Bioassay-directed chemical analysis of River Elbe surface water including large volume extractions and high performance fractionation

A bioassay-directed fractionation and identification (toxicity identification evaluation procedure) was performed on extracts of 10 l River Elbe water samples. The experimental method included a SDB-1 solid phase extraction followed by RP-HPLC fractionation and subfractionation. Chemical analysis by GC–MS as well as acute toxicity testing using a luminescent bacteria assay were conducted in the respective fractions. Many substances were identified, among which were pesticides and pharmaceuticals, but many compounds remained unknown.