GC-MS PROTOCAL

PAHs are fortunately one of those compounds that are highly familiar to routine environmental or contract testing laboratories. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is well suited for their analysis. Single quadrupole GC-MS offered the opportunity for the environmental laboratory to increase selectivity for these analytes over that of classical detectors, such as UV and florescence detectors in HPLC and ECD and FID detectors in GC- MS. This allowed for limited optimization of sample preparation procedures to increase time to result and ultimately reduce laboratory costs. Triple quadrupole meanwhile GC-MS/MS provides a significant increase in selectivity when compared to single quadrupole GC-MS. This selectivity profoundly affects the ability to cut through chemical background (interference), which enhances the capability and productivity of environmental testing laboratories, that are now increasingly utilizing the techniqe, especially those looking for a competitive edge. Unfortunately, for laboratories newer to GC-MS/MS, the adoption of the technique presents a challenge in realizing the productivity advantages offered without significantly impacting continued laboratory operations.

• To 1 L of sample, hexane was added and the mixture was shaken.
• The water and organic phases were separated, and the organic phase was removed and dried with anhydrous Na2SO4.
• An aliquot of the organic extract was evaporated to a volume of 3-4 mL and then evaporated under a gentle nitrogen stream to a final volume that was analysed using Gas chromatography.