We present the reliable and accurate quantitative analysis of contaminants at the pg/mL level in drinking water using the Thermo Scientific EQuan MAX Plus LC-MS system coupled to the Thermo Scientific TSQ Endura triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Excellent reproducibility was shown for the target compounds in tap water using 1 mL injections at 0.37× maximum effluent concentration.

Estrone (E1) and estradiol (17-beta-estradiol or E2) are two of several estrogens involved in the development and function of female anatomical and physiological characteristics and processes such as the menstrual cycle. Researchers seek to quantify E1 and E2 within an analytical range of 5 to 500 pg/mL (18.5 to 1,850 pmol/L) in blood plasma or serum. E1 and E2 form negative ions by deprotonation in both ESI and APCI MS sources. In order to robustly achieve the needed quantitation limits, most researchers use dansyl chloride to form positively charged derivatives of these and other estrogens.

The Thermo Scientific UltiMate 3000 RSLC system is applied for the analysis of strogens and progesterones. The separation is performed using a Thermo Scientific Acclaim Phenyl-1 column, with UV detection at 220 and 240 nm. for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

The Thermo Scientific HPLC system is applied for the determination of estrogens. The separation is performed on a Thermo Scientific Accucore Phenyl-X HPLC column, with UV detection at 220 nm.

The Thermo Scientific TraceGOLD TG-5MS GC column was used to analyse pharmaceutical and personal care products with MS detection.