Development and validation of SPE-LC-MS method for simultaneous determination of selected pharmaceuticals in hospital wastewater

Pharmaceuticals are considered as one of the major groups of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). These are the contaminants that were unknown, unrecognized (not detectable) or not routinely monitored.1 The continuous introduction of these contaminants into the environment can compensate their high transformation/removal rates, thus it is not necessary for these contaminants to persist in the environment to pose negative effects.2,3 Due to their potential adverse effects on animals and humans at low levels of exposure they are receiving attention. They may pose toxic effects and alterations on the reproductive system of aquatic organisms4–6 and the promotion of the development of resistant bacterial strains representing a health risk to humans and the environment. The prevalence of pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics, steroids and hormones and their metabolites in the environment has been an area of growing concern.7–12