TSQ Quantum Discovery Max triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometer (MS/MS) with three ionization sources: electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and atmospheric pressure photo ionization (APPI), coupled to a Finnigan Surveyor LC system, equipped with a Surveyor AS autosampler (Thermo Electron Corporation, San Jose, PA, USA). Nitrogen generator system is also connected with the mass spectrometer for continuously nitrogen supply. Xcalibur software 2.0 is used to control the MS parameters for data acquisition and data analysis. Reverse phase chromatographic columns (RP) and hydrophilic interaction chromatographic columns (HILIC) are available for the separation of mixtures with multiple compounds prior the detection and identification by MS/MS. Mass spectrometry enables structural identity of individual components with high molecular specificity and detection sensitivity.

LC-MS/MS is a powerful tool for the detection, unequivocal identification and quantitation of residual chemical compounds in complex sample matrices (e.g. samples of environmental origin).