Testing a method for determining sulfanilamide antimicrobial agents in water using high-performance liquid chromatography on a diode array detector

Introduction. Sulfonamides are used in medicine and veterinary as antimicrobial agents to treat a wide range of infections. Long-term use of sulfonamides in health care and veterinary practice has led to these chemicals penetrating natural water objects from sewage waters. Occurrence of sulfonamides in water for drinking and household use creates a potential health risk. Identification of sulfonamides in water, including drinking water, is a relevant task.

The aim of this study. To test the methodology for identifying sulfonamides in water by high performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector.

Materials and methods. The research objects were represented by samples of natural waters, sewage waters, and water from a swimming pool. Sulfonamide contents were established in water samples by using high performance liquid chromatography. Water samples were prepared for analysis by using solid phase extraction. Quantification was accomplished by absolute calibration. The matrix effect was estimated by comparing the slope angle of calibration curves created with the use of various water types.

Results. The matrix effect estimations confirmed insignificant influence exerted by water matrices of different types on establishing calibration characteristics, and results of analyzing sulfonamide contents in water by high performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector. The analyzed agents were found in 80% of the analyzed samples. Out of nine identified compounds, eight analytes were found in the samples in levels below safe standards. Sulfathiazole was no found in any sample.

Limitations. Limitations are related to a very small number of analyzed samples taken over a short period.

Conclusion. High performance liquid chromatography combined with diode array detecting in ultraviolet light and preliminary solid phase concentration is sufficient for using as a method alternative to HPLC/MS. It has yielded satisfactory results and can be recommended for identifying sulfonamide contacts in variable water samples.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study does not require the submission of a biomedical ethics committee opinion.

Contributions:
Zaitseva N.V. — study concept and design;
Nurislamova Т.V. — consulting, editing the text;
Karnazhitskaya Т.D. — data collection and analysis, writing the text;
Starchikova М.О. — data collection and analysis;
Permyakova Т.S. — data collection and analysis;
Abdullina L.Sh. — data collection and analysis.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: July 23, 2025 / Revised: August 26, 2025 / Accepted: October 15, 2025 / Published: November 14, 2025

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