Surfactants – standard determination methods in comparison with substance specific mass spectrometric methods and toxicity testing by Daphnia magna and Vibrio fischeri

The recovery of different types of surfactants formerly applied and up-coming new ones from spiked wastewater and ultra-pure water was examined by sum parameter determinations (substance-group-specific Methylene Blue (MBAS), Bismuth Active (BiAS) and Disulfine Blue Active Substances (DSBAS)) and by substance-specific mass spectrometric detection (MS). For MS determination atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) was applied in the flow injection (FIA) and liquid chromatographic separation (LC) mode. Quantitation was performed in the multiple ion detection mode using mass and tandem (MS/MS) mass spectrometric detection. In parallel the ecotoxicological potential of these surfactants was determined by Daphnia magna and Vibrio fischeri toxicity testing. MS was found to provide more reliable data in surfactant analysis than the substance-group-specific methods. The toxicity of the up-coming new surfactants against water organisms should not be neglected.