success of the method largely depends on the sample preparation technique in such complex matrices. This study presents a rapid, sensitive and green analysis method for eight UVFs in sludge samples, selected for their rather low no-observed-effect concentrations (NOEC). For this purpose, the QuEChERS methodology was coupled with in-port derivatization for subsequent detection of the targeted UVFs via GC–MS/MS. The analysis time was substantially shortened using this method, and reagent utilization was also reduced. The method was validated in the sludge samples, and high recovery (66–123%) and low RSD values (<25.6%) were obtained. In addition, major contributing uncertainty sources and expanded uncertainties were determined.

Determination of benzophenone derivatives in wastewater by GC–MS/MS combined with in‐port derivatization

“…The transfer line, ion source, and quadrupole temperature were set to 300, 280, and 150°C, respectively. [ 43 ] The MS system was used in multiple reaction monitoring mode, and the quantification of each analyte was carried out by using the peak area of one precursor and product ion(s). MassHunter software was used for data processing.…”

“…Another study conducted includes the first application of the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method coupled with in‐port derivatization followed by GC–MS/MS for a wide variety of UVF analyses in waste sludge samples. [ 43 ]…”

“…Another study conducted includes the first application of the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method coupled with inport derivatization followed by GC-MS/MS for a wide variety of UVF analyses in waste sludge samples. [43] When choosing the chromatographic analysis, the polarity and volatility of the target analyte are vital to consider. LC-MS/MS is employed if the analytes are more polar and less volatile.…”