Simultaneous analysis of betrixaban and hexazinone using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in aqueous solutions

A new analytical method has been developed, optimised, and validated for simultaneous detection and identification of betrixaban, an oral anticoagulant drug approved recently by food and drug administration (FDA), and hexazinone, a broad-spectrum triazine herbicide, in aqueous media by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The method was validated by the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, matrix effect, recovery, precision, and accuracy. The recovery experiments were carried out on raw wastewater samples, spiked with these two compounds, using solid phase extraction (SPE). It is the first time that betrixaban has been analysed for environmental samples. The developed analytical method can be applied for more in-depth studies on the fate and occurrence of these compounds in the engineered and natural aquatic environment. The key benefits of the method described here are: • It is highly suitable for betrixaban and hexazinone detection and quantification in aqueous samples. • It can be successfully applied for understanding the fate of betrixaban and hexazinone in real-world water samples. • Method validation revealed that the method is repeatable, robust, and accurate and can be expanded to include detection of other pharmaceuticals and pesticides in aqueous media.