Simultaneous Analysis of Trace Tetracyclines Antibiotics in Wastewater with Ultra-high Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry

A comprehensive method was developed for determination of tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, and doxycycline in wastewater. Based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS), the developed method was specific, sensitive, precise, and accurate. Specificity was confirmed with both retention time and accurate m/z value of four antibiotics. Good linearity was achieved for all compounds in the range 5-100 ng/mL. Repeatability of method was proved. The intra-day and inter-day precision were satisfied. The limit of detection and limit of quantification was low enough at several ng/mL. Recoveries were between 95% and 104% at three concentration levels. The concrete sample collected in local swine farm was determined to containing 15 ng/mL oxytetracycline. The developed method provides a reliable and robust tool that can be used for routine analysis of tetracyclines antibiotics in aqueous samples.