HPLC-DAD and Q-TOF MS techniques identify cause of Daphnia biomonitor alarms in the River Meuse.

Several water companies in The Netherlands use a combination of specifically targeted compound analysis (HPLC-UV and GC-MS) and effect monitoring (continuous biotests) to monitor source water quality and to screen for unknown compounds. In spring 2004, the Daphnia biomonitor at Keizersveer monitoring station alongside the River Meuse recorded several alarms. In this study, the combination of HPLC-DAD and Q-TOF MS techniques was used to identify the so-far unknown microcontaminant related to this Daphnia alarm as 3-cyclohexyl-1,1-dimethylurea. The maximum concentration of this compound in the River Meuse at the time of the alarm was estimated to be 5 microg/L. The response of the waterfleas to this compound was confirmed with a short-term and a long-term verification test. The origin of the pollutant is still unknown. This paper shows that the combined application of on-line continuous biotests and advanced chemical analysis is an effective tool for the detection and identification of unknown, potentially hazardous compounds for surface water quality monitoring. Biological effect monitoring and specific compound analysis complement each other and together provide the best possible insight in rapid surface water quality changes.