Detection and quantification of metastable photoproducts of trenbolone and altrenogest using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Here, we developed a novel and sensitive method for the detection and quantification of metastable trenbolone and altrenogest photoproducts in agricultural receiving waters based on solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Primary method analytes were seven cycloaddition or photohydration transformation products of 17α-trenbolone (17α-TBOH), 17β-trenbolone (17β-TBOH), trendione (TBO), and altrenogest (ALT), which are key contributors to the fate and environmental risks of these steroidal pharmaceuticals. Because commercial analytical standards are not available, reference standards for photoproducts were generated from trenbolone or ALT with a solar simulator (˜6 h, >10 half-lives).