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Description
Acquisition of very sensitive and selective analytical instruments for the analysis of micropollutants in the aquatic environment (mainly polar pollutants like pharmaceuticals, hormones, polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in surface waters), including necessary related laboratory equipment. This acquisition will allow us to improve current analytical methods and their required limits of quantitation (LOQ) and to develop new analytical methods covering substances required by Directive 2013/39/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 August 2013 amending Directives 2000/60/EC and 2008/105/EC as regards priority substances in the field of water policy, as well as Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/1307 of 22 July 2022 establishing a watch list of substances for Union-wide monitoring in the field of water policy pursuant to Directive 2008/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (Watchlist 4).
Compliance with the required limits of quantification set by the Directive will allow reliable assessment of the status of surface water bodies in accordance with Directive 2009/90/EC on the quality of chemical analyses and monitoring of water status.
Summary of project results
A project focused on the modernization and enhancement of laboratory equipment has significantly improved the monitoring of surface water quality. The acquisition of highly sensitive and selective analytical instruments has lowered the detection limits for various organic micropollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, hormones, and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). This technology not only increased measurement accuracy but also expanded the range of monitored substances, contributing to more effective surveillance and protection of water resources.
With these instruments, it is now possible to detect even very low concentrations of substances that could pose risks to the environment and human health. Monitoring is conducted in accordance with European and national legislation, ensuring that the protection of aquatic ecosystems aligns with the latest scientific knowledge and regulatory standards. This project represents a significant step towards ensuring the sustainable use of water resources and protecting their quality from micropollutant contamination.
As part of our project, we purchased the chromatographic system consisting of tandem mass detectors (MS/MS), ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph (UHPLC) and gas chromatographs (GC) and the necessary accessories (nitrogen generator, vacuum systems, control and processing computer systems, and backup power supplies) on the basis of an open tender. After successful installation and commissioning, we developed two new analytical methods and improved the existing methods for the determination of drugs and hormones using UHPLC-MS/MS.
The first method uses a combination of a gas chromatograph with a tandem mass detector (GC-MS/MS) and is used to determine polar substances with a free hydroxyl group (estrogen hormones – 17-alpha-ethinyl estradiol, 17-beta-estradiol and estrone; bisphenol A, triclosan) after their previous extraction and derivatization with a silylation agent.
The second method is used for the determination of perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in surface waters using UHPLC-MS/MS. By applying these methods to real surface water samples, we verified their applicability for the given purpose of operational monitoring of surface water and obtained better data for assessing the status of surface water bodies.
Thanks to the acquired analytical equipment, it is possible to provide better results that meet the legislative requirements, thus improving the assessment of the status of surface water bodies and identifying potential sources of pollution. The established methods also allow the determination of other related substances that will need to be monitored in the future as part of the operational monitoring.