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Description

The detection of contaminants in our water systems is important for environmental monitoring and source identification. My research aims to identify and quantify pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPS) in the Merrimack River. Water samples were collected from various locations along the Merrimack River over the span of seven months. An ammonium acetate buffer was added to the samples to improve analyte detection. A method of solid phase extraction (SPE) was modified and used to extract PPCPs from water samples. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, single quadrupole (LC-MS-SQ), was used to identify the PPCPs by mass. Results show a detection of PPCPs along the Merrimack River, picking up compounds such as caffeine, acetaminophen, and carbamazepine. Furthermore, adding different concentrations of buffer resulted in stronger signals from the (LC-MS-SQ). Different concentrations of buffer also showed a stronger detection of PPCPs. Current research is being conducted to determine the exact amount of buffer that should be used. This research highlights the importance of improving sample preparation methods for improved analytical analysis. It contributes to the development of monitoring contaminants in aquatic environments and shows an insight into the pollution distribution of our local water systems.

Publication Date

4-30-2026

Keywords

Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs), Environmental monitoring, Liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS-SQ)

Method Improvements for the Detection of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products Along the Merrimack River

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