Summary Method development for the quantitative analysis of bisphenols and screening of phthalates in aqueous matrices using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry

“Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are used worldwide as plasticizers in the production of plastic products. Bisphenol A and some phthalates, like di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), are known to be endocrine disruptors and are therefore regulated and banned in certain products. Bisphenol analogues, like bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF), and new phthalates are introduced as alternatives because of their similar chemical structures and properties. For BPA, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated the tolerable daily intake (TDI) and lowered it to 0.2 ng/kg/bw/day, a 20,000-fold lower value than the previously established value from 2015. Based on this new TDI, monitoring of BPA and its alternatives in drinking water at concentration levels < 1 ng/L is expected to be necessary. For phthalates, a screening method for this group of chemicals and their monoester is needed to identify new, potentially toxic, phthalates. This research aimed to develop a single analytical method that quantifies bisphenols at a concentration level below 1 ng/L and screens for phthalates (monoester) in drinking water and wastewater treatment plant effluent water. Several parameters of a solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method were optimized for 22 bisphenols, 10 phthalates, and 11 phthalate monoesters." (Citation: Dral, L. - Summary Method development for the quantitative analysis of bisphenols and screening of phthalates in aqueous matrices using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry - Supervised by: Vughs, D.M., Meekel, N., Béen, F.M. - More information: Vughs, D.M.)