Development and application of a quantitative Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for multi-class...

The diversity of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) in complex matrices makes analytical development challenging. This study aimed to develop, optimize and validate an analytical method for extracting and quantifying 71 TrOCs. The development was performed using a factorial design with the desirability function as a quantitative tool for method optimization. TrOCs were extracted using a salt-out approach with ethyl acetate/water (4/1) and cleaned up by dispersive solid-phase extraction (C₁₈/Na₂SO₄) before LC-MS/MS analysis. The method exhibited a high Average Overall Recovery (AOR up to 91%), with low limits of detection (from 0.12 to 1.79 ng g^-1) and quantification (from 0.42 to 4.72 ng g^-1). The evaluation of matrix effects revealed predominantly weak ionic suppression (-16% on average). The applicability and robustness of the validated method were demonstrated through the analysis of real complex environmental samples, including municipal biosolids, sediment samples and benthic organisms (Chironomidae and Oligochaete) from Canadian Lake. The results highlighted the effectiveness of the desirability function as a quantitative tool for selecting optimal conditions when multiple parameters need to be considered. This approach provided valuable insights supporting decision-making during method development, where regular statistical analysis did not reveal significant differences between conditions. The developed method provides a reliable tool for monitoring TrOCs across various environmental matrices, facilitating quantitative assessment and management of environmental risks.