Determination of Organic Micropollutants in Water Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ^†

In this study a determination method has been developed for seven different micropollutants, that were selected to represent different compound groups. The selected compounds were: 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), 4-octylphenol (4-OP), anthracene (Ant), alachlor (Ac), heptachlor (Hc), heptachlor epoxide (Hce), and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP). Chromatographic separation and mass spectrometer detection conditions were optimized to achieve the best micropollutants separation and the best detection sensitivity. A calibration curves were created at different calibration levels suited of each type of detection mode (Full Scan and Selected Ion Monitoring) and limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) were calculated. Furthermore, recovery values were determined for each compound in spiked water samples at levels equal to 10%, 50%, and 90% of the calibration curve range and compared to other studies in which similar methods of determination were used.