120 / 302
Conclusions
The developed analytical method allowed the extraction,
detection and quantification of six of the most used
anti-infectives in untreated and treated sewage. Detection
limits ranged from 0.3 to 22 ng L
-1
and instrument
response was linear (
r
2
≥
0.99) in the dynamic range
(25–1000 ng L
-1
). The use of two specific SRM transitions
and their peak area ratios proved to be a reliable and
effective way to reduce false positives and confirm the
presence of targeted substances. All the studied anti-
infectives were found in the wastewater samples in con-
centrations ranging from 39 to 276 ng L
-1
. More studies
are necessary to elucidate the fate of these anti-infectives
after they are discharged into the St. Lawrence River as
well as their effects on aquatic biota and the environment.
0
100
200
300
Sulfamethoxazole
Trimethoprim
Ciprofloxacin
Levofloxacin
Clarithromycin
Azithromycin
Concentration (ng/L)
North Influent
South Influent
Effluent
Figure 4: Occurrence of the studied anti-infectives in the dissolved phase of raw and treated
sewage of the City of Montréal (
n
=3)
Table 4: Removal efficiency of the Montréal wastewater
treatement plant and average mass flow of the studied
anti-infectives.
Mean mass flow in
the St. Lawrence
Compound
River (g day
-1
)
Sulfamethoxazole
340 ± 30
Trimethroprim
310 ± 20
Ciprofloxacin
320 ± 10
Levofloxacin
118 ± 2
Clarithromycin
830 ± 60
Azithromycin
310 ± 20
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AN62489_E 11/07S
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