Determination of synthetic musk compounds in sewage biosolids by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

A review of sewage sludge regulations and land application practices by the United States National Research Council (2002) recommended development of improved analytical techniques to adequately identify and quantify new chemical contaminants, such as synthetic musk compounds in Class A sewage sludge (i.e., biosolids). This prompted the development of a rugged analytical method using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to detect this group of organic pollutants in biosolids. In this paper, the term "biosolids" is used interchangeably with "sewage sludge", which is defined in the regulations and used in the statue (Clean Water Act). Samples of Class A biosolids obtained from sewage treatment plants in Los Angeles, California, the City of Las Vegas, Nevada, and also in the form of a commercial fertilizer, were extracted using pressurized liquid extraction technique, subjected to gel permeation chromatography clean-up, and analyzed by GC/MS using the selected ion monitoring mode. The method developed has the potential to detect synthetic musk compounds in complex matrices, may provide accurate data useful in human health and environmental risk assessment, and may be useful in determining the efficacy of municipal sewage treatment plants for removing synthetic musk compounds.     

Screening volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions from five marine phytoplankton species by head space gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS)

Five marine cosmopolitan phytoplankton species namely; Calcidiscus leptoporus, Emiliania huxleyi, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Chaetoceros neogracilis and Dunaliella tertiolecta were screened for emissions of selected VOCs using head space gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS) in single ion mode. The VOCs investigated included isoprene and various halogenated compounds. Among the different algae groups, the two diatoms Ch. neogracilis and P. tricornutum were the strongest emitters of methyl bromide (CH3Br), and Ch. neogracilis was the strongest emitter of isoprene. Furthermore, we present evidence that several chlorinated organic compounds, normally considered as anthropogenic, can be produced from marine phytoplankton (namely chloroform, dichloromethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, chlorobenzene and dichlorobenzene).     

Determination of 14 amines in air samples using midget impingers sampling followed by analysis with ion chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry

An Ion Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (IC-MS) method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of 14 volatile amines in air. The method includes collection of compounds into two midget impingers in a row filled with 15 ml of ultrapure water. The analytical performances with mass spectrometry detection were compared to those obtained with classical conductivity detection. The use of mass spectrometry detection (in SIM mode) overcomes most of the coelutions encountered with conductivity detection. Although the linearity domain of calibrations is reduced for the MS detection as compared with the CD detection, the detection limits in MS detection are highly lowered allowing the quantification of amines at the levels of μg m(-3) in air with a good accuracy for most compounds (RSD of less than 10%). This method was successfully applied to the analysis of amines released from polyurethane foams. Seven amines were identified and some in high concentrations, like dimethylaminoethanol, NIAX and TEDA.     

Multi-residue determination of pharmaceuticals in sludge and sludge enriched soils using pressurized liquid extraction, solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

An analytical method to determine a selection of 27 frequently prescribed and consumed pharmaceuticals in biosolid enriched soils and digested sludges is presented. Using a combination of pressurized liquid extraction, solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, it was possible to detect all analytes in each sample type at the low-sub ng g(-1) level. Solid phase extraction efficiencies were compared for 6 different sorbent types and it was found that Waters Oasis HLB cartridges offered enhanced selectivities with 20 analytes showing final method recoveries > or =60% in both soils and digested sludges. The method was validated for linearity, range, precision and limits of detection in both sample matrices. All analytes were then determined in sludge enriched soils as well as the precursor thermally dried sludge fertilizer produced from a primary wastewater treatment plant. Levels of the antibacterial agent triclosan were found to exceed 20 microg g(-1) in digested sludge and 5 microg g(-1) in thermally dried sludge cake. Significant traces of carbamazepine and warfarin were also detected in the above samples.     

Identification and quantification of bisphenol A by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in a lab-scale dual membrane system

Endocrine disruptor contamination is an emerging issue of concern in the field of water quality engineering. In this study, a lab-scale microfiltration (MF) and reverse osmosis (RO) based water reclamation system was set up to monitor and evaluate the removal of bisphenol A (BPA), which is a known oestrogenic compound. The identification and quantification of BPA were performed by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. It was noted that the detection method used in this study was able to achieve an average recovery ranging from 88.2 to 94.1% of BPA with standard deviations of less than 10% in different spiked samples. The detection limit of the analytical protocol was determined at 20 ng L(-1). Based on the analytical protocol, it was noted that a low level of BPA (1.18-3.04 microg L(-1)) could be detected in feed water (effluent of an activated sludge treatment system) to the dual membrane water reclamation system. The results obtained suggested that BPA could be easily chlorinated by sodium hypochlorite with a dosage of 4 to 5 mg L(-1) and a contact time of 1 to 2 min. In this lab-scale study, a satisfactory removal of BPA was readily obtained by RO and BPA was abated to an undetectable level in the product water. It was noted that the RO rejection characteristic of BPA was not sensitive to the variations in raw feed water characteristics experienced in this study. In addition, it was noted that BPA concentration present in raw feed water did not exert any significant impact on RO performance in terms of BPA rejection. The results of this study demonstrated that membrane technology could be effectively used for BPA removal.     

On-line solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry to quantify pharmaceuticals, pesticides and some metabolites in wastewaters, drinking, and surface waters

A simple on-line method was developed for the analysis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides and some metabolites in drinking, surface and wastewater samples. The technique is based on the use of on-line solid-phase extraction combined with liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry with positive electrospray ionization (LC-ESI(PI)-MS/MS). The injection of only 1 mL of filtered water sample is used with a total analysis time of 20 min, including the period required to flush the SPE cartridge with organic solvent and reconditioning the LC column. Method detection limits were in the range of 2 to 24 ng L(-1) for the compounds of interest, with recoveries from 87 to 110% in surface as well as wastewater samples. Matrix effects were observed for some compounds without exceeding more than 25%. All results displayed a good degree of reproducibility, with relative standard deviations (RSD) of less than 12% for all compounds. Moreover, at least 200 samples were analyzed without altering the performance of the pre-concentration column. This method was preferred over traditional off-line procedures because it minimizes tedious sample preparation, increases productivity and sample throughput. The analysis of various water and wastewater samples showed that caffeine, carbamazepine and atrazine could be detected in all the samples analysed and the selected compounds are always present in at least one of the sample types.     

顶空固相微萃取-毛细管气相色谱表面发射火焰光度法测定淡水中有机锡化合物

采用固相微萃取(SPME)技术对河水样品中的丁基锡化合物进行富集后直接用气相色谱分离测定.实验中应用了涂层性质和厚度各不相同的商品纤维,也应用了自制的吸附纤维,将所得结果进行比较,发现100μm聚二甲基硅氧烷涂层萃取各丁基锡化合物的灵敏度及重现性均是最好的.将依此为基础建立的SPME-GC-FPD方法用于河水中有机锡化合物的测定,方法非常灵敏和快速.     

固相微萃取-毛细管气相色谱法快速分析水中酚类化合物

固相微萃取是一种快速、简便、集萃取浓缩进样于一体的样品前处理技术,具有分析时间短、灵敏度高、无需有机溶剂的优点.本工作用固相微萃取富集水中酚类化合物,毛细管气相色谱分离分析,整个分析过程只需45min,检出限可达1.0～10.0μg/L,已用于地面水、海水、工厂废水中酚类化合物含量的测定.     

环境空气中痕量挥发性有机硫监测分析方法研究

采用预浓缩系统与GC MS联用,建立了环境空气中痕量挥发性有机硫的分析方法,该法用苏玛罐或Tedlar袋采集空气样品在预浓缩系统中经液氮于-160℃冷冻浓缩后,进入GC MS进行分析。甲硫醇、乙硫醇、甲硫醚、乙硫醚、二甲二硫的最低检出限分别为2 0、1 0、1 0、1 0、0 5μg m3。经6次的重复测定,其相对标准偏差小于9 0%。该方法已用于环境空气的测定,取得了令人满意的结果。     

固相微萃取一毛细管气相色谱法快速分析水中有机氯农药

固相微萃取是一种快速、简便、集萃取浓缩进样于一体的样品前处理技术,具有分析时间短、灵敏度高、无需有机溶剂的优点.本工作用固相微萃取富集水中有机氯农药,毛细管气相色谱分离分析,整个分析过程只需30min,检出限可迭0.01至0.1μg/L,已用于降雨、地面水、海洋中有机氯农药含量的测定.     

空气中挥发性有机物(VOCs) 的监测方法研究

建立了热脱附仪和气相色谱-质谱联用测定室内空气和环境空气中35种挥发性有机污染物的分析方法,方法的最低检出限为0.1～0.9μg/m3, 20μg/m3挥发性有机物标准经6次的重复测定,其相对标准偏差小于8.4%.该方法已用于室内空气和环境空气的测定,取得令人满意的结果.     

吹扫捕集与气相色谱-质谱联用测定饮用水和地表水中挥发性有机污染物

报道了Trap I(VOCARB 4000)柱捕集水中挥发性有机污染物的性能和条件,建立了吹扫捕集和气相色谱-质谱联用测定饮用水和地表水样中25种挥发性有机污染物的分析方法.水样的加标回收率在90%～110%之间,最低检测限在0.04～0.85μg/L之间,20μg/L的挥发性有机物标准溶液经重复6次测定,其相对标准偏差基本小于5.0%.该方法已成功地运用于饮用水和地表水中挥发性有机污染物的测定,结果令人满意.     

Determination of CH4, CO2 and N2O in air samples and soil atmosphere by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, GC-MS

A method for determination of the climate gases CH4, CO2 and N2O in air samples and soil atmosphere was developed using GC-MS. The method uses straightforward gas chromatography (separation of the gases) with a mass spectrometric detector in single ion mode (specific determination). The gases were determined with high sensitivity and high sample throughput (18 samples h(-1)). The LOD (3sigma) for the gases were 0.10 micro L L(-1) for CH4, 20 microL L(-1) for CO2 and 0.02 microL L(-1) for N2O. The linear range (R2 = 0.999) was up to 500 microL L(-1) for CH4, 4000 microL L(-1) for CO2 and 80 microL L(-1) for N2O. The samples were collected in 10 mL vials and a 5 microL aliquot was injected on column. The method was tested against certified gas references, the analytical data gave an accuracy within +/-5% and a precision of +/-3%. The presence of < or = 10% by volume of C2H2 (often used experimentally to prevent N2 formation from N2O) did not interfere with detection for the targeted trace gases.     

Dissipation and residues determination of propamocarb in ginseng and soil by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

Two-year field trials were performed at two experimental sites to investigate dissipation and terminal residues of propamocarb in ginseng root, stem, leaf, and soil by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Mean recoveries ranged from 80.5 to 95.6 % with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 5.5–9.1 % at fortified levels of 0.01, 0.02, 0.05 and 0.20 mg kg^?1. The half-lives of propamocarb were 5.00–11.36 days in root, 5.07–11.46 days in stem, 6.83–11.31 days in leaf and 6.44–8.43 days in soil. The terminal residues of propamocarb were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of EU (0.20 mg kg^?1) and South Korea (0.50 mg kg^?1 in fresh ginseng and 1.0 mg kg^?1 in dried ginseng) over 28 days after last spraying at recommended dosage. The results provide a quantitative basis for establishing the MRL and give a suggestion of safe and reasonable use of propamocarb in ginseng.     

大气中芳香胺及吡啶类化合物的离子色谱法测定

采用GDX-501富集大气中芳香胺及吡啶类化合物,经沸水解吸后解吸液直接注入离子色谱仪,用紫外/可见光检测器进行测定。方法灵敏、简便,可同时测定吡啶、2-甲基吡啶、3-甲基吡啶、苯胺、邻-甲苯胺、间-甲苯胺等。当采样体积为30L时,方法的最低检出浓度范围为0.05～0.10mg/m3(吡啶～间甲苯胺),测定的回收率为84.7%～95.9%,相对标准偏差为4.0%～6.6%。     

An alternative method for the determination of estrogens in surface water and wastewater treatment plant effluent using pre-column trimethylsilyl derivatization and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

A procedure using pre-column trimethylsilyl derivatization and gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was developed and applied in determining trace estrogens in complex matrix. Main conditions were optimized, including pH value, salinity of water sample, elution reagents, clean procedure, derivative solvent and temperature. The optimized method was used to determine steroid estrogens in surface water and effluents of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Low detection limits of 0.01, 0.03, 0.03, 0.07, 0.09 and 0.13 ng/l for DES, E1, E2, EE2, E3 and E(V), respectively were obtained under optimism condition. No apparent interferences appeared in chromatography in comparison with ultrapure water blank. Mean recovery ranged from 72.6% to 111.0% with relative standard deviation of 1.1-4.6% for spiked surface water, and from 66.6% to 121.1% with relative standard deviation of 1.5-4.7% for spiked effluent of WWTP. The results suggested that the optimized method provides a robust solution for the determination of trace steroid estrogens in complex matrix.     

固相微萃取-毛细管气相色谱法快速同步分析水中硝基苯类及氯苯类化合物

固相微萃取是一种快速、简便、集萃取浓缩进样于一体的样品前处理技术,具有分析时间短、灵敏度高、无需有机溶剂的优点。文章用固相微萃取富集水中9种硝基苯类及5种氯苯类化合物,毛细管气相色谱ECD检测器分离分析,整个分析过程只需25min,检出限可达0.0002~0.02μg/L,已用于地表水、海水与工厂废水中硝基苯类及氯苯类化合物含量的测定。     

Application of laser-based ion mobility (IM) spectrometry for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) and petroleum products in soils

The capability of laser-based IM spectrometry to detect PAC and petroleum products (oils) in model matrices, laboratory reference (LR) materials and in real-world contaminated soil samples was demonstrated. Quantitative IM investigations of PAC-doped PVC films yielded detection limits in the ppm range for single PAC. The potential of IM spectrometry for in situ analysis was demonstrated by the analysis of PAC-containing certified reference (CR) material, and of petroleum product-containing LR materials and real-world soil samples. The calibration of IM signals obtained from oil-doped LR materials was also possible, and detection of oils with concentrations below 100 mg kg(-1) was achieved. The in situ analysis of real-world contaminated soils with the IM and LIF techniques was in good accordance with ex situ reference investigations.     

固相微萃取-毛细管气相色谱法快速同步分析水中有机氯及有机磷农药

固相微萃取是一种快速、简便,集萃取浓缩进样于一体的样品前处理技术,具有分析时间短、灵敏度高、无需有机溶剂的优点.用固相微萃取富集水中8种有机氯及7种有机磷农药,毛细管气相色谱ECD检测器分离分析,整个分析过程只需26min,检出限可达0.002～1μg/L,已用于地表水中有机氯及有机磷农药含量的测定.     

Simultaneous analysis of endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, and their metabolites in natural soil and water samples using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Analysis of endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, and their nonpolar metabolites in extracts from environmental aqueous and soil samples was performed using a gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) technique. Full-scan GC–MS analysis showed poor sensitivity for some of the metabolites (endodiol and endosulfan ether). A multisegment MS/MS method was developed and MS/MS parameter isolation time, excitation time, excitation voltage, and maximum excitation energy were optimized for chosen precursor ions to enhance selectivity and sensitivity of the analysis. The use of MS/MS with optimized parameters quantified analytes with significantly higher accuracy, and detection limits were lowered to ~1/6th compared with the full-scan method. Co-eluting compounds, chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos oxon, were also analyzed successfully in the MS/MS mode by choosing exclusive precursor ions. Analysis of soil and water phase samples from contaminated soil slurry bioreactors showed that the MS/MS method could provide more reliable estimates of these pesticide and metabolites (especially those present in low concentrations) by annulling interferences from soil organic matter.