scholarly journals Thermal baths as sources of pharmaceutical and illicit drug contamination

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 399-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gergely Jakab ◽  
Zoltán Szalai ◽  
Gábor Michalkó ◽  
Marianna Ringer ◽  
Tibor Filep ◽  
...  

AbstractDespite the fact that there are tens of thousands of thermal baths in existence, knowledge about the occurrence of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in untreated thermal wastewater is very limited. Because used thermal water is typically legally discharged into surface waters without any treatment, the effluent poses environmental risks for the receiving water bodies. The aim of this study was to show the occurrence patterns and spatiotemporal characteristics of 111 PhACs in thermal wastewater. Six thermal water outflows of different thermal baths were tested in different seasons in the Budapest metropolitan region (Hungary), and diurnal analysis was performed. After solid-phase extraction, the samples were analysed and quantified by coupling supercritical fluid chromatography and mass spectrometry to perform simultaneous multi-residue drug analysis. The results confirm that water discharge pipes directly transport pharmaceuticals into surface water bodies; 34 PhACs were measured to be over the limit of quantification at least once, and 21 of them were found in more than one water sample. The local anaesthetic drug lidocaine, antiepileptic carbamazepine, analgesic derivative tramadol and illicit drug cocaine were detected in more than half of the samples. Caffeine, metoprolol and bisoprolol (cardiovascular drugs), benzoylecgonine (cocaine metabolite), diclofenac (NSAID), citalopram (antidepressant) and certain types of hormones also have a significant frequency of 30-50%. However, the occurrence and concentrations of PhACs vary according to the season and number/types of visitors. As demonstrated by the diurnal fluctuation, drug contamination of thermal waters can significantly vary, even for similar types of baths; furthermore, the quantity and types of some pollutants rapidly change in the discharged thermal wastewater.

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadereh Rahbar ◽  
Fatemeh Ahmadi ◽  
Zahra Ramezani ◽  
Masoumeh Nourani

Background: Sample preparation is one of the most challenging phases in pharmaceutical analysis, especially in biological matrices, affecting the whole analytical methodology. Objective: In this study, a new Ca(II)/Cu(II)/alginate/CuO nanoparticles hydrogel fiber (CCACHF) was synthesized through a simple, green procedure and applied for fiber micro solid phase extraction (FMSPE) of diazepam (DIZ) and oxazepam (OXZ) as model drugs prior to high-performance liquid chromatography-UV detection (HPLC-UV). Methods: Composition and morphology of the prepared fiber were characterized and the effect of main parameters on the fiber fabrication and extraction efficiency have been studied and optimized. Results: In optimal conditions, calibration curves were linear ranging between 0.1–500 µg L−1 with regression coefficients of 0.9938 and 0.9968. Limit of detection (LOD) (S/N=3) and limit of quantification (LOQ) (S/N=10) of the technique for DIZ and OXZ were 0.03 to 0.1 µg L−1. Within-day and between-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) for DIZ and OXZ were 6.0–12.5% and 3.3–9.4%, respectively. Conclusion: The fabricated adsorbent has been substantially employed to extraction of selected benzo-diazepines (BZDs) from human serum real specimens and the obtained recoveries were also satisfactory (82.1-109.7%).


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 436-446
Author(s):  
Vallerie A. Muckoya ◽  
Philiswa N. Nomngongo ◽  
Jane C. Ngila

Background: Parabens are synthetic esters used extensively as preservatives and/or bactericides in personal care personal products. Objective: Development and validation of a novel robust chemometric assisted analytical technique with superior analytical performances for the determination of ethylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben, using simulated wastewater matrix. Methods: An automated Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) method coupled with liquid chromatographymass spectrometry was applied in this study. A gradient elution programme comprising of 0.1% formic acid in deionised water (A) and 0.1% formic acid in Methanol (B) was employed on a 100 x 2.1 mm, 3.0 μm a particle size biphenyl column. Two-level (2k) full factorial design coupled with response surface methodology was used for optimisation and investigation of SPE experimental variables that had the most significant outcome of the analytical response. Results: According to the analysis of variance (ANOVA), sample pH and eluent volume were statistically the most significant parameters. The method developed was validated for accuracy, precision, Limits of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) and linearity. The LOD and LOQ established under those optimised conditions varied between 0.04-0.12 μgL−1 and 0.14-0.40 μgL−1 respectively. The use of matrix-matched external calibration provided extraction recoveries between 78-128% with relative standard deviations at 2-11% for two spike levels (10 and 100 μgL-1) in three different water matrices (simulated wastewater, influent and effluent water). Conclusion: The newly developed method was applied successfully to the analyses of parabens in wastewater samples at different sampling points of a wastewater treatment plant, revealing concentrations of up to 3 μgL−1.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 580-588
Author(s):  
A López-Rabuñal ◽  
E Lendoiro ◽  
M Concheiro ◽  
M López-Rivadulla ◽  
A Cruz ◽  
...  

Abstract An LC–MS-MS method for the determination of 14 benzodiazepines (BZDs) (alprazolam, α-hydroxyalprazolam, clonazepam, bromazepam, diazepam, nordiazepam, lorazepam, lormetazepam, oxazepam, flunitrazepam, 7-aminoflunitrazepam, triazolam, midazolam and zolpidem) and 15 antidepressants (ADs) (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, clomipramine, norclomipramine, fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, sertraline, norsertraline, paroxetine, venlafaxine, desmethylvenlafaxine, citalopram and desmethylcitalopram) in meconium was developed and validated. Meconium samples (0.25 ± 0.02 g) were homogenized in methanol and subjected to mixed-mode cation exchange solid-phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was performed in reversed phase, with a gradient of 0.1% formic acid in 2 mM ammonium formate and acetonitrile. Two different chromatographic gradient methods were employed, one for the separation of ADs and another for BZDs. Analytes were monitored by tandem mass spectrometry employing electrospray positive mode in MRM mode (2 transitions per compound). Method validation included: linearity [n = 5, limit of quantification (LOQ) to 400 ng/g], limits of detection (n = 6, 1–20 ng/g), LOQ (n = 9, 5–20 ng/g), selectivity (no endogenous or exogenous interferences), accuracy (n = 15, 90.6–111.5%), imprecision (n = 15, 0–14.6%), matrix effect (n = 10, −73 to 194.9%), extraction efficiency (n = 6, 35.9–91.2%), process efficiency (n = 6, 20.1–188.2%), stability 72 h in the autosampler (n = 3, −8.5 to 9%) and freeze/thaw stability (n = 3, −1.2 to −47%). The method was applied to four meconium specimens, which were analyzed with and without hydrolysis (enzymatic and alkaline). The authentic meconium samples tested positive for alprazolam, α-hydroxyalprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, nordiazepam, fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, clomipramine and norclomipramine. Therefore, the present LC–MS-MS method allows a high throughput determination of the most common BZDs and ADs in meconium, which could be useful in clinical and forensic settings.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1837
Author(s):  
Harischandra Naik Rathod ◽  
Bheemanna Mallappa ◽  
Pallavi Malenahalli Sidramappa ◽  
Chandra Sekhara Reddy Vennapusa ◽  
Pavankumar Kamin ◽  
...  

A quick, sensitive, and reproducible analytical method for the determination of 77 multiclass pesticides and their metabolites in Capsicum and tomato by gas and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was standardized and validated. The limit of detection of 0.19 to 10.91 and limit of quantification of 0.63 to 36.34 µg·kg−1 for Capsicum and 0.10 to 9.55 µg·kg−1 (LOD) and 0.35 to 33.43 µg·kg−1 (LOQ) for tomato. The method involves extraction of sample with acetonitrile, purification by dispersive solid phase extraction using primary secondary amine and graphitized carbon black. The recoveries of all pesticides were in the range of 75 to 110% with a relative standard deviation of less than 20%. Similarly, the method precision was evaluated interms of repeatability (RSDr) and reproducibility (RSDwR) by spiking of mixed pesticides standards at 100 µg·kg−1 recorded anRSD of less than 20%. The matrix effect was acceptable and no significant variation was observed in both the matrices except for few pesticides. The estimated measurement uncertainty found acceptable for all the pesticides. This method found suitable for analysis of vegetable samples drawn from market and farm gates.


2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maizbha Uddin Ahmed ◽  
Mohammad Safiqul Islam ◽  
Tasmin Ara Sultana ◽  
AGM Mostofa ◽  
Muhammad Shahdaat Bin Sayeed ◽  
...  

Azithromycin is an effective and well-known antimicrobial agent. In the present study, a simple, sensitive and specific LC/MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the quantification of Azithromycin in  human serum samples using Clarithromycin as internal standard. Azithromycin was extracted from biological matrix  by using solid phase extraction process. The chromatographic separation was performed on Luna C18 (3 ?, 2x150   mm) column with a mobile phase consisting of 35 mM ammonium acetate buffer (mobile phase-A) and acetonitrile  and methanol in ratio of 90:10 ( as mobile phase-B) at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. The method was validated over a  linear concentration range of 0.5?50.0 ng/mL and limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.5 ng/mL with a coefficient of  correlation (r2) = 0.9998. The intra-day and inter-day precision expressed as relative standard deviation were 1.64% – 8.43% and 2.32% – 9.92%, respectively. The average recovery of azithromycin from serum was 98.11%. The method  was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of Azithromycin 200 mg/5 ml suspension in healthy Bangladeshi volunteers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v11i1.12488 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 11(1): 55-63, 2012 (June)


2013 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Gajda ◽  
Andrzej Posyniak ◽  
Andrzej Bober ◽  
Tomasz Błądek ◽  
Jan Żmudzki

Summary A liquid chromatography method with UV detection for determination of oxytetracycline (OTC) in honey has been developed. The samples were extracted with the solution of oxalic acid. The clean-up procedure was performed by solid phase extraction (SPE) using polymeric Strata X and carboxylic acid cartridges. Chromatographic separation was carried out on the Luna C8 analytical column with mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-0.02 M oxalic acid. The method has been successfully validated according to the requirements of the European Decision 2002/657/EC and this method is used in routine control of oxytetracycline in honey samples. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the presented method were 10 and 12.5 μg/kg, respectively. The developed method has also been verified in quantitative determination of oxytetracycline residues in honey after experimental treatment with this product in bee colonies.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (20) ◽  
pp. 6163
Author(s):  
Aree Choodum ◽  
Nareumon Lamthornkit ◽  
Chanita Boonkanon ◽  
Tarawee Taweekarn ◽  
Kharittha Phatthanawiwat ◽  
...  

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) has been recognized as a marker for the detection of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In this work, a novel monolithic solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbent based on graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO) in starch-based cryogel composite (GO-Cry) was successfully prepared for BaP analysis. Rice flour and tapioca starch (gel precursors) were gelatinized in limewater (cross-linker) under alkaline conditions before addition of GO (filler) that can increase the ability to extract BaP up to 2.6-fold. BaP analysis had a linear range of 10 to 1000 µgL−1 with good linearity (R2 = 0.9971) and high sensitivity (4.1 ± 0.1 a.u./(µgL−1)). The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 4.21 ± 0.06 and 14.04 ± 0.19 µgL−1, respectively, with excellent precision (0.17 to 2.45%RSD). The accuracy in terms of recovery from spiked samples was in the range of 84 to 110% with no significant difference to a C18 cartridge. GO-Cry can be reproducibly prepared with 2.8%RSD from 4 lots and can be reused at least 10 times, which not only helps reduce the analysis costs (~0.41USD per analysis), but also reduces the resultant waste to the environment.


2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Temghare ◽  
S. S. Shetye ◽  
S. S. Joshi

A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric (LC-MS-MS) method for the simultaneous determination of lopinavir and ritonavir in human plasma using abacavir as internal standard has been developed and validated. Sample preparation of plasma involved solid phase extraction. Detection was performed using an Applied Biosystems Sciex API 2000 Mass spectrometer. The assay of lopinavir and ritonavir was linear over the range of 50 ng mL-1to 20000 ng mL-1and 20 ng mL-1to 3000 ng mL-1 respectively with a precision of <15% and accuracy in the range of 85-115%. The limit of quantification in plasma for lopinavir and ritonavir was 50 ng mL-1and 20 ng mL-1respectively. The described method has the advantage of being rapid and easy and it could be applied in therapeutic monitoring of these drugs in human plasma


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirja Pavić ◽  
Staša Borović ◽  
Maja Briški ◽  
Tihomir Frangen ◽  
Kosta Urumović

&lt;p&gt;The increase in thermal water utilisation is foreseen by many European and Croatian strategic documents regulating energetics, tourism, environmental protection and sustainable development. Croatian Geological Survey wishes to establish a multidisciplinary group for hydrothermal systems research which will contribute to responsible geothermal development in our country through a 5-year research project HyTheC which started in 2020.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pannonian part of Croatia has favourable geothermal characteristics and natural thermal water springs emerge at two dozen localities, with temperatures up to 65 &amp;#176;C. These waters have been used for millennia, and in the past fifty years they are a basis for the development of tourism and health care centres which use the thermal water resource for heating, therapy and recreation (Borovi&amp;#263; &amp; Markovi&amp;#263;, 2015). As their water demand increased, higher quantities were abstracted and additional intake structures and wells were constructed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thermal springs are part of hydrothermal systems which include: recharge areas in the mountainous hinterlands of the springs; geothermal aquifers - in Croatia mostly fractured and karstified Mesozoic carbonate rocks (Borovi&amp;#263; et al., 2016) - in which water resides and gets heated due to heat flow from the Earth; and discharge areas in places with favourable structural characteristics of higher permeability. The continuous functioning of such systems depends on a delicate balance between groundwater flow velocities, precipitation/dissolution processes and structural framework.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In order to maintain that balance and use thermal water resources in a sustainable manner, a system-level understanding is required. Multidisciplinary methodology (structural geology, hydrogeology, geothermal, hydrogeochemical and geophysical research and remote sensing) will be used to construct conceptual models of systems, perform 3D geological modelling, hydrogeological and thermal parametrisation of the geological units involved in the thermal fluid flow, and conduct numerical simulations of system functioning in undisturbed conditions and with different extraction scenarios.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This methodology will be tested in three pilot areas in Croatia where thermal water is being utilized (Daruvar, Hrvatsko zagorje and Topusko). These three areas have significantly different levels of initial data availability and it shall therefore be determined which methodology and order of application of different methods should be applied while researching the systems with considerable existing data, medium amount of data and very scarce data, respectively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keywords&amp;#160;: hydrothermal system, natural thermal spring, multidisciplinary research, Croatia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;References&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Borovi&amp;#263;, S. &amp; Markovi&amp;#263;, T. 2015 : Utilization and tourism valorisation of geothermal waters in Croatia. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 44, pp. 52-63.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Borovi&amp;#263;, S., Markovi&amp;#263;, T., Larva, O., Brki&amp;#263;, &amp;#381;. &amp; Mraz, V. 2016 : Mineral and Thermal Waters in the Croatian Part of the Pannonian Basin. U: Papi&amp;#263;, P., ur., Mineral and Thermal Waters of Southeastern Europe. Cham: Springer, pp. 31-45.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;ACKNOWLEDGMENT&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Installation Research project HyTheC (UIP-2019-04-1218) is funded by the Croatian Science Foundation.&lt;/p&gt;


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