A method for measuring semi- and non-volatile organic halogens by combustion ion chromatography

Recent studies have shown that various semi- and non-volatile organohalogen compounds are ubiquitous in the environment: these include halogenated dioxins including chlorinated dioxins, other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). However, monitoring and assessment of these compounds by the analyses of individual compounds and their isomers is onerous because of their low environmental concentrations and large number of compounds. In this study, we have developed a new method that is capable of screening and monitoring an array of organohalogen compounds efficiently by combustion ion chromatography (CIC) - the new analyzer that serially connects combustion furnace and ion chromatograph. Analyzer performance was evaluated in terms of its applicability, reproducibility, and sensitivity as limit of detection (LOD). Recoveries of organochlorine, organobromine, and organoiodine compounds by the CIC were between 97 and 105%; those of organofluorine compounds were from 86 to 91%. In all cases, the relative standard deviation of five analyses was 4% or smaller. The analyzer would exhibit good sensitivity for various environmental matrices (e.g., 2.8-31ng-X/g-soil, 1.4-16ng-X/L-water, and 9.2-100ng-X/m3N-gas). The method is fast and can provide information regarding the occurrence of organohalogen compounds within 1 or 2 days after sampling. Applicability of the new method for the assessment of contamination in flue gas and fly ash was also demonstrated. Our results show that the method is efficient to investigate emission sources and areas contaminated by organohalogen compounds.