An overview of analytical methodologies for the determination of antibiotics in environmental waters

Anal Chim Acta. 2009 Sep 7;649(2):158-79. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2009.07.031. Epub 2009 Jul 19.

Abstract

The widespread occurrence of antibiotics as contaminants in the aquatic environment has increased attention in the last years. The concern over the release of antibiotics into the environment is related primarily to the potential for the development of antimicrobial resistance among microorganisms. This article presents an overview of analytical methodologies for the determination of quinolone (Qs) and fluoroquinolone (FQs), macrolide (MLs), tetracycline (TCs), sulfonamide (SAs) antibiotics and trimethoprim (TMP) in different environmental waters. The analysis of these antibiotics has usually been carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) or tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and to a lesser extent by ultraviolet (UV) or fluorescence detection (FD). A very important step before LC analysis is sample preparation and extraction leading to elimination of interferences and prevention of matrix effect and preconcentration of target analytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / analysis*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / methods*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / methods
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / methods
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet / methods
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / chemistry

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical