Mass spectrometry applied to the analysis of estrogens in the environment

Environmental analytical chemistry has recently changed focus from analysis of non-polar, persistent contaminants (e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins) to more polar and labile compounds that interfere with biological processes. For example, natural and synthetic estrogens and their metabolit es have been detected in sewage treatment plant effluents at nanogram/liter concentrations that are similar to those at which both total sex reversal and intersex (containing both testes and oval is induced in fish exposed to these compounds in laboratory experiments. The development of techniques f or the analysis of natural and synthetic estrogens in biological fluids (i. e. serum and urine) has been a priority in the biomedical field, However, t he recent recognition that estrogen hormones are contaminants in the enviro nment that may contribute to endocrine disruption has focused attention on the need for highly sensitive and specific techniques that are applicable f or trace analysis in complex environmental matrices. Three optimized mass s pectrometric protocols have been developed for the determination and quanti tation of steroid hormones in environmental matrices using gas chromatograp hy/tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS), liquid chromatography/mass spectrom etry selected ion monitoring, (LC/MS - SIM) and liquid chromatography/tande m mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), The advantages and disadvantages of each me thod are presented. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.