| 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. |
