Analysing fluorobenzoate tracers in groundwater samples using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry: A tool for leaching studies and hydrology

• Published in: Journal of Chromatography A Vol. 957; no. 1; pp. 11 - 16
• Main Authors: Juhler, René K., Mortensen, Annette P.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 24.05.2002; Elsevier
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; Benzoic Acid - analysis; Benzoic acids; Chemistry; Chromatographic methods and physical methods associated with chromatography; Chromatography, Liquid - methods; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Fluorine - chemistry; Fluorobenzoic acids; Geochemistry; Geochemistry: general, methodology, regional studies; Mass Spectrometry - methods; Organic acids; Other chromatographic methods; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Benzoic acids; Environmental analysis; Fluorobenzoic acids; Water analysis; Organic acids; Trace analysis; Chemical analysis; Atmospheric pressure; Coupled method; HPLC chromatography; Electrospray; Chemical ionization; Analysis method; Carboxylic acid; Mass spectrometry MS/MS; Fluorine Organic compounds; Quantitative analysis; Ground water; Tracers
• ISSN: 0021-9673
• DOI: 10.1016/S0021-9673(02)00005-5

A sensitive LC–MS–MS method for the direct determination and quantification of 15 fluorobenzoic acids (FBAs) was developed. FBAs are used as conservative tracers for hydrological modelling of water flow and in studies of pesticides and other xenobiotic compounds. The use of FBAs is discussed in relation to other tracers (bromide, chloride, uranine). The method covers mono-substituted fluorobenzoic acid, difluorobenzoic acid, trifluorobenzoic acid, and tetrafluorobenzoic acid. The general detection limit in ground water was 1 μg/l using electrospray ionisation and 20 μg/l using atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation. Analysis time was less than 10 min, small sample volumes were needed and no clean-up was required.