Automated sorptive extraction-thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis: Determination of phenols in water samples

A recently developed method for the automated analysis of organic micropoll utants in water samples was evaluated for the determination of phenols. Sev eral phenols were selected from the priority pollutant lists to represent t he entire range of these pollutants. The phenols are derivatized off-line w ith acetic anhydride, which is added directly to the water sample. After de rivatization is complete, the sample is transferred to the analytical syste m where automated sample processing takes place. The sample (10 mL) is load ed onto a cartridge packed with polydimethylsiloxane particles, which extra ct the analytes from the water. After sample loading, the cartridge is drie d with nitrogen to eliminate water and derivatization agent. The cartridge is then transferred to the analytical system in which thermal desorption an d chromatographic analysis take place. Using mass spectrometric detection i n the selected ion monitoring mode, detection limits are on the order of 1- 5 ng/L. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.