Chiral Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Environmental Analysis of Pharmacologically Active Compounds

Determination of pharmacologically active chiral compounds (cPACs) at the enantiomeric level in environmental matrices is essential. Such an approach yields vital information for improved wastewater‑based epidemiology, development of more accurate environmental risk assessment, and improved understanding of cPAC fate in wastewaters and the environment. This article gives an up-to‑date commentary on chiral liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS–MS) to determine cPACs, including illicit drugs, in environmental matrices. Several applications are presented to demonstrate the benefits of performing environmental analysis of cPACs at the enantiomeric level. Finally, future perspectives in this rapidly developing field of research are outlined.