Publication
Title
Analytical method for the simultaneous determination of a broad range of opioids in influent wastewater : optimization, validation and applicability to monitor consumption patterns
Author
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) employs the analysis of human metabolic biomarkers in influent wastewater (IWW) to estimate community-wide exposure to xenobiotics (e.g. prescription opioids). The low ng/L range of concentrations of these biomarkers and the complex matrix composition pose bioanalytical challenges related to sample preparation and detection/quantification. Therefore, a sensitive analytical method for the detection and analysis of 19 opioid biomarkers was optimized and validated according to the European Medicines Agency guidelines. Oasis HLB cartridges were used for sample concentration and an Atlantis T3 column with gradient elution resulted in sufficient separation of the analytes. Absolute recoveries (RE) were highly reproducible and ranged between 50 and 93% with the exception of 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP). The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) ranged between 1 and 100 ng/L and was based on the analyte concentrations found in IWW. Process efficiency was acceptable for all biomarkers for which an isotope-labelled deuterated analogue was available. All biomarkers showed high benchtop stability with the exception of buprenorphine, EDDP, fentanyl and normorphine. Apart from buprenorphine and hydrocodone, all analytes under investigation were detected at least once above LLOQ levels in five locations in Belgium. The highest population-normalized mass loads were found for tramadol, O-desmethyltramadol and codeine. The proposed methodology was able to evaluate spatial differences in opioid use.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry. - Oxford, 1958, currens
Publication
Oxford : Pergamon , 2021
ISSN
0039-9140 [print]
1873-3573 [online]
DOI
10.1016/J.TALANTA.2021.122443
Volume/pages
232 (2021) , 10 p.
Article Reference
122443
ISI
000658317000049
Pubmed ID
34074428
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Europe-wide Sewage analysis to Monitor Emerging drug problems (EuSeME).
Novel approaches for the estimation of the use of psychoactive pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs by wastewater analysis.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 03.06.2021
Last edited 25.11.2024
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