A new approach using paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI-MS) for the analysis of steroid hormones in wastewater samples has been demonstrated. Triangular papers containing paraffin barriers as microfluidic channels were used to direct the sample solution to the paper tip, preventing the sample from spreading over the corners of the paper. The method was used to analyze the hormones levonorgestrel and algestone acetophenide in industrial wastewaters. Analytical curves presented a correlation coefficient (R2) above 0.99. Limits of quantification were below 2.3 ppm and limits of detection below 0.7 ppm. Values of precision (coefficient of variation) and accuracy (relative error) were less than 15% for all analyses. Recovery results ranged from 82% to 102%. Levonorgestrel was also analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in order to compare the analytical performance with PSI-MS. No statistically significant differences were found between both methods. This study demonstrates the usefulness of PSI-MS for rapid analysis of hormones in industrial wastewater samples and also indicates its potential to be employed as a simple and reliable analytical method in environmental sciences.

中文翻译：

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用纸喷雾电离质谱法分析工业废水中的类固醇激素的新策略。

已经证明了使用纸喷雾电离质谱 (PSI-MS) 分析废水样品中的类固醇激素的新方法。含有石蜡屏障作为微流体通道的三角形纸用于将样品溶液引导到纸尖，防止样品扩散到纸的角落。该方法用于分析工业废水中的激素左炔诺孕酮和乙酰苯乙胺酮。分析曲线显示相关系数 (R2) 高于 0.99。定量限低于 2.3 ppm，检测限低于 0.7 ppm。所有分析的精密度（变异系数）和准确度（相对误差）值均小于 15%。回收率结果从 82% 到 102% 不等。左炔诺孕酮还通过与质谱联用的高效液相色谱法进行分析，以便将分析性能与 PSI-MS 进行比较。两种方法之间没有发现统计学上的显着差异。这项研究证明了 PSI-MS 在快速分析工业废水样品中的激素方面的有用性，并表明其在环境科学中用作简单可靠的分析方法的潜力。