Safeguarding Water Quality: HPLC-DAD as Early Warning System

Harmonized online solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detection (DAD) has proven its suitability as a robust early warning system for water quality in The Netherlands. A retention index (KRetI), validated through interlaboratory ring trials, together with a shared UV spectral database, facilitates data comparability across laboratories. The technique enables early detection of trends and incidental contamination, triggering alarm systems, and allowing for measures to be taken to protect the drinking water supply and the river’s ecosystem.