Trace-Level Bisphenol and Phthalate Screening in Water Samples Using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS

Trace-Level Bisphenol and Phthalate Screening in Water Samples Using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS

Background

Growing scientific interest in emerging contaminants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has increased the need to characterize compounds that may enter aquatic environments through plastic products, packaging materials, and other consumer or industrial sources.

A leading university research institution initiated a research project to assess the potential occurrence of plastic-related chemical contaminants in water samples. To support the study, the research team required an analytical partner capable of conducting broad-spectrum screening across multiple classes of plastic-associated chemicals. The scope included conventional bisphenols, such as Bisphenol A, as well as commonly used alternatives including Bisphenol F and Bisphenol S. The study also targeted a broad range of phthalate plasticizers widely used in polymer materials, packaging, and industrial products. Comprehensive screening of these target compounds was needed to establish a clear contaminant profile of the water samples and provide reliable analytical data for the institution's ongoing environmental research.

Our Solution

Following the client's specifications, two water samples were evaluated through separate analytical workflows. Water Sample 1 underwent bisphenol screening, while Water Sample 2 was subjected to phthalate screening covering a broad range of commonly monitored plasticizer compounds.

This combined LC-MS/MS and GC-MS approach enabled comprehensive coverage of both bisphenol-based additives and phthalate plasticizers within complex aqueous matrices.

Analytical Results

The LC-MS/MS analysis of Sample 1 demonstrated that Bisphenol A and Bisphenol F were not detected above the reporting limit (<0.5 ppb), while Bisphenol S was detected at a trace concentration of approximately 0.8 ppb. These findings indicated low-level bisphenol-related contamination in the tested sample and demonstrated the value of sensitive analytical screening for identifying trace concentrations of emerging plastic-associated contaminants.

The GC-MS analysis of Sample 2 identified trace levels of selected phthalate compounds. Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate was detected at approximately 2.5 ppb, while Diethyl Phthalate was measured at approximately 1.2 ppb. Other screened compounds, including Dimethyl Phthalate, Diisobutyl Phthalate, Di-n-butyl Phthalate, Diisononyl Phthalate, Diisononyl Cyclohexane-1,2-Dicarboxylate, Dicyclohexyl Phthalate, Di-n-octyl Phthalate, Di-n-hexyl Phthalate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) Terephthalate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) Adipate, and Benzyl Butyl Phthalate, were below the laboratory reporting limits. The broad screening coverage provided a more comprehensive assessment of phthalate-related additives and helped differentiate detected compounds from those not present above the established reporting thresholds.

Conclusion

The analytical results established a clear profile of plastic-related chemical contaminants in the tested water samples. By combining LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, our laboratory enabled the research team to distinguish detected contaminants from non-detects and obtain reliable analytical data for evaluating plastic-related chemical contamination in water samples, supporting environmental contaminant research, and strengthen the scientific basis for further monitoring and assessment.