Analysis of Phytoestrogens in Wastewater by Liquid Chromatography/Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC/TOF-MS) after Automated Solid Phase Extraction

Phytoestrogens are a group of nonsteroidal polyphenolic compounds that occur naturally in a variety of plants. Phytoestrogens can also be excreted by humans and livestock who consume these foods. This class of compounds has the ability to bind to estrogen receptors and thus disrupt the endocrine system in a variety of species. This study describes the analysis of several phytoestrogens in wastewater using liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/TOF-MS) as well as the automated extraction of these phytoestrogens from wastewater utilizing the Gilson GX-271 ASPEC System.