Abstract: | Abstract A simple, expeditious, and sensitive method has been developed for the determination of low-molecular-mass aldehydes in water samples by liquid chromatography and peroxyoxalate–chemiluminescence detection. The method is based on continuous solid-phase extraction with in situ derivatization/preconcentration of the aldehydes using dansylhydrazine, which was first adsorbed on an RP–C18 mini-column. For 10 mL of aqueous sample, the limits of detection (LOD) for C1 to C4 aldehydes were 20–30 ng L?1, except for formaldehyde, which had an LOD of 400 ng L?1. Application was illustrated by the determination of these aldehydes in water samples; the interday precision was always less than ca. 7%, and relative recoveries were more than 96%. |