Analysis of odorous compounds in water by isolation by closed-loop stripping with a multichannel silicone rubber trap followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

An alternative technique for the isolation and concentration of odorous compounds found in potable water is described. The method currently employed by water authorities is closed-loop stripping with the collection of these substances on a small activated carbon filter. The compounds of interest are then extracted from the carbon using a suitable solvent. The authors offer a multichannel silicone rubber trap as an alternative to the carbon filter. The absorbed compounds are thermally desorbed from the trap, directly on to the gas chromatographic column for analysis by GC-MS, thereby eliminating the solvent extraction step required by the carbon filter. The multichannel silicone rubber trap, producing equivalent results, offers a number of advantages over the carbon filter.