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Categories

• Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)
• Customized SPE Cartridge
• Automated SPE Robot
• Filtration Systems
• Customized Glassware
• Customized Reactor
• Shaker/Oven/Sonicators
• Waterbath/Fridge/Preservation
• Water/Wastewater Sensors
• Aquatic Genomics
• DNA/RNA Extraction
• Genomic DNA Cleanup
• Gel Electrophoresis
• Next-Gen Sequencing
• Waterborne Pathogen Detection
• Microbial Culture/Screening
• Pharmaceutical Residue Detection
• Herbicide Detection
• PFAS Detection
• Microplastic Detection
• Mobile Lab Solution

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Pharmaceutical Residue Detection

Detect and quantify emerging pharmaceutical contaminants in water with cutting-edge mass spectrometry analysis. Our advanced Q-TOF (Quadrupole Time-of-Flight) facilities in Korea, Singapore, and China deliver ultra-sensitive detection of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and endocrine disrupting compounds at trace concentrations. From antibiotics to hormones, painkillers to psychiatric drugs, our comprehensive screening services protect water quality and public health in drinking water, wastewater, and environmental monitoring programs.

Understanding Pharmaceutical Contamination in Water

Why Pharmaceutical Residues Matter

The growing concern of micropollutants in aquatic environments:

• Sources of Contamination - Human excretion of metabolized and unmetabolized drugs | Hospital and pharmaceutical manufacturing wastewater | Improper disposal (flushing unused medications) | Agricultural runoff (veterinary pharmaceuticals) | Aquaculture operations | Landfill leachate containing discarded medicines
• Environmental Persistence - Many pharmaceuticals designed to be biologically active and stable | Incomplete removal by conventional wastewater treatment (10-90% removal depending on compound) | Persistence in surface water (days to years) | Bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms | Long-term ecological effects at ng/L to µg/L concentrations
• Human Health Concerns - Chronic low-dose exposure via drinking water | Antibiotic resistance development in environmental bacteria | Endocrine disruption affecting reproduction and development | Synergistic effects of multiple pharmaceutical mixtures | Vulnerable populations: pregnant women, infants, elderly | Unknown long-term health impacts of continuous trace exposure
• Ecological Impacts - Fish feminization from synthetic estrogens (ng/L concentrations) | Behavioral changes in aquatic organisms (antidepressants, stimulants) | Disruption of aquatic food webs | Reduced reproductive success in amphibians and fish | Antibiotic resistance in aquatic bacteria spreading to pathogens
• Regulatory Landscape - EU Watch List includes 17β-estradiol, diclofenac, antibiotics | US EPA Contaminant Candidate List (CCL5) includes pharmaceuticals | No established drinking water limits for most pharmaceuticals | Increasing regulatory scrutiny globally | Monitoring requirements expanding in developed nations

Q-TOF Mass Spectrometry Technology

Advanced Detection for Small Molecule Analysis

State-of-the-art instrumentation for pharmaceutical screening:

• What is Q-TOF? - Hybrid mass spectrometer combining quadrupole and time-of-flight analyzers | Quadrupole: Selects precursor ions (parent molecules) | Collision cell: Fragments ions for structural information | Time-of-Flight: Measures exact mass of fragments with high resolution | Provides accurate mass (<2 ppm error), isotope patterns, and fragmentation spectra for confident identification
• Technology Advantages - High mass accuracy (typically <1 ppm) enables molecular formula determination | High resolution (>40,000 FWHM) separates isobaric compounds | Wide dynamic range (5-6 orders of magnitude) | Fast data acquisition (up to 50 spectra/second) | Full-scan MS and MS/MS simultaneously (no need to pre-select targets) | Post-acquisition data mining (discover unexpected compounds retrospectively)
• Sensitivity - Detection limits: 0.1-10 ng/L (ppt to ppb levels) for most pharmaceuticals | Quantification limits: 1-50 ng/L depending on compound and matrix | Superior sensitivity compared to traditional LC-UV or GC-MS | Comparable or better than triple quadrupole MS for many compounds
• Comprehensive Screening - Targeted analysis: Quantify known pharmaceuticals from validated library (500+ compounds) | Suspect screening: Search against databases (10,000+ pharmaceuticals and metabolites) | Non-targeted analysis: Identify unknown compounds via spectral interpretation and database matching | One analysis covers broad chemical space
• Workflow - Sample preparation: SPE concentration (see SPE section) | LC separation: Reversed-phase chromatography (C18 column, 10-30 min gradient) | Ionization: Electrospray (ESI) in positive and negative modes | Q-TOF analysis: Full scan MS + data-dependent MS/MS | Data processing: Automated peak detection, library matching, quantification

Sample Preparation - SPE Extraction

Critical pre-concentration step for trace-level detection:

• Why SPE is Essential - Pharmaceutical concentrations in water: ng/L to low µg/L | Direct injection insufficient sensitivity | SPE concentrates 100-1000× (1-2L water → 0.5-1 mL extract) | Removes matrix interferences (salts, humic substances) | Compatible with LC-MS analysis
• SPE Cartridge Selection - HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance): Universal, broad polarity range, most pharmaceuticals | Oasis MCX (Mixed-mode Cation eXchange): Basic drugs (propranolol, fluoxetine, metformin) | Oasis MAX (Mixed-mode Anion eXchange): Acidic drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, antibiotics) | Multi-layer cartridges: Combines HLB + MCX + MAX for comprehensive extraction
• SPE Protocol - Condition cartridge: Methanol (5 mL) → Water (5 mL) | Load sample: 100-2000 mL water at 5-10 mL/min | Wash: 5% methanol (removes salts, preserves analytes) | Dry: Vacuum or nitrogen (5-10 min) removes residual water | Elute: Methanol or methanol/acetonitrile with 1% formic acid (3-5 mL) | Concentrate: Evaporate to near dryness under nitrogen, reconstitute in 0.5-1 mL | Recovery: Typically 70-120% for most pharmaceuticals
• Sample Submission - Option 1: Send raw water samples (we perform SPE) - Ship 1-2L in amber glass bottles, preserved with 0.1% formic acid, 4°C | Option 2: Perform SPE locally, ship concentrated extracts - Ship extracts in 2 mL amber vials, frozen (-20°C), dry ice shipping | Includes detailed sample metadata form (collection date, location, water type, pH, temperature)

Regional Q-TOF Analysis Facilities

Pharmaceutical Detection Panels

Panel 1: Antibiotics (25 Compounds)

Critical for antibiotic resistance monitoring in environmental waters:

Antibiotic	Class	Medical Use	Drinking Water (ng/L)	Wastewater Effluent (ng/L)	Surface Water (ng/L)
Sulfamethoxazole	Sulfonamide	UTI, respiratory infections	5-50	100-1,500	10-200
Trimethoprim	Diaminopyrimidine	UTI (combined with SMX)	2-30	50-800	5-150
Ciprofloxacin	Fluoroquinolone	Broad-spectrum infections	1-20	100-5,000	10-500
Ofloxacin	Fluoroquinolone	Respiratory, UTI, skin infections	1-15	80-2,000	5-300
Norfloxacin	Fluoroquinolone	UTI, prostatitis	1-10	50-1,200	5-200
Erythromycin	Macrolide	Respiratory infections, STDs	2-25	100-2,500	10-400
Clarithromycin	Macrolide	Respiratory, H. pylori	1-20	80-1,800	5-250
Azithromycin	Macrolide	Respiratory, STDs, COVID-19	2-40	150-3,000	10-500
Tetracycline	Tetracycline	Acne, respiratory infections	ND-10	20-800	2-150
Doxycycline	Tetracycline	Broad-spectrum, malaria prophylaxis	ND-5	10-400	1-80
Amoxicillin	β-lactam (penicillin)	Common bacterial infections	ND-2	10-200	1-30
Penicillin G	β-lactam (penicillin)	Streptococcal infections	ND-1	5-150	ND-20
Cephalexin	Cephalosporin	Respiratory, skin, bone infections	ND-5	20-500	2-100
Lincomycin	Lincosamide	Serious infections, veterinary use	1-15	50-1,000	5-200
Clindamycin	Lincosamide	Anaerobic infections, acne	1-10	30-600	2-120
Metronidazole	Nitroimidazole	Anaerobic infections, C. difficile	2-30	100-2,000	10-300
Vancomycin	Glycopeptide	MRSA, serious Gram-positive infections	ND-2	10-300	1-50

ND = Not Detected (below detection limit of ~0.5-1 ng/L). Concentration ranges represent typical values from global monitoring studies. Actual concentrations vary by region, population density, and wastewater treatment efficiency.

Panel 2: Analgesics & Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (12 Compounds)

Widely used OTC and prescription pain medications:

Compound	Class	Medical Use	Drinking Water (ng/L)	Wastewater Effluent (ng/L)	Surface Water (ng/L)
Ibuprofen	NSAID	Pain, fever, inflammation	5-100	500-10,000	50-2,000
Naproxen	NSAID	Arthritis, pain relief	5-80	300-8,000	30-1,500
Diclofenac	NSAID	Arthritis, acute pain	10-150	500-5,000	50-1,000
Ketoprofen	NSAID	Pain, inflammation	2-50	100-3,000	10-500
Indomethacin	NSAID	Severe arthritis, gout	1-20	50-1,500	5-300
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)	Analgesic/antipyretic	Pain, fever (non-NSAID)	5-200	1,000-50,000	100-5,000
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid)	NSAID	Pain, cardiovascular protection	ND-10	50-2,000	5-400
Salicylic acid (Aspirin metabolite)	NSAID metabolite	Aspirin breakdown product	10-100	500-10,000	50-2,000
Codeine	Opioid analgesic	Moderate pain, cough suppressant	1-30	50-1,000	5-200
Tramadol	Opioid analgesic	Moderate to severe pain	2-50	100-3,000	10-500
Morphine	Opioid analgesic	Severe pain management	ND-10	20-500	2-100
Gabapentin	Anticonvulsant/neuropathic pain	Neuropathic pain, seizures	5-80	200-5,000	20-1,000

Panel 3: Hormones & Endocrine Disruptors (10 Compounds)

Potent biological activity at ultra-trace concentrations:

Compound	Type	Source/Use	Drinking Water (ng/L)	Wastewater Effluent (ng/L)	Surface Water (ng/L)
17α-Ethinylestradiol (EE2)	Synthetic estrogen	Oral contraceptives	ND-2	1-20	0.5-10
17β-Estradiol (E2)	Natural estrogen	Human/animal excretion, HRT	ND-5	2-80	0.5-30
Estrone (E1)	Natural estrogen	E2 metabolite, human excretion	ND-10	5-150	1-50
Estriol (E3)	Natural estrogen	Pregnancy hormone	ND-3	2-50	0.5-20
Progesterone	Natural progestin	Female hormone, contraceptives	ND-2	1-30	0.5-10
Testosterone	Androgen	Male hormone, HRT, athletic doping	ND-1	1-40	0.5-15
Bisphenol A (BPA)	Industrial estrogen mimic	Plastics, epoxy resins	5-100	100-5,000	10-1,000
Nonylphenol	Industrial estrogen mimic	Detergent metabolite, plastics	10-200	500-20,000	50-5,000
Triclosan	Antibacterial agent	Personal care products, soaps	2-50	100-5,000	10-1,000
Triclocarban	Antibacterial agent	Bar soaps, personal care	1-30	50-2,000	5-500

Ecological Concern: Estrogens (EE2, E2, E1) cause fish feminization and reproductive impairment at 1-10 ng/L. EU environmental quality standard for EE2: 0.035 ng/L (surface water).

Panel 4: Cardiovascular & Lipid-Regulating Drugs (15 Compounds)

Widely prescribed medications for chronic conditions:

Compound	Class	Medical Use	Drinking Water (ng/L)	Wastewater Effluent (ng/L)	Surface Water (ng/L)
Atenolol	β-blocker	Hypertension, angina	10-150	500-10,000	50-2,000
Metoprolol	β-blocker	Hypertension, heart failure	5-100	300-8,000	30-1,500
Propranolol	β-blocker	Hypertension, anxiety, tremor	2-50	100-3,000	10-500
Sotalol	β-blocker	Arrhythmia	5-80	200-5,000	20-1,000
Atorvastatin	Statin	High cholesterol	1-20	50-1,500	5-300
Simvastatin	Statin	High cholesterol	ND-10	20-800	2-150
Gemfibrozil	Fibrate	High triglycerides	5-100	500-8,000	50-1,500
Bezafibrate	Fibrate	Mixed dyslipidemia	10-150	1,000-15,000	100-3,000
Enalapril	ACE inhibitor	Hypertension, heart failure	1-30	50-2,000	5-400
Valsartan	ARB (Angiotensin receptor blocker)	Hypertension	5-80	200-5,000	20-1,000
Irbesartan	ARB	Hypertension, diabetic nephropathy	2-50	100-3,000	10-600
Hydrochlorothiazide	Diuretic	Hypertension, edema	10-200	500-15,000	50-3,000
Furosemide	Loop diuretic	Heart failure, edema	5-100	200-8,000	20-1,500
Diltiazem	Calcium channel blocker	Hypertension, angina	2-40	50-2,000	5-400
Warfarin	Anticoagulant	Blood clot prevention	ND-5	10-500	1-100

Panel 5: Psychiatric & Neurological Drugs (12 Compounds)

Behavioral effects in aquatic organisms at environmental concentrations:

Compound	Class	Medical Use	Drinking Water (ng/L)	Wastewater Effluent (ng/L)	Surface Water (ng/L)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)	SSRI antidepressant	Depression, OCD, anxiety	1-20	50-1,500	5-300
Sertraline (Zoloft)	SSRI antidepressant	Depression, PTSD, social anxiety	1-15	30-1,000	3-200
Citalopram	SSRI antidepressant	Depression	2-30	100-2,500	10-500
Paroxetine	SSRI antidepressant	Depression, panic disorder	ND-10	20-800	2-150
Venlafaxine	SNRI antidepressant	Depression, anxiety	5-80	200-5,000	20-1,000
Carbamazepine	Anticonvulsant/mood stabilizer	Epilepsy, bipolar disorder, neuropathic pain	10-150	500-8,000	50-2,000
Diazepam (Valium)	Benzodiazepine	Anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures	1-15	20-600	2-120
Lorazepam	Benzodiazepine	Anxiety, insomnia	1-10	10-400	1-80
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)	Stimulant	ADHD, narcolepsy	ND-5	10-300	1-60
Caffeine	Stimulant	OTC stimulant, beverages	20-500	5,000-100,000	500-10,000
Nicotine	Stimulant/tobacco	Tobacco products, smoking cessation	5-100	500-20,000	50-3,000
Cotinine (Nicotine metabolite)	Tobacco biomarker	Nicotine breakdown product	10-200	1,000-50,000	100-5,000

Ecological Note: SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline) alter fish behavior, feeding, and predator avoidance at 1-100 ng/L. Carbamazepine is highly persistent (recalcitrant to biodegradation).

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