What happens when you up the sensitivity and lower detection limits on influent and effluent sewage tests? For starters, low levels of illegal drugs in samples begin to emerge. This is what researchers discovered when they combined the power of LC-MS/MS with the Scheduled MRM™ algorithm using large volume injection techniques on a QTRAP® 5500 system.  Limits of Quantitation (LOQ) was the word in this application note, as sample results following the “The Street Parade Zurich,” dipped well into the low ng/L range eliminating the need for multi-period experiments.Download Compendium >

Tests like these go beyond standard surveys such as, “Monitoring the Future 2015 Results,” from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.  While helpful in reporting the number of people who have tried or currently use illegal drugs, the results are not scientifically adequate. Tests such as the ones reported in this tech note can lead to better process controls at wastewater treatment plants, therefore lessening environmental impacts.

The Science behind Influent Wastewater Drug Testing
Using a completely redesigned LC method, a core-shell LC column was used to test influent water samples around the timing of the parade. This tech note is a must read for anyone who wants to learn how expanded column dimension allowed for large volume direction injection minus the breakthrough of polar compounds like morphine. It is just one of the research applications in this year’s Environmental Compendium, conveniently available for download. From pesticides to PPCP’s, unknown screenings, perfluoroalkyl acids, explosives, and flame retardants we not only give you data but explain the methods and instruments used to obtain the results so your lab can improve your discoveries.

Get more than you asked for when you download the SCIEX Environmental Compendium. Want to learn more about the QTRAP 5500? Visit our mass spectrometry products page today.