Simultaneous quantification of Gabapentin, Sulfamethoxazole, Terbutryn, Terbuthylazine and Diuron by UV-Vis spectrophotometer

In this study, viable and accessible analytical method for the quantification of pharmaceuticals (Gabapentin, Sulfamethoxazole), herbicides and algaecides (Terbutryn, Terbuthylazine, Diuron) in the aquatic environment was developed. The studied compounds are priority pollutants listed by the Directives of the European Parliament and of the Council Amending Directives (2000/60/EC and 2008/105/EC). Estimation of gabapentin concentration through UV-Vis spectrophotometer shows high linearity and meets the validation criteria set by the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH). Sulfamethoxazole and pesticides determination method was set up using solid phase extraction and examined with UV-Vis spectrophotometer. A novel approach was developed through this study for the estimation of gabapentin concentration; which does not really require any solid phase extraction procedures. Gabapentin concentration can be directly analyzed with high accuracy using UV-Vis spectrophotometer in conjugation with ninhydrin reagent. Similarly, this research demonstrated the instantaneous detection of sulfamethoxazole by evaluating the factor obtained from the linear calibration
curve method. On the other hand, pesticides/biocides are moderately hydrophilic thus require extraction technique. The successful extraction method is developed showing high recovery of desired compounds. The developed methods were incorporated with UV-Vis spectroscopy method, reliable and useful for routine laboratory analysis.