Previous research in this group has used a process of sequentially applying solid phase extraction (SPE), chemical derivatization, and GC/MS detection to analyze pharmaceutical residues in water samples from wastewater treatment plants, the Quinnipiac River, and the Bantam River in Connecticut. The sequential nature of this procedure tends to be laborious and time-consuming. A new approach called solid phase analytical derivatization (SPAD), where the SPE separation and derivatization are combined into a simultaneous step as sample pretreatment, is being explored. Instead of the more costly single use SPE cartridges, Amberlite<sup>TM</sup> XAD4 resin has been tested as an alternative sorbent to use in the SPAD columns, where the derivatization by pentafluorobenzyl bromide is also carried out. Preliminary studies have shown promising results in detecting six acid pharmaceuticals by this analysis method. A series of experimental conditions such as the quantity of resin used, reaction temperature and time under sonication, pH conditions, and elution solvent choice will be optimized. Once the method is quantitatively established, it may be used on a wider scope of sample types than those analyzed in previous work.

Exploring Solid Phase Analytical Derivatization (SPAD) as a sample preparation method for quantitative analysis by GC-MS

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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