A Validated RP-HPLC Method for Monitoring Pollutants Removal during Microalgae Bioremediation of Polluted Waters.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) pose risks to aquatic ecosystems.
• Microalgae bioremediation is a promising approach for removing CECs.
• Accurate quantification methods are essential for evaluating bioremediation efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a simultaneous RP-HPLC method for quantifying six specific CECs.
• To assess the method's performance for microalgae bioremediation studies.
• To demonstrate the method's applicability in real-world environmental samples.

Main Methods:

• Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) was employed.
• Method validation followed standard guidelines, assessing linearity, accuracy, precision, and recovery.
• Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were determined for each CEC.

Main Results:

• The RP-HPLC method demonstrated linearity, accuracy, and precision within acceptable limits.
• LODs ranged from 0.008 µg mL⁻¹ (imidacloprid) to 0.024 µg mL⁻¹ (methylparaben).
• High percentage recovery (80-120%) was achieved for most CECs, with triclosan showing lower recovery due to solubility issues.

Conclusions:

• The validated RP-HPLC method is suitable for the simultaneous quantification of six CECs.
• The method is effective for monitoring CEC removal during microalgae bioremediation.
• This analytical tool aids in assessing the efficiency of microalgae in environmental cleanup.