Bruker unveils simple method to detect cosmetic traces in clean water
Referred to by the Germany-headquartered company as an application note, it is a convenient-to-use method of testing pharmaceutical and personal care (PPCPs) compounds using its EVOQ triple quadrupole liquid chromatography mass spectrometer.
According to the company, its testing method proved to be easier and quicker to use compared to traditional solid phase extraction (SPE) methods, while the Bruker testing method also showed ‘excellent’ results.
Robustness and sensitivity
“The EVOQ’s robustness and high sensitivity deliver game-changing performance in high-throughput laboratories conducting routine environmental monitoring as well as food and water analysis,” said Joe Anacleto, Bruker VP of market development.
The company says that during its research several water samples were analysed for a range of PPCP compounds, with samples including tap water, river water and bottled.
While the samples were said to be more convenient and simple to use, the tests detected PPCP compounds at 2ppt or better within 0.4ml samples, giving ‘excellent linearity, sensitivity and robustness’ throughout the testing process. were detected at 2 ppt or better within 0.4 mL samples. Excellent linearity, sensitivity and robustness were achieved throughout.
PPCPs : an environmental issue
Traces of certain compounds used in PPCPs products are deemed to be harmful to the environment, which in turn is putting more and more pressure on cosmetic formulators to determine how certain formulations or individuals chemicals are supported by water.
These trace chemicals are being continually assessed by waterway authorities and environmental group across the world, who are finding that aquatic and marine life are being threatened by certain chemical traces.
Fragrance compounds particular to personal care products have increasingly come under the spotlight in recent years, with galoxide and tonalide both being highlighted in a number of studies on waterway pollution.
