High-efficiency effect-directed analysis (EDA) advancing toxicant identification in aquatic environments: Latest...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Chemicals in aquatic environments pose risks to ecosystems and human health.
• Effect-directed analysis (EDA) is crucial for identifying causative toxicants.
• Traditional EDA methods are often inefficient, labor-intensive, and have limited coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest advancements in high-efficiency EDA techniques.
• To identify current limitations and areas for future emphasis in EDA.
• To summarize the application status of EDA in aquatic environments.

Main Methods:

• High-resolution fractionation for improved separation of complex mixtures.
• High-automation data processing algorithms for efficient peak extraction.
• In silico structure elucidation techniques for rapid identification.
• Integration of omics tools and data-independent mass acquisition for enhanced analysis.

Main Results:

• High-resolution fractionation, automated data processing, and in silico elucidation are well-developed.
• High-coverage effect evaluation and chemical analysis require further development, particularly omics and data-independent acquisition.
• High-efficiency EDA is applied to surface water and wastewater, targeting estrogenic, androgenic, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor activities.

Conclusions:

• Advancements in EDA enhance toxicant identification in aquatic environments.
• Further emphasis on high-coverage effect evaluation and chemical analysis is needed.
• Understanding EDA progress supports aquatic environment monitoring and risk management.