Simple multi-residue analysis of persistent organic pollutants and molecular tracers in atmospheric samples

• Published in: MethodsX Vol. 10; p. 102224
• Main Authors: Iakovides, Minas, Sciare, Jean, Mihalopoulos, Nikos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.01.2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Chemistry; GC/MS; Hopanes; Negative chemical ionization; OCPs; Optimization; PAHs; PCBs; Simple multi-residue analysis of persistent organic pollutants and molecular tracers in atmospheric samples; Steranes; Simple multi-residue analysis of persistent organic pollutants and molecular tracers in atmospheric samples; PCBs; Negative chemical ionization; OCPs; Hopanes; PAHs; Steranes; GC/MS; Optimization
• ISSN: 2215-0161; 2215-0161
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102224

We present a simple, selective and sensitive analytical method to quantitatively determine a wide range of halogenated persistent organic pollutants and molecular tracers in atmospheric samples. Identification and quantification was carried out by high-resolution gas chromatography, hyphenated with low-resolution mass spectrometry operating in electron impact (EI) and electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) mode. Optimization on a number of instrumental parameters was conducted to obtain ultra-trace detection limits, in the range of few fg/m3 for organohalogen compounds. Repeatability and reproducibility of the method was thoroughly evaluated. The analysis was validated with standard reference materials and successfully applied to actual atmospheric samples. The proposed multi-residue method provides a precise, affordable and practical procedure of sample analysis for environmental research laboratories with conventional instrumentation on a routine basis.•A simple combination of alumina, florisil and silica gel adsorbents was applied to sufficiently isolate polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, long chain n-alkanes, hopanes and steranes.•Full elution was achieved in two successive fractions, using small volumes of n-hexane and n-hexane/dichloromethane to recover all target substances.•To maximize analytical response, optimization was applied for three operating parameters in ECNI mode: i) ion source temperature; ii) emission current; and iii) electron energy. [Display omitted]