Analysis of ethoxylated nonionic surfactants and their metabolites by liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry

The widespread use and questionable environmental acceptability of nonionic surfactants make the alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) and their neutral and acidic degradation products a focus of interest in environmental analytica l chemistry. The characterization and especially quantification of polyetho xylate mixtures in environmental matrices is a challenge, because of the co mplexity of the mixtures. A review on trace analysis of APEOs using atmosph eric pressure ionization mass spectrometry, including sample preparation an d liquid chromatographic separation, is presented. In this Special Feature, the performances of two ionization methods, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and electrospray ionization, is discussed in terms of selectivit y and sensitivity toward oligomeric mixtures of APEOs. Capabilities and lim itations associated with the liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometric dete ction of APEOs, their main degradation products and their halogenated metab olites, and also specific issues related to the sample preparation, formati on of fragments, adducts and cluster ions, quantification of oligomeric mix tures and signal suppression effects in complex matrices, are discussed. Co nclusions and future perspectives are outlined. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wil ey & Sons, Ltd.