The path to drinking water
In Germany, around 3,000 active substances are approved for use in over 9,000 preparations in the human and veterinary medicine fields. Several thousand tons of medicine are prescribed every year. After absorption and metabolism in the body, the active substances end up in wastewater. Sometimes no significant degradation or retention through absorption of the active substances takes place in the sewage treatment plant. Hence, these substances are cycled back into drinking water.
Various media reports led to uncertainty among the population about the quality of drinking water. The main focus was the lack of testing for pharmaceutical residues in drinking water – what is not sought cannot be found.
What can we do for you?
We can carry out the analysis for trace levels of drugs using the latest laboratory technology. We use the latest analytical instruments and techniques such as LC-MS/MS and LC-Q-TOF for identification and structure elucidation.
For the analysis of drug residues, we have selected relevant active substances from different pharmaceutical groups such as antibiotics, β-blockers, anti-epileptics, analgesics/anti-rheumatics, cytostatics, lipid-lowering agents, contraceptives, and X-ray contrast agents. The active ingredients are selected based on the quantity used, biodegradability, and persistence in the environment.
Samples can be taken by our trained samplers.
Further information can be found in the flyer Drug Residues (PDF file). Have we sparked your interest? Please request a detailed offer.