Analysis of antibiotics in environmental samples

Due to its location at the air-sea interface, the sea surface microlayer is prone to accumulating anthropogenic pollutants. We analyzed the presence of antibiotic compounds, including ciprofloxacin, in this area using ultra-performance liquid chromatography—triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in tandem with ionization spray (UPLC-QqQMS/MS) (Bruker EVOQ Elite system, Billerica MA). We compared the numbers and concentrations of these compounds in the microlayer to those found in the underlying water column.