LC-MS/MS QTOF Analysis of River Water Contaminants

This technical report presents the findings from an LC-MS/MS QTOF analysis conducted on river water samples to identify contaminants of environmental concern (CECs). The study utilized non-targeted analysis (NTA) software workflows coupled with high-resolution LC/MS to assess water samples collected from two river systems in London, England. The analysis highlighted the presence of various pharmaceuticals, personal care products, industrial chemicals, and agricultural inputs in the water, providing insights into upstream wastewater treatment performance and environmental inputs. The report details the methodology, including sample preparation and analysis techniques, and discusses the results, which indicate significant concentrations of contaminants such as clarithromycin and hexa-methoxymethyl-melamine (HMMM). The findings underscore the complex dynamics of urban river water contamination and the effectiveness of NTA in identifying emerging contaminants. This study contributes to understanding the impact of wastewater treatment and environmental health.