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Determination of selected semi-volatile organic compounds in water using automated online solid-phase extraction with large-volume injection/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

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Abstract

A rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective analytical method was developed for the analysis of selected semi-volatile organic compounds in water. The method used an automated online solid-phase extraction technique coupled with programmed-temperature vaporization large-volume injection gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The water samples were extracted by using a fully automated mobile rack system based on x-y-z robotic techniques using syringes and disposable 96-well extraction plates. The method was validated for the analysis of 30 semivolatile analytes in drinking water, groundwater, and surface water. For a sample volume of 10 mL, the linear calibrations ranged from 0.01 or 0.05 to 2.5 μg·L−1, and the method detection limits were less than 0.1 μg·L−1. For the reagent water samples fortified at 1.0 μg·L−1 and 2.0 μg·L−1, the obtained mean absolute recoveries were 70%–130% with relative standard deviations of less than 20% for most analytes. For the drinking water, groundwater, and surface water samples fortified at 1.0 μg·L−1, the obtained mean absolute recoveries were 50%–130% with relative standard deviations of less than 20% for most analytes. The new method demonstrated three advantages: 1) no manipulation except the fortification of surrogate standards prior to extraction; 2) significant cost reduction associated with sample collection, shipping, storage, and preparation; and 3) reduced exposure to hazardous solvents and other chemicals. As a result, this new automated method can be used as an effective approach for screening and/or compliance monitoring of selected semi-volatile organic compounds in water.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Drinking Water Quality Laboratory, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., South Bend, IN, 46617, USA

    Yongtao Li & Christina L. McCarty

  2. Chemical Analysis, Bruker Daltonics, Fremont, CA, 94538, USA

    Ed J. George

Authors
  1. Yongtao Li
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  2. Christina L. McCarty
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  3. Ed J. George
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Correspondence to Yongtao Li.

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Li, Y., McCarty, C.L. & George, E.J. Determination of selected semi-volatile organic compounds in water using automated online solid-phase extraction with large-volume injection/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng. China 5, 417–425 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-011-0310-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-011-0310-x

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