Determination of Xenobiotics Present in Soil using LC-HRMS and QuEChERS Method

Abstract

Human activities have resulted in the presence of xenobiotic substances like pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and cosmeceuticals in the environment. Its presence presents hazards to the environment; therefore, it is important to keep a check on its concentrations in environmental samples like soil and water. Detection of these xenobiotics is very important for taking preventive measures to ensure the safety of ecosystems and living things from any adverse effects of these contaminants. In this study, pollution due to xenobiotic substances was assessed in the fertile agricultural land located near the Tons ecotone region in Prayagraj, India, which has been extensively used for agricultural purposes. Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction method along with liquid Chromatography–HighResolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS) was used to detect and analyze xenobiotic substances present in soil samples. The extraction method was specifically designed for the extraction of soil samples, and the chromatographic analysis exhibited good performance and characteristics. LC-HRMS analysis of the QuEChERS extract resulted in the identification of 27 xenobiotic substances, such as cyclohexylamine, enilconazole, odesmethyllevomepromazine, tamoxifen, fludrocortisone acetate, and other xenobiotic substances.