Multi-residue method for the determination of chlorinated phenol metabolites in urine

Electron-capture-gas chromatographic (EC-GC) methods for the determination of chlorinated phenol metabolites of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) in urine are presented. After extraction the sample was reacted with diazomethane to produce the methyl ether of each metabolite prior to determination by EC-GC. An acid alumina column was used for cleanup and separation of methylated phenols into groups. Average recoveries of greater than 80% were obtained from urine fortified with known amounts of the phenol metabolites under investigation. A level of 1 ppb¹ was established as minimum detection limit for each phenol metabolite. Previously unreported urinary metabolites of HCB and PCP were found as a result of a rat feeding study. Levels of chlorinated phenol residues from (a) human general population and (b) a worker occupationally exposed to PCP are also included.