Determination of surfactants in surface water by solid-phase extraction, liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Determination of surfactants in surface waters is required owing to their toxicity to aquatic micro-organisms and potential oestrogenic effects. We have investigated methods for the determination of two types of surfactants by solid-phase extraction with C-18 and SAX cartridges. HPLC separation of anionic and non-ionic surfactants on a C-1 (TMS) column has been achieved and detection via both fluorescence and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation interface) is reported. Recoveries are approximately 100% using the method developed with detection limits of 50 ng on column for detection by fluorescence. Alkylphenol ethoxylates have been detected in samples taken from the River Rother in South Yorkshire, UK, at levels of 5.6 mu g l(-1) using the described methodology.