Quantification of melamine and derivatives

Study demonstrates analytical method for quantifying melamine and its breakdown products in water. The developed method used analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) with chromatographic separation by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). Tests looked at analysis of melamine itself and of breakdown products and precursors derivatives ammeline, ammelide,,cyanuric acid, cyromazine and hexa(methoxymethyl)melamine. Limits of quantification of 0.1 – 1 µg/L and limits of detection of 0.01 – 0.05 µg/L for the different compounds, showing good recovery, repeatability and linearity, applicable in both surface waters and wastewaters. Depending on the required sensitivity, evaporation could be used to concentrate samples.

This research was funded by the former European Melamine Producers Association (EMPA).

“Development of a Sensitive HILIC-MS/MS Method for Quantification of Melamine, Derivatives, and Potential Precursors in Various Water Matrices”, M. Käberich et al., Analytica 2025, 6, 27. https://doi.org/10.3390/analytica6030027