Interlaboratory validation of an environmental monitoring method for trace analysis of endocrine disrupting compounds

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Catarina Mansilha (Author) Other; Sonia Rocha (Author) Other; Paula Gameiro (Author) FCUP; Carina Pinho (Author) Other; Isabel M P L V O Ferreira (Author) FFUP; Poliana Silva (Author) Other; Valentina Domingues (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Analytical Methods

Vol. 4

Pages: 3724-3732

ISSN: 1759-9660

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citations

Scopus - 3 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Agrarian Sciences > Other Agrarian Sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-415

DOI: 10.1039/c2ay25450f

Abstract (EN): Environmental pollution continues to be an emerging study field, as there are thousands of anthropogenic compounds mixed in the environment whose possible mechanisms of toxicity and physiological outcomes are of great concern. Developing methods to access and prioritize the screening of these compounds at trace levels in order to support regulatory efforts is, therefore, very important. A methodology based on solid phase extraction followed by derivatization and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was developed for the assessment of four endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in water matrices: bisphenol A, estrone, 17 beta-estradiol and 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol. The study was performed, simultaneously, by two different laboratories in order to evaluate the robustness of the method and to increase the quality control over its application in routine analysis. Validation was done according to the International Conference on Harmonisation recommendations and other international guidelines with specifications for the GC-MS methodology. Matrix-induced chromatographic response enhancement was avoided by using matrix-standard calibration solutions and heteroscedasticity has been overtaken by a weighted least squares linear regression model application. Consistent evaluation of key analytical parameters such as extraction efficiency, sensitivity, specificity, linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision, accuracy and robustness was done in accordance with standards established for acceptance. Finally, the application of the optimized method in the assessment of the selected analytes in environmental samples suggested that it is an expedite methodology for routine analysis of EDC residues in water matrices.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9