Emerging Contaminants (ECs)
Emerging Contaminants (ECs) are newly identified synthetic or naturally occurring chemicals or biological agents that are detected in the environment and potentially hazardous or recently determined to be hazardous to humans and ecosystems.
Protect the environment and humans by utilising emerging contaminants analysis
The Hutton have the capability to analyse a wide range of ECs including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) , Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), pharmaceuticals etc. in different matrices.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): POPs are organic substances that persist in the environment, accumulate in biota and pose a risk to animal and human health. They can be transported by air, water or migratory species across international borders, reaching regions where they have never been produced or used. Using chromatography and mass spectrometry (e.g., GC/LC-MS) coupled with comprehensive samples pretreatment technology, we could analyse POPs including ‘forever chemicals’ per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), flame retardants polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water, soil/sediment and animal samples (e.g., serum and animal tissues).
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs): EDCs are substances that interfere with the normal function of body’s endocrine system. We are able to detect a wide range of EDCs including Estrogens (e.g., Estrone, Estradiol, Estriol, Diethylstilbestrol,17-α-Ethylestradiol), Bisphenol A and plasticisers (e.g., phthalate esters), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) and so on.
We have the capability to analyse a wide range of ECs including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) , Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), pharmaceuticals etc. in different matrices.
Zulin Zhang, Senior Scientist
Pesticides: In addition to historic-use pesticides (e.g., atrazine, simazine, isoproturon), we could also offer techniques for analysing current-use pesticides (metaldehyde, chlortoluron, cypermethrin) and neonicotinoid pesticides (e.g., imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, acetamiprid and dinotefuran).
Pharmaceuticals: The pharmaceuticals are consisting of the products used to prevent or treat disease in humans and animals. Using ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled by tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), we could quantify a range of pharmaceuticals including prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain killers, antidepressants, beta blockers, blood lipid regulators, and many more.
Microplastics (MPs): After being extracted, MPs will be counted directly by using a stereo microscope and the measurements of MPs were carried out using a FTIR spectrometer. Interpretation of the IR spectra was achieved using searchable in-house and commercial libraries of reference IR spectra.
Novel ECs: With extensive samples pre-treatment (e.g., samples extraction and clean-up) and chromatography and mass spectrometry experiences, we are also able to offer for development of methods for new organic contaminants in the environmental and food samples as needed.
