Determination of phthalate esters in water samples by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) with an 85 mu m polyacrylate fiber, coup led to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine six phtha late esters and bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate in water samples. The variables a ffecting the SPME absorption process were optimized and the method develope d was applied to analyze both tap and commercial mineral water samples as w ell as water from the Ebro river and fishing and industrial ports. For real samples, the linear range in full scan acquisition mode was between 0.02 a nd 10 mu g l(-1) for most compounds, and the limits of detection of the met hod were between 0.006 and 0.17 mu g l(-1). Commercial water samples contai ned in recipients which were made from different materials were analyzed, a nd the influence of the material of the recipients on the concentration of phthalates was evaluated. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.