• We perform a large-scale screening analysis for 100 pesticides and 50 pharmaceuticals using Accurate Mass Spectrometry (LC/Q-TOF-MS).  This methods allows us to characterize the sample (wastewater, surface water, groundwater and drinking water) for the identification of potential emerging contaminants. 
  • We also develop custom low-level concentration methods using LC/MS-MS for the detection of pesticides and pharmaceuticals at low ng/L level (examples: bupropion at 1 ng/L, lamotrigine at 5 ng/L, atrazine at 2 ng/L, diphenhydramine at 5 ng/L, etc...).  See Table below for approximate LOD's (these will vary depending on the total number of analytes included in the method). 

Method reporting limits based on a pre-concentration of 100 mL water sample and LC/MS-MS:

CEMS QqQ Method for Pesticide and Pharmaceutical Suite

 Analyte Analysis Mode MRL (ng/L)  
2.4-D                   Negative 5          
Acetaminophen    Positive 5
Atenolol Positive 5
Atrazine Positive 2
Bisphenol A Negative 20
Bupropion Positive 1
Caffeine Positive 10
Carbamazepine Positive 2
Clarithromycin Positive 2
Cotinine Positive 5
DEET Positive 20
Dextrorphan Positive 5
Diazinon Positive 1
Diltiazem Positive 5
Diphenhydramine Positive 5
Diuron Positive 5
Erythromycin Positive 10
Fluridone Positive 5
Gabapentin Positive 15
Gemfibrozil Negative 5
Imazamox Negative 5
Lamotrigine Positive 5
Metoprolol Positive 1
Penoxsulam Positive 10
Propranolol Positive 1
Sucralose Negative 15
Sulfamethoxazole Positive 5
Topramezone Positive 20
Triclopyr Negative 10
Triclosan Negative 20
Trimethoprim Positive 5
Venlafaxine Positive 1

Contact us for custom method development (michael.thurman@colorado.edu).

  • We perform water analyses of hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") samples including fracking fluids, flowback water and produced water. E-mail for more information: michael.thurman@colorado.edu