Determination of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental samples by Micellar liquid chromatography

A method for the separation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by high-performance liquid chromatography using a hybrid micellar mobile phase is described. The detection of PAHs was carried out using the fluorescence method with programmable excitation and emission wavelength. The method is applied to the analysis of several environmental samples (sea water, sediments, limpets, sea worms) and several of these compounds are quantitated at concentration below 70 ng L⁻¹(kg⁻¹) in the original samples.     

分散液-液微萃取-高效液相色谱法测定环境水样中的多环芳烃

建立了简便、快速、有效的分散液-液微萃取-高效液相色谱-荧光检测(DLLME-HPLC-FLD)测定环境水样中15种多环芳烃(PAHs)的方法。重点探讨了萃取剂的种类和用量、分散剂的种类和用量以及萃取时间等对PAHs萃取效率的影响。在优化的条件下,评价了方法的可靠性。15种PAHs在0.01～10 μg/L范围内呈良好的线性关系,相关系数r均不小于0.9913,峰面积的相对标准偏差(RSD)在2.3%～4.7%之间(n=6)。在优化条件下,富集因子和萃取回收率良好,分别为674～1032和67.4%～103.2%,15种PAHs的检出限(S/N=3)在0.0003～0.002 μg/L之间。建立的方法应用于敖江水样中PAHs的检测,平均加标回收率在79.5%～92.3%之间,RSD在4.3%～6.7%范围内(n=5)。该方法适用于环境水样中痕量PAHs的分析。     

Environmental analysis of chlorinated and brominated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A method for the analysis of chlorinated and brominated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (Cl-/Br-PAHs) congeners in environmental samples, such as a soil extract, by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to a high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-HRTOF-MS) is described. The GC×GC-HRTOF-MS method allowed highly selective group type analysis in the two-dimensional (2D) mass chromatograms with a very narrow mass window (e.g. 0.02Da), accurate mass measurements for the full mass range (m/z 35-600) in GC×GC mode, and the calculation of the elemental composition for the detected Cl-/Br-PAH congeners in the real-world sample. Thirty Cl-/Br-PAHs including higher chlorinated 10 PAHs (e.g. penta, hexa and hepta substitution) and ClBr-PAHs (without analytical standards) were identified with high probability in the soil extract. To our knowledge, highly chlorinated PAHs, such as C(14)H(3)Cl(7) and C(16)H(3)Cl(7), and ClBr-PAHs, such as C(14)H(7)Cl(2)Br and C(16)H(8)ClBr, were found in the environmental samples for the first time. Other organohalogen compounds; e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were also detected. This technique provides exhaustive analysis and powerful identification for the unknown and unconfirmed Cl-/Br-PAH congeners in environmental samples.     

Direct coupling of capillary supercritical fluid chromatography to high resolution mass spectrometry with minimum modification

Summary The coupling of a capillary supercritical fluid chromatograph with a high resolution double focusing mass spectrometer has been accomplished without any modifications to the pumping or ion source systems. The interface utilizes a direct insertion probe (DIP), which was originally designed for the direct analysis of solid samples, together with a trit restrictor as a decompression device. The DIP is placed opposite to the SFC restrictor, and it provides sufficient heat to prevent cluster formation and cooling resulting from the expansion of the supercritical fluid into the vacuum environment. Excellent mass spectra of standard polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under chemical-ionization (CI) conditions using methane as the reagent gas, and under charge-exchange (CE) conditions using CO₂ as the charge exchange medium were obtained.     

Capillary complexation gas chromatography in analysis of cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons

Summary Results of studies on stationary phases containing copper(II), nickel(II) and cobalt(II) chloride chemically bonded via cyano—or thiol groups are presented. The retention parameters—i.e. retention factor (k), retention index (I) and molecular retention index (ΔMe) and specific retention volume (Vg)-enabled the characteristics of specific interaction between aromatic and cyclic hydrocarbons and metal complexes chemically bonded to stationary phases to be determined. Presented at Balaton Symposium on High Performance Separation Methods, Siófok, Hungary, September 1–3, 1999     

Recent applications of gas chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry

Gas chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical method that combines excellent separation power of gas chromatography with improved identification based on an accurate mass measurement. These features designate gas chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry as the first choice for identification and structure elucidation of unknown volatile and semi‐volatile organic compounds. Gas chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry quantitative analyses was previously focused on the determination of dioxins and related compounds using magnetic sector type analyzers, a standing requirement of many international standards. The introduction of a quadrupole high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass analyzer broadened interest in this method and novel applications were developed, especially for multi‐target screening purposes. This review is focused on the development and the most interesting applications of gas chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry towards analysis of environmental matrices, biological fluids, and food safety since 2010. The main attention is paid to various approaches and applications of gas chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry for non‐target screening to identify contaminants and to characterize the chemical composition of environmental, food, and biological samples. The most interesting quantitative applications, where a significant contribution of gas chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry over the currently used methods is expected, will be discussed as well.     

Quantitative performance of liquid chromatography coupled to Q-Exactive high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for the analysis of tetracyclines in a complex matrix

The presence of antibiotics in the environment is of increased interest and, as modern mass spectrometers become more efficient, we are increasingly aware of traces of pharmaceuticals appearing in a wide range of environmental and biological matrices. The Q-Exactive mass spectrometer is part of these innovative hybrid high-resolution mass spectrometers (HRMS) which is often associated with peptide sequencing or metabolomics but with a limited number of studies focusing on its application to the quantification of small molecules in environmental and biological matrices. It combines the high resolving power (RP) performance of the Orbitrap with the high performance selectivity of the quadrupole. Tetracyclines (TCs) are a family comprising some of the most widely used antibiotics in veterinary medicine. This study presents the quantitative performances of the Q-Exactive by illustrating a new approach to quantify TCs using liquid chromatography coupled to a HRMS in a complex matrix, i.e., swine manure. The Q-Exactive was used at high-resolution in both full scan (FS) and targeted ion fragmentation (tMS²) modes. These two modes were optimized and compared to determine the most reliable and efficient approach to quantify TCs with good accuracy. The proposed method was optimized to obtain the best selectivity and sensitivity, thus eliminating false positive and allowing the detection of trace levels of analyte. The TCs were extracted from the matrix by sonication using McIlvaine buffer followed by an off-line solid phase extraction method to concentrate and clean the extracts. Both FS and tMS² modes presented good linearity (R² > 0.991) and repeatability (RSD < 15%). Mass accuracy was acceptable with values below 2 ppm. The method detection limits (MLD) calculated from the calibration curves ranged from 2.0 to 12 ng g⁻¹ for FS mode and from 1.5 to 3.6 ng g⁻¹ for tMS² mode. Accuracy and interday/intraday relative standard deviations were below 21% for both modes studied. TCs were quantified in real samples of swine manure with concentrations ranging from 29 to 75 ng g⁻¹. This study showed the possibility of using hybrid HRMS for trace detection and quantification of TCs in a complex matrix, thus avoiding false positive while achieving good selectivity and sensitivity.     

Heated flow-cell for gas phase UV-visible detector in gas chromatography of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Summary A detection system for gas chromatography based on gas-phase, molecular absorption measurements is presented, in which the chromatographic column is directly joined to the spectrophotometer flow cell, without heated transfer lines. To maintain polyciclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the gas phase during detection an aluminium heater was constructed. A mixture of 13 PAHs was then separated and analyzed. Parameters affecting separation (temperature program and carrier gas flow) were studied and a program designed to modify the measurement wavelength during the chromatography. The analytical characteristics of each compound were calculated, obtaining detection limits 0.2–1.5 μg mL⁻. Given that some compounds overlaped, it was necessary to resolve their peaks mathematicaly. Finally, the method was applied to a certified synthetic mixture, with good results.     

Determination of volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons in water samples by static headspace gas chromatography with electron capture detection

A simple, efficient, solvent‐free, and commercial readily available approach for determination of five volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons in water samples using the static headspace sampling and gas chromatography with electron capture detection has been described. The proposed static headspace sampling method was initially optimized and the optimum experimental conditions found were 10 mL water sample containing 20% w/v sodium chloride placed in a 20 mL vial and stirred at 50ºC for 20 min. The linearity of the method was in the range of 1.2–240 μg/L for dichloromethane, 0.2–40 μg/L for trichloromethane, 0.005–1 μg/L for perchloromethane, 0.025–5 μg/L for trichloroethylene, and 0.01–2 μg/L for perchloroethylene, with coefficients of determination ranging between 0.9979 and 0.9990. The limits of detection were in the low μg/L level, ranging between 0.001 and 0.3 μg/L. The relative recoveries of spiked five volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons with external calibration method at different concentration levels in pure, tap, sea water of Jiaojiang Estuary, and sea water of waters of Xiaomendao were in the range of 91–116, 96–105, 86–112, and 80–111%, respectively, and with relative standard deviations of 1.9–3.6, 2.3–3.5, 1.5–2.7, and 2.3–3.7% (n = 5), respectively. The performance of the proposed method was compared with traditional liquid–liquid extraction on the real water samples (i.e., pure, tap, and sea water, etc.) and comparable efficiencies were obtained. It is concluded that this method can be successfully applied for the determination of volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons in different water samples.     

Analysis of light hydrocarbons (C2?C6) at PPT levels by high resolution gas chromatography

An analytical technique is described which allows the determination of C₂? C₆ hydrocarbons in the ppt-range from up to 21 air samples after removal of air humidity. Preconcentration is carried out on a two stage cryotrap system. The compounds are separ ated on a temperature-programmed capillary coated with Al₂ O₃. Detection limits (S/N 2:1) of 1.5 to 5 ppt were obtained for air samples from the Arctic. The reproducibility of the method was about 3% at the 50–100 ppt level. Practical problems are discussed in detail.     

Factors affecting the retention of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in gas chromatography

Summary The retention index of a planar polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon on the GC phases OV-101, SE-52, and OV-17 is strictly related only to the boiling point, and less closely to the relative molecular mass. The very approximates relation with connectivity index ins only a consequence of the latter. On a nematic lqiuid crystal phase, a variation of activity coefficient, expressed in terms of a shape factor, also influences the retention of PAH.     

An optimized extraction and gas chromatography analysis method for the quantification of diluent hydrocarbons in froth treatment tailings

Froth treatment tailings are one type of waste stream generated during the extraction of surface-mined oil sands bitumen. To remove water and solids from bitumen froth recovered during the water-based extraction process, hydrocarbon diluent is added, and settling and/or centrifugation are applied to the diluted bitumen froth, producing diluted bitumen and froth treatment tailings. While recovery processes are in place to remove and recycle the diluent from froth treatment tailings, some residual diluent can remain. Since tailings are stored in outdoor ponds, the residual diluent can have implications for methanogenic microbial processes and resulting greenhouse gas emissions. This work presents a methodology to accurately extract and quantify diluent hydrocarbons from froth treatment tailings using gas chromatography. A cold-start temperature program is used to separate diluent hydrocarbons from any residual bitumen in the sample, and diluent is quantified using commercial standards as well as unprocessed diluent. A series of extraction parameters were tested and results from multiple conditions are shown with a rationale for the selected optimized parameters. Quantification of diluent in tailings samples is demonstrated from 60 to 5329 μg/g, and results from quality control standards show an average diluent recovery of 100 ± 10%.     

Determination of nitrated-polyaromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs) in environmental samples by high resolution chromatographic techniques

An analytical procedure is described for the fractionation of organic compounds present in environmental samples and the determination of nitro polyaromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs). Both low and high resolution liquid chromatography are employed for the prefractionation of the soluble organic fraction (SOF) extracted from particulate matter or gaseous pollutants collected on adsorption traps. High resolution gas chromatography is used to analyze four fractions containing alkanes, PAHs, nitro-PAHs, and other polar PAHs. Nitrogen-containing species are separated by GC and detected specifically using an alkali flame (NPD) detector. Flame ionization (FID) detection, GC-MS of positive ions, and negative ion chemical ionization MS of the whole fraction is used for the identification and quantitation of the various components. The composition of SOF extracted from particulate matter emitted from diesel exhausts is elucidated and a large number of nitro-PAHs identified by the combination of the various techniques.     

Development of a novel ultrasound-assisted surfactant-enhanced emulsification microextraction method and its application to the analysis of eleven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at trace levels in water

A novel ultrasound-assisted surfactant-enhanced emulsification microextraction (UASEME) technique has been proposed by using low-density extraction solvents. In the proposed technique, Tween 80 and cyclohexane were injected into 5-mL glass test tubes with conical bottoms, containing 5.00 mL of a water sample that was located inside the ultrasonic bath. When the extraction process was finished, the glass test tube was sealed with a rubber plug and then placed upside down in a centrifuge. The finely dispersed droplets of cyclohexane collected at the conical bottom of test tube because the density of cyclohexane is less than of water, and the PAHs were concentrated in the cyclohexane. Next, 5 μL of the cyclohexane that collected at the conical bottom was removed using a 10-μL microsyringe and injected into high performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) for analysis. The proposed method avoided the use of chlorinated solvents, which have been widely used as extraction solvents in a normal UASEME assay. Parameters that affected the extraction efficiency, such as the type and volume of the extraction solvent, the type and concentration of the surfactant, and the ultrasound emulsification time and salt addition, were investigated and optimised for the method. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factors ranged between 90 and 247. The limits of detection of the method were 0.6-62.5 ng L(-1). Good recoveries and repeatability of the method for the eleven PAHs were also obtained. The proposed UASEME technique has been demonstrated to be simple, practical and environmentally friendly for the determination of PAH residues in real water samples.     

Cryotrapping gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry in environmental analysis: A pilot study

The potential applicability of cryotrapping gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry in environmental analysis was studied. First results of on-the-flight measurements on pesticides and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons show detection limits in the 100–500 pg range. The low-temperature spectra obtained appear to be closely comparable to conventionally recorded spectra. Library search procedures based on existing solid-phase spectra appear to be useful.     

Comparative chemical analysis of commercial creosotes and solvent refined coal-II materials by high resolution gas chromatography

The chemical composition of a commercially available creosote was compared to a direct coal liquefaction product, i.e., solvent refined coal-II fuel oil blend (SRC-II FOB) using high resolution gas chromatography (HRGC). In addition, hydrogenated products of these materials were studied. Samples were fractionated by chemical class on neutral alumina. Those fractions previously shown to be the most mutagenic and tumorigenic in laboratory bioassays of coal-derived materials were analyzed and compared by HRGC and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Individual components were tentatively identified and quantitated. Although similar chemical components were present in the creosote and SRC-II FOB fractions studied, the creosotes had higher concentrations of heavy molecular weight materials and a lower ratio of alkylated to parent polycyclic aromatic compounds than the coal liquefaction products. The creosote samples also had a significantly higher concentration of components which eluted in the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) chemical class fraction. Amino-substituted PAH were present in both nonhydrogenated coal liquid and creosote materials. The creosote and SRC-II FOB crudes and nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic compound (NPAC) chemical class fractions expressed similar microbial mutagenicity. Based on chemical analysis data, the predicted tumorigenic potency of the creosote in laboratory bioassay systems would be equivalent to or greater than the SRC-II FOB.     

Application of capillary gas chromatography to environmental analysis

Routine analytical methods for benzo[a]pyrene and nitroarenes in airborne particulates are presented. Benzo[a]pyrene in airborne particulates was easily analyzed by a capillary GC/NCIMS. Analysis time was about 10 min and analytical values obtained by this method agreed well with those by HPLC/spectrofluorometry. Nineteen nitroarenes were analyzed by capillary GC/FTD following a simple clean-up procedure. Fifteen out of 19 nitroarenes analyzed were mutagenic for Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and TA98, and 4 nitroarenes were carcinogenic to experimental animals.     

Separation and detection of doxylamine and its rhesus monkey urinary metabolites by high resolution gas chromatography utilizing nitrogen/phosphorus detection

A high resolution gas chromatographic method is described for the separation of rhesus monkey urinary metabolites of doxylamine with the use of on-column injection, a fused silica column (DB-1701), and nitrogen/phosphorus detection. An ancillary separation of doxylamine and six other antihistamines is also presented.     

Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in environmental samples: a critical review of gas chromatographic (GC) methods

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are frequently measured in the atmosphere for air quality assessment, in biological tissues for health-effects monitoring, in sediments and mollusks for environmental monitoring, and in foodstuffs for safety reasons. In contemporary analysis of these complex matrices, gas chromatography (GC), rather than liquid chromatography (LC), is often the preferred approach for separation, identification, and quantification of PAHs, largely because GC generally affords greater selectivity, resolution, and sensitivity than LC. This article reviews modern-day GC and state-of-the-art GC techniques used for the determination of PAHs in environmental samples. Standard test methods are discussed. GC separations of PAHs on a variety of capillary columns are examined, and the properties and uses of selected mass spectrometric (MS) techniques are presented. PAH literature on GC with MS techniques, including chemical ionization, ion-trap MS, time-of-flight MS (TOF-MS), and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), is reviewed. Enhancements to GC, for example large-volume injection, thermal desorption, fast GC, and coupling of GC to LC, are also discussed with regard to the determination of PAHs in an effort to demonstrate the vigor and robustness GC continues to achieve in the analytical sciences.     

Rapid on-line analysis of low molecular weight hydrocarbons using glass capillary gas chromatography

Rapid analysis is important for on-line chromatography. Gaseous or vaporized samples have been injected via heated gas sampling valves of less than 500 μl dead volume. The critical sampling and split problems could be solved by temperature programming. The general analysis described could be successfully used inter alia in scouting reactions.