Improving Detection of Chemicals of Emerging Concern: Evaluation of Analytical Workflows and PikMe Prioritization in Wastewater and Indoor Dust

Sammendrag

Suspect screening helps detect chemicals in environmental samples without predefined target lists which can facilitate isolation of a larger number of substances. This study shows however that no single extraction method or analytical platform (LC-HRMS or GC-HRMS) can capture all relevant pollutants—at least half are missed. The technique works best for chemically similar families, where optimized methods can target specific classes or broader families of similar substances (e.g. PFAS). Effective grouping of similar substances is therefore essential. A broad coverage of substances can however be achieved if multiple sample extractions are performed and each extract is analysed on both LC- and GC-HRMS. Strategies where comparisons can be made over time or across locations will also help to isolate pollutant-related signals from the background. Such considerations must be integrated into programme design and budgeting for retrospective analysis. This will maximize likelihood of detection for the largest diversity of substances. Norwegian Environment Agency, M-3038|2025