Résumé
The mounting pressure on water resources[1] has led to both shortages and pollution, raising concernsabout human exposure to environmental contaminants. Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) substancesexhibit physicochemical properties that enable environmental persistence, filtration resistance, and survivalthrough conventional water treatments. They do not break down in the environment and pass natural andartificial barriers[2],[3]. Their widespread occurence, particularly in the context of wastewater reuse, poses arisk to drinking water ressources and, consequently, to Human health. Despite their recognizedenvironmental and toxicological significance, PMT compounds and their contamination remain largelyunder-monitored due to analytical challenges associated with their detection.This study presents the development and optimization of a liquid chromatography high-resolution massspectrometry (LC-HRMS) method for the detection of PMT in groundwater, surface water, and drinkingwater across various locations with different levels of anthropic pressure on the water resources. Startingfrom a comprehensive literature review of 480 PM/PMT molecules, a selection of 59 representativecompounds was made, covering pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and REACH-regulated chemicals. A targetedanalytical workflow was developed, complemented by a suspect screening approach. To achieve an optimalsample preparation and analysis of PMT substances, five solid-phase extraction protocols and three LCcolumns were tested on the 59 selected compounds.The final method, combining Oasis HLB and WAX SPE cartridges with optimized LC-HRMS detection,demonstrated robust performances for 51 PMT compounds, achieving high recoveries and minimal matrixeffects. Application to water samples from France (low anthroprogenic pressure, Lez source) and Algeria(higher pressure due to treated wastewater reuse) confirmed the widespread presence of PMTs, ingroundwater and drinking water, reinforcing concerns about their persistence and potential health impact.These findings highlight the persistence of PMTs and their potential contribution to human exposurethrough drinking water, reinforcing the need for comprehensive exposomic studies.