鱼肉组织中多溴联苯醚的定量分析

多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)是一类广泛用于家用电器、电子产品、塑料泡沫、家居装饰材料等行业的添加型阻燃剂[1],使用量最多的是五溴联苯醚(penta-BDE),八溴联苯醚(octa-BDE)和十溴联苯醚(deca-BDE)3种[2]。最近的研究表明[4-6],多溴联苯醚已广泛地存在于各种环境介质、生物体及人体中     

Determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in freshwater fishes from a river polluted by e-wastes

Analytical method using mass spectrometric techniques was applied for the determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in freshwater fishes. Fish samples collected from Nanyang River contaminated by the recycling electron-wastes (e-wastes) materials were prepared by using Soxhlet extraction and multiple-step column chromatographic clean-up. PBDEs were determined by gas chromatography (GC) coupled with ion trap mass spectrometry (for mono- to hepta-BDEs) and quadrupole mass spectrometry (for BDE-209). The method performance was evaluated with the recovery of ¹³C-labeled internal standards and with the analysis of certified reference biota. The obtained recoveries ranged from 75 to 125% with a relative standard deviation of lower than 10% for 16 PBDE congeners. The total PBDE (ΣPBDE) concentrations in fishes showed the following trend: grass carp < mud carp < crucian carp < silver carp < carp. ΣPBDE concentrations in the abdomen, back and tail muscles of carp ranged from 766, 458 and 530 ng/g w.w., and 53, 52, 45 ng/g w.w. in grass carp, respectively. The ΣPBDE concentrations in abdomen muscles were no significantly higher than in back and tail muscles in carp, crucian carp, grass carp and mud carp. PBDE congener concentrations in muscles correlated well with their lipid content. BDE-47 and BDE-28 were the most abundant congeners followed by BDE-17, BDE-15, BDE-66, BDE-154 and BDE-153 in fishes collected from Guiyu.     

Gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry applied for the determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in soil

A gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry (GC/ITMS) method was developed for the determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). ITMS parameters were optimized in order to achieve the best sensitivity for the PBDE analysis. Tandem mass spectrometry, along with an isotope dilution internal standard method, was used for the quantitation. Chromatographic windows were developed for mono- to hepta-BDEs, depending on the retention times when a 30-m GC column was used. A different 15-m column was used to analyze deca-BDE. Environmental soil samples collected from an electronic waste recycling site were prepared by using Soxhlet extraction and column chromatographic cleanup. Average recoveries of 61-118% were obtained for the 13C-labeled PBDE internal standards spiked in the samples prior to sample preparation. The accuracy represented by relative analytical errors was -24% to 18%, and the precision (relative standard deviation) was 11-26% (n=8). The method detection limits ranged from 0.013-0.25 ng/g for the PBDEs in soil.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in marine sediment of Thermaikos Gulf,Greece

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations were determined in marine sediment samples collected from 7 different locations around Thermaikos Gulf in north Greece. PBDEs were detected in all sampling sites and their average total concentration (ΣPBDEs) ranged from 0.26 to 4.92?ng?g^?1?d.w. Concentrations were an order of magnitude higher in locations outlining the inner part of the Gulf, which were also closer to industrial areas, sewage treatment plant discharges, the city's harbour and landfill area. These findings suggest pollution in the aquatic ecosystem from industrial and urban activities in the area. Congener profiles exhibit predominance of BDE-209, while concentrations of other PBDE congeners were usually lower, when compared to similar studies from other countries globally, indicating that Thermaikos Gulf is among the low-polluted areas. Statistical analysis showed significant differences among the higher polluted sampling stations. Statistically significant differences also existed between sampling stations with high and low PBDE concentrations. Correlations between congeners suggested local contamination sources; however, specific point sources of pollution were not established.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners and toxaphene in selected marine standard reference materials

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners and components of the complex mixture toxaphene are stable in the environment and readily bioaccumulated into wildlife and human tissues. PBDEs are presently used in large quantities worldwide as flame retardants in textiles, furniture, computer equipment, and cables. Toxaphene is a complex mixture of chlorinated bornanes and bornenes that was the most heavily used pesticide in the United States until it was banned in 1982; however, some countries continue to use toxaphene. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has quantified PBDE congeners and toxaphene in several available Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) using methods of gas chromatography with electron impact mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) and GC negative chemical ionization (NCI) MS, respectively. SRM 1588a Organics in Cod Liver Oil and SRM 1945 Organics in Whale Blubber were examined for PBDE congeners 47, 99, 100, 153, and 154, total toxaphene, and toxaphene congeners 26, 50, and 62. SRM 1946 Lake Superior Fish Tissue was also examined for total toxaphene and toxaphene congeners. The sum of the PBDE congeners (mean, (1 SD) wet basis) for SRM 1945 was 150 ng g^–1 (7 ng g^–1). The concentration of PBDE 47 in SRM 1588a was 82.7 ng g^–1 (2.8 ng g^–1). Other PBDEs were detected in SRM 1588a but were not quantified due their low levels. The total toxaphene (wet mass basis) was 1,210 ng g^–1 (127 ng g^–1), 1,960 ng g^–1 (133 ng g^–1), and 3,980 ng g^–1 (248 ng g^–1) in SRMs 1945, 1946, and 1588a, respectively. The values for PBDEs and toxaphene determined in the SRMs, while not certified, indicate that the SRMs will be suitable control materials for PBDE and toxaphene analyses.     

Factorial-design optimization of gas chromatographic analysis of tetrabrominated to decabrominated diphenyl ethers. Application to domestic dust

Gas chromatographic analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) has been evaluated in an attempt to achieve better control of the separation process, especially for highly substituted congeners. Use of a narrow-bore capillary column enabled adequate determination of tetra, penta, hexa, hepta, octa, nona and decaBDE congeners in only one chromatographic run while maintaining resolution power similar to that of conventional columns. A micro electron-capture detector (GC–μECD) was used. Chromatographic conditions were optimized by multifactorial experimental design, with the objective of obtaining not only high sensitivity but also good precision. In this way two different approaches to maximizing response and minimizing variability were tested, and are fully discussed. These optimum chromatographic conditions were then used to determine PBDEs extracted from domestic dust samples by microwave-assisted solvent extraction (MASE). Quantitative recovery (90–108%) was achieved for all the PBDEs and method precision (RSD < 13%) was satisfactory. Accuracy was tested by use of the standard reference material SRM 2585, and sub-ng g⁻¹ limits of detection were obtained for all compounds except BDE-209 (1.44 ng g⁻¹). Finally, several samples of house dust were analysed by use of the proposed method and all the target PBDEs were detected in all the samples. BDE-209 was the predominant congener. Amounts varied from 58 to 1615 ng g⁻¹ and the average contribution to the total PBDE burden of 52%. The main congeners of the octaBDE mixture (BDE-183, BDE-197, BDE-207 and BDE-196) also made an important contribution (29%) to the total. These are the first data about the presence of these compounds in European house-dust samples. Finally, the sum of the main congeners in the pentaBDE commercial mixture (BDE-47, BDE-99, and BDE-100) contributed 14% to the total. Figure Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in House Dust     

Fast analysis of decabrominated diphenyl ether using low-pressure gas chromatography-electron-capture negative ionization mass spectrometry

This paper reports the applicability of low-pressure gas chromatography-mass spectrometry operated in electron-capture negative ionization mode (LP-GC-ECNI-MS) for the analysis of decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209). Particular attention was paid to find optimal injector and oven conditions for minimal thermal degradation of BDE-209. The analytical characteristics were compared for LP-GC columns (10 m x 0.53 mm) with different film thicknesses (d(f) 0.15 microm versus 0.25microm) and for a conventional GC column (15 m x 0.25 mm, 0.10 microm d(f)). Short residence times (6.5 and 9.8 min) of BDE-209 were found for the LP-GC systems with 0.15 and 0.25microm d(f), respectively, resulting in a low elution temperature and minimal degradation. Additionally, baseline separation of 22 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners (major components of PBDE technical mixtures) was possible in less than 12 min using the LP-GC-ECNI-MS system with 0.15microm d(f). The optimized method was applied for the determination of PBDEs in Belgian indoor dust samples. The obtained concentrations of BDE-209 (range 8-292 ng/g dry weight) were in the same range or lower than concentrations in dust from other European countries.     

超声辅助萃取气相色谱-质谱法测定松针中的多溴联苯醚

建立了测定松针样品中多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)的分析方法。松针样品经过正己烷-丙酮(体积比为1∶1)混合溶液超声萃取、浓硫酸和氧化铝柱净化后,采用气相色谱-负化学电离源质谱(GC-NCI-MS)选择离子监测(SIM)模式检测,内标法定量。结果表明,方法的加标回收率为83.8%~107.5%,三溴~七溴代联苯醚的仪器检出限为0.152~ 0.770 pg,十溴代联苯醚(BDE-209)的检出限为11.1 pg;三溴~七溴代联苯醚的方法检出限(湿重)为3~15 pg/g,BDE-209的方法检出限(湿重)为222 pg/g。方法具有良好的重现性、较高的灵敏度和良好的回收率。实际样品分析表明,松针中BDE-209是主要的同类物,约占8种PBDEs总量的82.3%,低溴代联苯醚以2,2′,4,4′-四溴联苯醚(BDE-47)为主。     

固相萃取-气相色谱-负化学源质谱法测定人血清中的多溴联苯醚

采用OasisHLB固相萃取柱萃取血清中的多溴联苯醚(PBDEs),经浓硫酸柱上除脂后,利用气相色谱-负化学源质谱法测定BDE-17、28、47、66、99、100、153、154、183和209共10种PBDEs组分。BDE-209的测定采用DB-5 ms色谱柱(15 m×0.25 mm×0.1 μm),其他组分采用VF-5 ms色谱柱(30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 μm)。对样品中蛋白质的去除溶剂和固相萃取条件(如洗脱溶剂及其用量)进行了优化。胎牛血清中的加标回收试验结果显示,各PBDEs单体相对于内标的平均回收率为78.5%～109.7%,日内测定的相对标准偏差(RSD)为0.3%～7.4%,日间测定的RSD为1.4%～14.1%。胎牛血清中三溴～七溴联苯醚的检出限(信噪比为3)为0.10～0.27 ng/L;定量限(信噪比为10)除了BDE-209为7.91 ng/L外,其他PBDEs为0.35～0.91 ng/L。采用本方法测定标准参考物质SRM1957和SRM1958,结果在参考值范围内。实验结果表明,本方法灵敏度高、准确度和精密度好,简便快速,溶剂消耗量少,适用于人体血清中三至十位溴取代联苯醚的测定。     

凝胶渗透色谱结合气相色谱-负化学源质谱法分析鱼肉及鱼油中的多溴联苯醚和得克隆阻燃剂

建立了凝胶渗透色谱(GPC)结合气相色谱-负化学源质谱(GC-NCI/MS)检测鱼肉及鱼油中8种多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)同系物及2种得克隆阻燃剂(DP)的分析方法。试样中加入内标物BDE-77和13C12-BDE-209后进行索氏提取,提取液经自动GPC系统除脂,多层硅胶层析柱净化后,在15 m长的毛细管气相色谱柱上分离,NCI/MS以选择离子监测方式检测目标化合物。以鱼肉样品为基质,当PBDEs的加标水平为0.2 ng/g和2 ng/g、BDE-209和DP的加标水平相应提高10倍时,其平均加标回收率为71.1%～121.4%,相对标准偏差为2.96%～13.31%(n=5);以信噪比(S/N)为3计算方法的检出限(LOD)为2.2～39.8 ng/kg。用该方法检测市售鱼肉及鱼油样品,其中多溴联苯醚总含量为2.18～15.93 ng/g,以BDE-209、BDE-47为主,两种DP均未检出。该方法准确、灵敏度高,能够满足富含脂质的动物性样品中痕量DP和PBDEs残留的分析要求。     

Analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) by liquid chromatography with negative-ion atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/NI-APPI/MS/MS): application to house dust

Eight polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners of primary interest to the US EPA were separated using reverse-phase liquid chromatography on an octadecylsilane column. BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, BDE-183, and BDE-209 were baseline-resolved under isocratic conditions in 92:8 methanol/water (v/v). Negative-ion atmospheric pressure photoionization (NI-APPI) with a toluene dopant produced precursor ions corresponding to [M–Br+O]^– for the eight congeners studied. Each congener was quantified by tandem mass spectrometry through a unique multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transition. On-column limits of detection were between 2.4 and 27.8 pg for the eight congeners studied, with an intra-day method precision of 9%. The LC/NI-APPI/MS/MS method was validated for the analysis of the eight PBDE congeners in NIST SRM 2585 (Organics in House Dust). Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with subsequent LC/NI-APPI/MS/MS analysis afforded quantitative recovery for all eight PBDE congeners with recoveries ranging from 92.7 to 113%. The liquid-phase separation of the LC/NI-APPI/MS/MS method is not prone to the thermal degradation issues that plague splitless GC based analyses of highly brominated PBDEs such as BDE-209.     

Improved GC/ECNI-MS sensitivity of decabromodiphenyl ether determination on 30 m columns by increasing the carrier gas flow after a modified gel permeation chromatographic cleanup protocol employing cyclohexane/ethyl acetate as eluent

BDE-209 is the predominant constituent of the commercial mixture decabromodiphenyl ether which is used as brominated flame retardant (BFR). Owing to difficulties associated with the high mass (thermal instability and low vapour pressure), short GC columns (≤15?m) have been suggested for its analysis while longer columns (30–50?m) are suggested for other polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners. To overcome this considerable expenditure in the analysis of PBDEs, we aimed at increasing the sensitivity of BDE-209 analysis by gas chromatography coupled with electron-capture negative ion mass spectrometry (GC/ECNI-MS) on a 30?m column. The chromatographic performance of BDE-209 on the 30?m GC column was improved by increasing the carrier gas flow from initially 1.2?mL?min^?1 to 5 or 10?mL?min^?1 after the last octabromo diphenyl ether (Br₈DE) congener was eluted. With this high carrier gas flow, the column residence time of BDE-209 was shortened by ～25%, the peak height was increased and, consequently, the limit of detection by GC/ECNI-MS in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode was improved. When this high-flow GC/ECNI-MS-SIM method was applied to a sediment sample, we realized that gel permeation chromatography (GPC) – used for the removal of lipids and/or sulphur – provided low recovery rates for BDE-209. The large molecule BDE-209 eluted late and only 50% was recovered by our previous standard protocol for polyhalogenated compounds. Application of a modified GPC procedure with a longer collection time increased the recovery of BDE-209 in the GPC step to ～90%.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in Baltic herring from Estonian waters, 2006–2008

Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Baltic Sea herring Clupea harengus membras L. collected from Estonian coastal waters are reported. In the period 2006–2008 the total PBDE concentrations (ΣPBDE, sum of 15 congeners) in Baltic herring varied between 0.57 and 4.08 ng g⁻¹ fresh weight. Highest ΣPBDE concentrations were in a 2007 sample from the mouth of the Gulf of Finland and in a 2007 sample from the Gulf of Riga. The former contained a high concentration of BDE 209 (16.3 ng g⁻¹) and in the latter this congener was the second most abundant. It is not clear whether the BDE 209 concentration in the Gulf of Finland sample is not an artefact and this value was not included in the above range. The PBDE concentrations increased with the age of herring are similar to those reported in [1] in fish collected in the Bothnian Sea in 2002 and did not increase between 2002 and 2008. The majority of concentrations in herring from the Estonian coastal zone was <1.0 ng g⁻¹ fresh weight. The PBDE congener profiles varied regionally as well as with age of the fish. The main congeners were mostly the BDEs 47, 99, and 100. Some of the variations probably caused by measurement artefacts.     

Determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human hair by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A rapid analytical method has been developed for the determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in human hair. PBDEs were determined by gas chromatography with electron ionization mass spectrometric detection in the selected ion monitoring mode (GC-MS-SIM). A 200 mg amount of hair samples was overnight digested in 3N HCl and then PBDEs extracted with n-hexane. After clean up of extracts in a Florisil column, PBDEs were analyzed by GC-MS. The method has been validated by spiking human hair at five concentration levels, in the range from 5 to 25 ng/g for most compounds, and PBDEs were quantified using labelled compounds as internal standards. Recoveries of PBDEs were higher than 90%, repeatability was equal or lower than 12.5%, and reproducibility lower than 14%, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD). Limits of detection (LOD) were in the range 0.08-0.9 ng/g and limits of quantification (LOQ) were between 0.27 and 3.0 ng/g. This method was applied to the determination of PBDEs in hair samples from 16 individuals and 5 PBDE congeners were detected in most of the samples. BDE-209 was the dominant compound found, followed by BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, and BDE-190. BDE-209 was found in 12 out of 16 hair samples, and the total levels of PBDEs ranged from 1.4 to 19.9 ng/g.     

Determination and comparison of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in primary,secondary, and tertiary wastewater treatment plants

A concurrent comparison of the concentration, occurrence, and removal efficiency of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in wastewater from primary, secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment plants was examined. The study area was composed of all three types of wastewater treatment plants in two countries, the United States of America and Mexico. Nineteen PBDEs were analyzed by an environmentally friendly technique, Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction coupled with thermal desorption and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. This method required no organic solvent and was proven to be effective and sensitive. The most detected PBDEs found in wastewater influent and effluent were BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100 and BDE-119. The total concentration of PBDEs (∑BDE_{47,99,100,119}) in the influents ranged from 115.3 to 595.0?ng?L^?1, and from below method detection limit to 388.2?ng?L^?1 in the effluent. It was observed that tertiary treatment was the most effective process to remove BDE-47, 99, and 100, while the primary treatment only rendered an average of 27% removal of total PBDEs. Owing to the incomplete removal in wastewater processes, PBDEs are constantly released into the environment, which implies possible hazardous effects on the environment and human health.     

凝胶渗透色谱结合气相色谱-负化学源质谱法分析鱼肉及鱼油中的多溴联苯醚和得克隆阻燃剂

建立了凝胶渗透色谱(GPC)结合气相色谱-负化学源质谱(GC-NCI/MS)检测鱼肉及鱼油中8种多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)同系物及2种得克隆阻燃剂(DP)的分析方法。试样中加入内标物BDE-77和13C12-BDE-209后进行索氏提取,提取液经自动GPC系统除脂,多层硅胶层析柱净化后,在15 m长的毛细管气相色谱柱上分离,NCI/MS以选择离子监测方式检测目标化合物。以鱼肉样品为基质,当PBDEs的加标水平为0.2 ng/g和2 ng/g、BDE-209和DP的加标水平相应提高10倍时,其平均加标回收率为71.1%～121.4%,相对标准偏差为2.96%～13.31%(n=5);以信噪比(S/N)为3计算方法的检出限(LOD)为2.2～39.8 ng/kg。用该方法检测市售鱼肉及鱼油样品,其中多溴联苯醚总含量为2.18～15.93 ng/g,以BDE-209、BDE-47为主,两种DP均未检出。该方法准确、灵敏度高,能够满足富含脂质的动物性样品中痕量DP和PBDEs残留的分析要求。     

Optimisation of the analytical method for octa-, nona- and deca-brominated diphenyl ethers using gas chromatography–quadrupole mass spectrometry and isotope dilution

An analytical method for higher brominated congeners of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was optimised using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron impact ionisation-quadrupole mass spectrometer (GC-EI-qMS) and five native PBDEs and three ¹³C₁₂-labelled congeners in biological and environmental samples (mussels, sediment, dust). In the optimised instrumental conditions, abundance and repeatability improved with increase in temperature of the ion source. The instrumental detection limits (IDLs) for BDE-196, BDE-197, BDE-206, BDE-207 and BDE-209 were 0.1, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.6?pg, respectively. When compared to the previous reports, the IDLs were the same as for electron capture negative ionisation (ECNI) or EI-double focusing magnetic sector (EI-Sector) mass spectrometer, indicating that sensitive determination could be achieved using a conventional GC-EI-qMS. Validation of the method was carried out by the analysis of reference materials and mussel samples. We confirmed that the concentrations quantified using this method was in the range of reported values for reference materials. Similar concentrations were found in mussels, which were analysed previously by our group. Thus, we conclude that a conventional GC-EI-qMS can be applied for analysis of higher brominated PBDEs in various environmental and biota matrices.     

超声辅助萃取-气相色谱-负化学电离源质谱法测定室内灰尘样品中8种常见多溴联苯醚

建立了室内灰尘样品中8种常见多溴联苯醚(PBDEs: BDE-28、BDE-47、BDE-99、BDE-100、BDE-153、BDE-154、BDE-183和BDE-209)的气相色谱-负化学电离源质谱(GC-NCI/MS)分析方法。样品经吸尘器采集、正己烷超声萃取、浓缩后,采用GC-NCI/MS测定。结果表明,方法的加标回收率为53.2%～107.6%,日内测定的相对标准偏差(RSD)为2.8%～16.5%,日间测定的RSD为6.4%～22.6%。除了BDE-209的检出限(信噪比为3)为0.15 ng/g外,其他多溴联苯醚的检出限为0.003～0.015 ng/g。该方法灵敏度高,准确度和精密度好,简便快速,溶剂消耗量少,适用于灰尘中三溴～十溴联苯醚的测定。     

超声辅助碱解萃取-气相色谱-电子捕获检测器测定海洋沉积物中8种多溴联苯醚

将超声辅助碱液分解杂质与溶剂萃取相结合,采用气相色谱-电子捕获检测(GC-ECD)建立了一种快速高效净化、萃取海洋沉积物中8种常见多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)的分析方法。样品在2.00 mol/L NaOH甲醇溶液中超声30 min,经正己烷萃取、单层硅胶净化、正己烷洗脱、旋蒸浓缩后定容至100 μL,采用GC-ECD分析。结果表明,PBDEs各单体的加标回收率为63.6%~110.3%,相对标准偏差(RSD)为1.7%~15.5%(n=5);十溴联苯醚(BDE-209)的检出限为0.097 ng/g,其他7种单体的检出限为0.002~0.011 ng/g(信噪比为3)。该方法的准确度和精密度较高,稳定性和回收率良好,可满足沉积物中PBDEs的分析要求。利用建立的方法测定了渤海表层沉积物中PBDEs的含量,8种PBDEs总含量在1.566~6.760 ng/g之间,其中BDE-209的含量为1.461~6.438 ng/g,总体呈现出由近岸向远岸递减的趋势,表明人为活动、表层冲刷和陆地河流的输入对渤海地区PBDEs的含量有重要影响。     

Large-volume programmed-temperature vaporiser injection for fast gas chromatography with electron capture and mass spectrometric detection of polybrominated diphenyl ethers

A large volume injection fast-GC-MS method has been developed, optimized and evaluated for the determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, including the decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209). The programmed-temperature vaporiser injection parameters, temperature programming of the GC oven, and the physical dimensions of the narrow bore GC column were investigated to find the optimal operating conditions for the analysis. Depending on parameter settings the yield of the PBDEs and particularly BDE-209, varies significantly. Volumes up to 125 microl were successfully injected and a fast GC separation was performed, with retention times as short as 6.4 min for the last eluting compound, BDE-209. In a pilot study an air sample, collected at an electronics dismantling facility, was analyzed. Low-resolution mass spectrometry in electron capture negative ion mode was used for detection. Nine BDE congeners, including BDE-209, were identified and quantified.