Silicone discs as disposable enrichment probes for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry determination of UV filters in water samples

This work describes an effective, low solvent consumption and affordable sample preparation approach for the determination of eight UV filters in surface and wastewater samples. It involves sorptive extraction of target analytes in a disposable, technical grade silicone disc (5 mm diameter × 0.6 mm thickness) followed by organic solvent desorption, large volume injection (LVI), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry determination. Final working conditions involved overnight extraction of 100-mL samples, containing 10% of methanol, followed by analytes desorption with 0.2 mL of ethyl acetate. The method provides linear responses between the limits of quantification (from 0.003 to 0.040 ng mL⁻¹) and 10 ng mL⁻¹, an intra-day precision below 13%, and low matrix effects for surface, swimming pool, and treated sewage water samples. Moreover, the extraction yields provided by silicone discs were in excellent agreement with those achieved using polydimethylsiloxane-covered stir bars. Several UV filters were found in surface and sewage water samples, with the maximum concentrations corresponding to octocrylene.     

On-line solid-phase extraction coupled to ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection for the determination of benzotriazole UV stabilizers in coastal marine and wastewater samples

Benzotriazoles are a group of UV absorbing compounds considered emerging contaminants that are used in different personal care products, and therefore, it is of high interest to develop sensitive and fast methods for investigating their presence in the environment. In this work, we present the development and application of a novel method based on on-line solid-phase extraction coupled to ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (SPE-UPLC-MS/MS) for the determination of seven benzotriazole UV stabilizers (BUVSs) in coastal marine and wastewater samples. This process is compared with a conventional off-line SPE procedure followed by UPLC-MS/MS. The parameters affecting the performance of the sample preparation and determination processes were evaluated. The results indicate that the on-line procedure provides for better sensitivity and reproducibility and is faster and easier than the off-line procedure. The detection limits and quantification limits achieved were in the range of 0.6–4.1 ng∙L⁻¹ and 2.1–14 ng∙L⁻¹ and relative standard deviation between 6.2 and 10 %. The developed method was applied to coastal marine and wastewater samples from Gran Canaria Island (Spain). All of the BUVSs studied were detected in the samples from wastewater treatment plants and two were found in the seawater samples (UV P in the range of 2.8–4.4 ng∙L⁻¹ and UV 360 between 3.6 and 5.2 ng∙L⁻¹).     

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for the rapid and sensitive determination of UV filters in environmental water samples

The performance of the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) technique for the determination of eight UV filters and a structurally related personal care species, benzyl salicylate (BzS), in environmental water samples is evaluated. After extraction, analytes were determined by gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry detection (GC-MS). Parameters potentially affecting the performance of the sample preparation method (sample pH, ionic strength, type and volume of dispersant and extractant solvents) were systematically investigated using both multi- and univariant optimization strategies. Under final working conditions, analytes were extracted from 10 mL water samples by addition of 1 mL of acetone (dispersant) containing 60 μL of chlorobenzene (extractant), without modifying either the pH or the ionic strength of the sample. Limits of quantification (LOQs) between 2 and 14 ng L⁻¹, inter-day variability (evaluated with relative standard deviations, RSDs) from 9% to 14% and good linearity up to concentrations of 10,000 ng L⁻¹ were obtained. Moreover, the efficiency of the extraction was scarcely affected by the type of water sample. With the only exception of 2-ethylhexyl-p-dimethylaminobenzoate (EHPABA), compounds were found in environmental water samples at concentrations between 6 ± 1 ng L⁻¹ and 26 ± 2 ng mL⁻¹.     

Stir-bar-sorptive extraction and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for simultaneous analysis of UV filters and antimicrobial agents in water samples

Stir-bar-sorptive extraction (SBSE) with liquid desorption (LD) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–(ESI)MS–MS) were used for analysis of six personal care products in environmental water: four UV filters (2,2-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, benzophenone-3, octocrylene, and octyldimethyl-p-aminobenzoic acid) and two antimicrobial agents (triclocarban and triclosan). Experimental conditions that affect SBSE-LD sorption efficiency (extraction time and temperature, sample pH, and ionic strength) and desorption efficiency (solvent, temperature, and time) were optimized. The method proved to be sensitive—a 50-mL sample was used to determine these compounds in environmental waters at trace levels. The detection limits of the analytical method were 2.5 ng L⁻¹ for river water and 5–10 ng L⁻¹ for effluent and influent sewage water. In river waters, benzophenone-3 was found at levels from 6 ng L⁻¹ to 28 ng L⁻¹ and triclosan at levels <LOQ. Benzophenone-3 was found between 75 and 127 ng L⁻¹ in influent sewage, whereas concentrations of benzophenone-3 and triclosan were commonly below 25 ng L⁻¹ in effluent sewage.     

A headspace SPME-GC-ECD method suitable for determination of chlorophenols in water samples

A headspace solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography with electron capture detector (HS-SPME-GC-ECD) method was optimized for the determination of seven chlorophenols (CPs) with different levels of chlorination. This is the first time that HS-SPME-GC-ECD with acetylation of the analytes is used for the simultaneous determination of CPs in water samples. The influence of fibre type, derivatization conditions, salt addition, temperature and time of extraction and temperature of desorption was checked. Possible sources of contamination and analyte losses were considered. The best results were obtained with the polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene fibre, derivatization by acetylation using 100 μL of acetic anhydride and 0.1 g of anhydrous sodium carbonate per 10 mL of sample, salt addition of 100 g L⁻¹ sodium chloride, extraction at 70 °C for 60 min and desorption in the GC injector at 260 °C for 6 min. The limits of detection (LOD) for monochlorophenols were 12 and 122 ng L⁻¹ for 2-chlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol, respectively. For polychlorinated CPs, the LODs were lower than 6 ng L⁻¹, values similar to the existing methods that use SPME with derivatization for CPs determination in water samples. The method is suitable for the determination of CPs in most environmental aqueous samples. Repeatability and reproducibility were less than 16.8% and 11.7%, respectively. The optimized method was successfully applied for the analysis of waters with complex matrices such as river and estuarine water samples.     

Sensitive determination of salicylate and benzophenone type UV filters in water samples using solid-phase microextraction, derivatization and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive procedure for the determination of three UV filters: ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS), 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl salicylate (Homosalate, HMS), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3) and two related hydroxylated benzophenones (2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, BP-1 and 2,2′-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, BP-8) in water samples is presented. Analytes were first concentrated on the coating of a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibre, on-fibre silylated and then determined using gas chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Factors affecting the performance of extraction and derivatization steps are thoroughly evaluated and their effects on the yield of the sample preparation discussed. Under final working conditions, a PDMS-DVB coated SPME fibre was exposed directly to 10 mL of water, adjusted at pH 3, for 30 min. After that, the fibre was placed in the headspace (HS) of a 1.5 mL vial containing 20 μL of N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA). On-fibre silylation of hydroxyl groups contained in the structure of target compounds was performed at 45 °C for 10 min. The whole sample preparation process was completed in 40 min, providing limits of quantification from 0.5 to 10 ng L⁻¹ and acceptable precision (RSDs under 13%) for samples spiked at different concentrations. All compounds could be accurately determined in river and treated wastewater (relative recoveries from 89 to 115%) using standards in ultrapure water, whereas standard addition is recommended to quantify their levels in untreated wastewater. Analysis of wastewater revealed the systematic presence of BP-3 and BP-1 in raw samples with maximum concentrations close to 500 and 250 ng L⁻¹, respectively.     

Membrane-assisted solvent extraction coupled to large volume injection–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for the determination of a variety of endocrine disrupting compounds in environmental water samples

Membrane-assisted solvent extraction coupled to large volume injection in a programmable temperature vaporisation injector using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was optimised for the simultaneous determination of a variety of endocrine disrupting compounds in environmental water samples (estuarine, river and wastewater). Among the analytes studied, certain hormones, alkylphenols and bisphenol A were included. The nature of membranes, extraction solvent, extraction temperature, solvent volume, extraction time, ionic strength and methanol addition were evaluated during the optimisation of the extraction. Matrix effects during the extraction step were studied in different environmental water samples: estuarine water, river water and wastewater (influent and effluent). Strong matrix effects were observed for most of the compounds in influent and effluent samples. Different approaches were studied in order to correct or minimise matrix effects, which included the use of deuterated analogues, matrix-matched calibration, standard addition calibration, dilution of the sample and clean-up of the extract using solid-phase extraction (SPE). The use of deuterated analogues corrected satisfactorily matrix effect for estuarine and effluent samples for most of the compounds. However, in the case of influent samples, standard addition calibration and dilution of the sample were the best approaches. The SPE clean-up provided similar recoveries to those obtained after correction with the corresponding deuterated analogue but better chromatographic signal was obtained in the case of effluent samples. Method detection limits in the 5–54 ng L⁻¹ range and precision, calculated as relative standard deviation, in the 2–25% range were obtained.     

Matrix solid-phase dispersion and solid-phase microextraction applied to study the distribution of fenbutatin oxide in grapes and white wine

The fate of the acaricide fenbutatin oxide (FBTO) during the elaboration of white wine is evaluated. Matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) were used as sample preparation techniques applied to the semi-solid and the liquid matrices involved in this research, respectively. Selective determination of FBTO was achieved by gas chromatography with atomic emission detection (GC–AED). GC coupled to mass spectrometry was also used to establish the identity of FBTO by-products detected in must and wine samples. MSPD extractions were accomplished using C18 as dispersant and co-sorbent. Sugars and other polar interferences were first removed with water and water/acetone mixtures, then FBTO was recovered with 8 mL of acetone. When used in combination with GC–AED, the MSPD method provided limits of quantification (LOQs) in the low nanogram per gram range, recoveries around 90% and relative standard deviations below 13% for extractions performed in different days. Performance of SPME for must and wine was mainly controlled by the extraction temperature, time and fibre coating. Under final conditions, FBTO was extracted in the headspace mode for 45 min at 100 °C, using a 100 μm poly(dimethylsiloxane)-coated fibre. The achieved LOQs remained around or below 0.1 ng mL⁻¹, depending on the type of sample, and the inter-day precision ranged from 10% to 13%. FBTO residues in grapes stayed mostly on the skin of the fruit. Although FBTO was not removed during must and white wine elaboration, it remained associated with suspended particles existing in must and lees, settled after must fermentation, with a negligible risk of being transferred to commercialised wine. On the other hand, two by-products of FBTO (bis and mono (2-methyl-2-phenylpropyl) tin) were identified, for first time, in must and final white wines obtained from FBTO treated grapes. Found values for the first species ranged from 0.03 to 0.9 ng mL⁻¹.     

Chiral separation of (+)/(−)-catechin from sulfated and glucuronidated metabolites in human plasma after cocoa consumption

Cocoa is well-known to be rich in flavan-3-ols. Previous analyses have established that alkaline treatment of cocoa beans results in epimerization of (−)-epicatechin to (−)-catechin and (+)-catechin to (+)-epicatechin. Now, the question is whether both epimers can be absorbed by the human organism. This paper describes sample preparation and an HPLC method for chiral determination of (+)/(−)-catechin from sulfated and glucuronidated metabolites in human plasma. The sample preparation includes enzymatic hydrolysis of the catechin metabolites, and solid-phase extraction (SPE). A PM-γ-cyclodextrin column is used with a coulometric electrode-array detection (CEAD) system. The recovery of catechin ranges from 89.9 to 96.8%. The limit of detection is 5.9 ng mL⁻¹ for (−)-catechin and 6.8 ng mL⁻¹ for (+)-catechin, and the limit of quantification is 12.8 ng mL⁻¹ for (−)-catechin and 16.9 ng mL⁻¹ for (+)-catechin. The relative standard deviation of the method ranges from 0.9 to 1.5%. This method was successfully applied to human plasma after consumption of a cocoa drink. In one human self-experiment, (+)-catechin and (−)-catechin were found in human plasma, but metabolism of the two enantiomers differed.     

Determination of organophosphorus pesticides in environmental water samples by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with solidification of floating organic droplet followed by high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplet coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection was developed for the determination of five organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in water samples. In this method, the extraction solvent used is of low density, low toxicity, and proper melting point near room temperature. The extractant droplet could be collected easily by solidifying it in the lower temperature. Some important experimental parameters that affect the extraction efficiencies were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the concentration range from 1 to 200 ng mL⁻¹ for the five OPs (triazophos, parathion, diazinon, phoxim, and parathion-methyl), with the correlation coefficients (r) varying from 0.9991 to 0.9998. High enrichment factors were achieved ranging from 215 to 557. The limits of detection were in the range between 0.1 and 0.3 ng mL⁻¹. The recoveries of the target analytes from water samples at spiking levels of 5.0 and 50.0 ng mL⁻¹ were 82.2–98.8% and 83.6–104.0%, respectively. The relative standard deviations fell in the range of 4.4% to 6.3%. The method was suitable for the determination of the OPs in real water samples.     

LC-QqLIT MS analysis of nine sulfonamides and one of their acetylated metabolites in the Llobregat River basin. Quantitative determination and qualitative evaluation by IDA experiments

Robust instrumental analytical chemistry and the subsequent development of improved analytical methodologies and extraction procedures have enabled the detection at environmental levels of new emerging contaminants, for example pharmaceuticals. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole-linear ion trap (LC–QqLIT MS) for quantitative determination of nine sulfonamides (SAs) and one acetylated metabolite in surface water from the Llobregat River and one of its main tributaries, the Anoia River, in Catalonia (Spain). A total of 21 samples were taken in three sampling campaigns. Recoveries ranging from 26% to 123% were calculated for the SAs studied, and method limits of detection (MLODs) achieved were in the range 0.05–0.2 ng L⁻¹. Through the different campaigns, concentrations ranged from 0.74 ng L⁻¹ (sulfamethizole) to 2,482 ng L⁻¹ (sulfamethazine) in the Llobregat River, and from 0.27 ng L⁻¹ (sulfamethizole) to 168 ng L⁻¹ (sulfamethoxazole) in the Anoia River. Sulfamethoxazole and sulfapyridine were the two SAs most frequently detected (80% and 71% respectively). N ⁴-acetylsulfamethazine was detected in both rivers, but with different frequencies (4% of the samples from the Anoia River and 43% of those from the Llobregat River). Information-dependent acquisition (IDA) experiments were also developed in order to obtain enhanced product-ion spectra in surface water samples.     

In-sample acetylation-non-porous membrane-assisted liquid–liquid extraction for the determination of parabens and triclosan in water samples

A procedure for the determination of seven parabens (esters of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid), including the distinction between branched and linear isomers of propyl- and butyl-parabens and triclosan in water samples, was developed and evaluated. The procedure includes in-sample acetylation-non-porous membrane-assisted liquid–liquid extraction and large volume injection–gas chromatography–ion trap–tandem mass spectrometry. Different derivatisation strategies were considered, i.e. post-extraction silylation with N-methyl-N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide and in situ acylation with acetic anhydride (Ac₂O) and isobutylchloroformate. Moreover, acceptor solvent and the basic catalyser of the acylation reaction were investigated. Thus, in situ derivatisation with Ac₂O and potassium hydrogenphosphate (as basic catalyser) was selected. Potassium hydrogenphosphate overcomes some drawbacks of other basic catalysers, e.g. toxicity and bubble formation, while leads to higher responses. Subsequently, other experimental variables affecting derivatisation–extraction yield such as pre-stirring time, salt addition and volume of Ac₂O were optimised by an experimental design approach. Under optimised conditions, the proposed method achieved detection limits from 0.1 to 1.4 ng L⁻¹ for a sample volume of 18 mL and extraction efficiencies, estimated by comparison with liquid–liquid extraction, between 46% (for methyl- and ethyl-parabens) and 110% (for benzylparaben). The reported sample preparation approach is free of matrix effects for parabens but affected for triclosan with a reduction of ≈ 40% when wastewater samples are analysed; therefore, both internal and external calibration can be used as quantification techniques for parabens, but internal standard calibration is mandatory for triclosan. The application of the method to real samples revealed the presence of these compounds in raw wastewater at concentrations up to 26 ng mL⁻¹, the prevalence of the linear isomer of propylparaben (n-PrP), and the coexistence of the two isomers of butylparaben (i-BuP and n-BuP) at similar levels.     

Simplified cloud point extraction for the preconcentration of ultra-trace amounts of gold prior to determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A simple and sensitive cloud point extraction method has been developed for the preconcentration of ultra-trace amounts of gold as a prior step to its determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. It is based on the extraction of gold in hydrochloric acid medium using the non-ionic surfactant polyethyleneglycolmono-p-nonylphenylether (PONPE 7.5) without adding a chelating agent. The preconcentration of a 50 mL sample solution was thus enhanced by a factor of 200. The resulting calibration graph was linear in the range of 10–200 ng L⁻¹ with a correlation coefficient of 0.9993. The limit of detection (3s) obtained under optimal conditions was 2.0 ng L⁻¹. The relative standard deviation for 10 replicate determinations at a 100 ng L⁻¹ Au level was 3.6%. The method was applied to the ultra-trace determination of gold in water and copper samples.     

Development of a bar adsorptive micro-extraction–large-volume injection–gas chromatography–mass spectrometric method for pharmaceuticals and personal care products in environmental water matrices

The combination of bar adsorptive micro-extraction using activated carbon (AC) and polystyrene–divinylbenzene copolymer (PS-DVB) sorbent phases, followed by liquid desorption and large-volume injection gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, under selected ion monitoring mode acquisition, was developed for the first time to monitor pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in environmental water matrices. Assays performed on 25 mL water samples spiked (100 ng L⁻¹) with caffeine, gemfibrozil, triclosan, propranolol, carbamazepine and diazepam, selected as model compounds, yielded recoveries ranging from 74% to 99% under optimised experimental conditions (equilibrium time, 16 h (1,000 rpm); matrix characteristics: pH 5, 5% NaCl for AC phase; LD: methanol/acetonitrile (1:1), 45 min). The analytical performance showed good precision (RSD < 18%), convenient detection limits (5–20 ng L⁻¹) and excellent linear dynamic range (20–800 ng L⁻¹) with remarkable determination coefficients (r ² > 0.99), where the PS-DVB sorbent phase showed a much better efficiency. By using the standard addition methodology, the application of the present analytical approach on tap, ground, sea, estuary and wastewater samples allowed very good performance at the trace level. The proposed method proved to be a suitable sorption-based micro-extraction alternative for the analysis of priority pollutants with medium-polar to polar characteristics, showing to be easy to implement, reliable, sensitive and requiring a low sample volume to monitor PPCPs in water matrices.     

Attachment of nickel hexacyanoferrates nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes: preparation, characterization and bioapplication

Anilinemethyltriethoxysilane (AMTEOS) was first used as precursor as well as selective stationary phase to prepare the sol-gel derived anilinemethyltriethoxysilane/polydimethylsiloxane (AMTEOS/PDMS) solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers. The novel SPME fiber exhibits high extraction efficiency, good thermal stability and long lifetime compared with commercial SPME coatings. In addition, the phenyl groups in the porous layer can exhibit π-π interactions with aromatic compounds, such as monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Therefore, SPME using the AMTEOS/PDMS sol-gel fiber coupled with GC-FID was recommended as a sensitive and selective method towards the analysis of these compounds in environmental water samples. The optimal extraction conditions were investigated by adjusting extraction time, salt addition, extraction temperature, and desorption time. The method showed linearity between 2 and 4000 μg l⁻¹ for MAHs and 1 and 1000 μg l⁻¹ for PAHs. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.6-3.8 μg l⁻¹for MAHs and 0.2-1.5 μg l⁻¹ for PAHs. The novel AMTEOS/PDMS fiber was applied to extract small amount of aromatic compounds in wastewater and river water respectively. The recovery of the method was acceptable for quantitative analysis.     

Anabolic, doping, and lifestyle drugs, and selected metabolites in wastewater—detection, quantification, and behaviour monitored by high-resolution MS and MS n before and after sewage treatment

Municipal wastewater has been examined for steroids, β₂-agonists, stimulants, diuretics, and phosphodiesterase type V inhibitors (PDE type V inhibitors), which are “dual-use-drugs” applied either as anabolic, doping, and lifestyle drugs or for treatment of diverse diseases. To identify their origin, fitness centre discharges under suspicion of being point sources and sewage-treatment plant feed and effluents were sampled and concentrations determined. Sensitive and selective methods for determination and quantification based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–(HR)MS and HPLC–MS–MS) were developed and established for analysis of these compounds in wastewater and to assess their effect on the environment. The methods developed enabled quantification at trace concentrations (limit of quantification (LOQ): 5 ng L⁻¹). Of the steroids and stimulants under investigation, testosterone, methyltestosterone, and boldenone or ephedrine, amphetamine, and MDMA (3,4-methylendioxy-N-methylamphetamine) were observed at up to 5 μg L⁻¹ (ephedrine). Of the β₂-agonists salbutamol only, and of the diuretics furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide were confirmed in the extracts. Quite high concentrations of the PDE type V inhibitors sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil and their metabolites were confirmed in fitness centre discharges (sildenafil: 1,945 ng L⁻¹) whereas their concentrations in municipal wastewater did not exceed 35 ng L⁻¹. This study identified anabolic and doping drugs in wastewater for the first time. Results obtained from wastewater treatment plant effluents proved that these “dual-use-drugs”, with the exception of hydrochlorothiazide, were mostly eliminated.     

Determination of pharmaceuticals,steroid hormones,and endocrine-disrupting personal care products in sewage sludge by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive method has been developed and validated for the determination of diverse groups of pharmaceuticals, steroid hormones, and hormone-like personal care products in sewage sludge. Samples were extracted by ultrasonic-assisted extraction followed by solid-phase extraction cleanup. For determination of estrogens and hormone-like phenolic compounds, sample extracts were further derivatized with dansyl chloride and purified with silica gel column chromatography to improve the analytical sensitivity. The chemicals were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) in multiple-reaction monitoring mode. Recoveries ranged mostly from 63% to 119% with relative standard deviations within 15%. Method quantification limits were 0.1–3 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (dw) for sewage sludge. The method was applied to a preliminary investigation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in sewage sludge and sediment in the Pearl River Delta, South China. Triclosan, triclocarban, 2-phenylphenol, bisphenol A, and parabens were ubiquitously detected at 3.6–5088.2 ng g⁻¹ dw in sludge and 0.29–113.1 ng g⁻¹ dw in sediment samples, respectively. Estrone, carbamazepine, metoprolol, and propranolol were also frequently quantified in the sludge and sediment samples. The dewatering process caused no significant losses of these PPCPs in sewage sludge.     

Determination of haloanisoles in paper samples for food packaging by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography

A method was developed for the determination of trichloroanisole, tribromoanisole and pentachloroanisol by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography in paper samples (Kraft liner, Test liner and Miolo). Four commercial SPME fibers were evaluated: Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Polyacrylate (PA), Carbowax/Divinylbenzene (CW/DVB) and Divinylbenzene/Carboxen/Polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS). DVB/CAR/PDMS gave the best results and was therefore selected. Other variables involved in the extraction procedure were studied and optimized, such as: sample volume, salting-out effect, temperature and extraction time, effect of organic solvent and previous sample preparation. Optimum conditions were obtained using 20 mL of sample with 5 mol L⁻¹ NaCl in a 40 mL vial, extraction temperature of 70 °C and sonication and extraction time of 30 and 40 min, respectively. Detection limits ranged from 0.43 to 1.32 ng g⁻¹ for all analytes. Recoveries between 70 and 100% were obtained and relative standard deviation was below 10% for all compounds.     

Electrospun zeolitic imidazolate framework-8/poly(lactic acid) nanofibers for pipette-tip micro-solid phase extraction of carbamate insecticides from environmental samples

In the present study, electrospun zeolitic imidazolate framework-8/poly(lactic acid) nanofibers were successfully synthesized and characterized as a potential nanosorbent for the pipette-tip micro-solid phase extraction of chlorpropham, pirimicarb, carbaryl, and methiocarb carbamate insecticides from environmental water samples. The extraction procedure was followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry separation and determination of the target analytes. All the effective parameters of the extraction procedure were optimized through the one variable at-a-time method. Thanks to the very simple extraction procedure as well as the application of electrospun nanofibers with high surface area, the four analytes were efficiently extracted with as lowest extraction times as practicable. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration plots of the analytes were obtained within broad linear dynamic ranges of 0.5 – 150 ng mL^?1 for chlorpropham and pirimicarb plus 1.0 – 175 ng mL^?1 for carbaryl and methiocarb, respectively. Besides, limits of detection as low as 0.2 and 0.15 ng mL^?1 for chlorpropham and pirimicarb, respectively, as well as 0.5 ng mL^?1 for carbaryl and methiocarb indicate the favorable sensitivity of the analytical procedure. The applicability of the developed method was evaluated by quantitative determination of the target analytes in four different environmental water samples. Relative recoveries higher than 88.0% shows the acceptable accuracy of the method in the quantitative determination of the four carbamate insecticides.     

Determination of some sulfonylurea herbicides in soil by a novel liquid-phase microextraction combined with sweeping micellar electrokinetic chromatography

A novel method for the determination of five sulfonylurea herbicides in soil was developed by a dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) clean-up followed by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME), prior to sweeping micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). In the DSPE-DLLME, 10 g of soil sample was first extracted with 10 mL of acetonitrile containing 5% formic acid (pH 3.0). The extract was then cleaned-up by a DSPE with C₁₈ as sorbent. A 1 mL aliquot of the resulting extract was then added into a centrifuge tube containing 5 mL of water adjusted to pH 2.0 and 60.0 μL chlorobenzene (as extraction solvent) for DLLME procedure. Then, the organic sample extraction solution was evaporated to dryness, and reconstituted with 20.0 μL of 1.0 mmol L⁻¹ Na₂HPO₄ (pH 10.0) for sweeping-MEKC analysis after DLLME. Under optimized conditions, the method provided as high as 3,000- to 5,000-fold enrichments factors. The linearity of the method was in the range of 3.3–200 ng g⁻¹ for chlorimuron ethyl and bensulfuron methyl, and in the range of 1.7–200 ng g⁻¹ for tribenuron methyl, chlorsulfuron and metsulfuron methyl, with the correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.9965 to 0.9983, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 ng g⁻¹. The intraday relative standard deviations (RSDs, n = 5) were below 5.3% and interday RSDs (n = 15) within 6.8%. The recoveries of the method for the five sulfonylureas from soil samples at spiking levels of 5.0, 20.0, and 100.0 ng g⁻¹ were 76.0–93.5%, respectively. The developed method has been successfully applied to the analysis of the target sulfonylurea herbicide residues in soil samples with a satisfactory result.