Faster and simpler determination of chlorophenols in water by fiber introduction mass spectrometry

Solid phase microextraction (SPME) of chlorophenols [2-chlorophenol (2CP), 2,4-dichlorophenol. (24CP), 4-chloro-3-methylphenol (43CP), 2,4,6-tri-chlorophenol (246CP) and pentachlorophenol. (PCP)] followed by direct mass spectrometric analysis has been performed by fiber introduction mass spectrometry (FIMS). Two SPME fibers (65 mu m PDMS/DVB and 85 mu m PA fibers) were tested, and FIMS was performed via selective ion monitoring (SIM). The extractions were evaluated at 10% ionic strength and pH 1. Best extraction times were determined for both fibers. Limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) for both fibers were in the low mu g L-1 range. Coefficients of correlation for the analytical curves showed linear responses and mineral water and river water samples spiked with 50 mu g L-1 presented high recoveries. FIMS, as compared to current EPA methods, is demonstrated to allow faster and simpler (elimination of pre-separation or derivatization steps) analysis of chlorophenols in water with the required sensitivity. (c) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.