Analytical methods for the endocrine disruptor compounds determination in environmental water samples

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Growing concern over human health risks from environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
• EDCs, including pesticides and plastics, interfere with crucial endocrine functions regulating development and homeostasis.
• Analytical challenges in detecting diverse EDCs in complex environmental water matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze recent advancements in the determination of EDCs in environmental water samples.
• To highlight effective sample pretreatment protocols, assays, and instrumental techniques for EDC analysis.
• To emphasize the utility of hyphenated-instrument techniques for sensitive and selective EDC detection.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of analytical methodologies for EDC determination.
• Evaluation of various sample pretreatment strategies for water samples.
• Analysis of different instrumental techniques, including advanced hyphenated methods.

Main Results:

• Identification of diverse analytical approaches for EDC detection in environmental waters.
• Demonstration of improved sensitivity and selectivity using hyphenated techniques.
• Discussion of challenges and advancements in EDC analysis within complex matrices.

Conclusions:

• Hyphenated-instrument techniques offer significant advantages in sensitivity and selectivity for EDC analysis in environmental water.
• Effective sample preparation and advanced analytical methods are crucial for accurate EDC risk assessment.
• Continued research into analytical methods is vital for monitoring and mitigating EDC contamination.