On-line solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for trace determination of nerve agent degradation products in water samples.

Three primary nerve agent degradation products (ethyl-, isopropyl- and pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid) have been determined in water samples using on-line solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS) with electrospray ionisation. Porous graphitic carbon was employed for analyte enrichment followed by hydrophilic interaction chromatography. Diethylphosphate was applied as internal standard for quantitative determination of the alkyl methylphosphonic acids (AMPAs). By treating the samples with strong cation-exhange columns on Ba, Ag and H form, the major inorganic anions in water were removed by precipitation prior to the SPE-LC-MS determination. The AMPAs could be determined in tap water with limits of detection of 0.01-0.07 µg L(-1) with the [M-H](-) ions extracted at an accuracy of ±5 mDa. The within and between assay precisions at analyte concentrations of 5 µg L(-1) were 2-3%, and 5-9% relative standard deviation, respectively. The developed method was employed for determination of the AMPAs in three natural waters and a simulated waste water sample, spiked at 5 µg L(-1). Recoveries of ethyl-, isopropyl- and pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid were 80-91%, 92-103% and 99-106%, respectively, proving the applicability of the technique for natural waters of various origins.

Headspace-trap gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for determination of sulphur mustard and related compounds in soil.

Methods for trace determination of sulphur mustard (HD) and some related cyclic sulphur compounds in soil samples have been developed using headspace-trap in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Two quite different types of soil were employed in the method optimisation (sandy loam and silty clay loam). Prior to analysis, water saturated with sodium chloride was added to the samples, at a water to soil ratio of 1:1. A detection limit of 3 ng/g was achieved for HD, while the cyclic sulphur compounds 1,4-thioxane, 1,3-dithiolane and 1,4-dithiane could be detected at 0.2-0.7 ng/g. The methods were validated in the concentration range from the limit of quantification (LOQ) to hundred times LOQ. The within assay precision at fifty times LOQ was 6.9-7.3% relative standard deviation (RSD) for determination of the cyclic sulphur compounds, and 15% RSD for determination of HD. Recoveries were in the range of 43-60% from the two soil types. As the technique requires very little sample preparation, the total time for sample handling and analysis was less than 1h. The technique was successfully employed for the determination of cyclic sulphur compounds in a sediment sample from an old dumping site for chemical munitions, known to contain HD degradation products.

Trace determination of sulphur mustard and related compounds in water by headspace-trap gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A method for trace determination of sulphur mustard (HD) and some of its cyclic decomposition compounds in water samples has been developed using headspace-trap in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Factorial design was used for optimisation of the method. The trap technology allows enrichment and focusing of the analytes on an adsorbent, hence the technique offers better sensitivity compared to conventional static headspace. A detection limit of 1ng/ml was achieved for HD, while the cyclic sulphur compounds 1,4-thioxane, 1,3-dithiolane and 1,4-dithiane could be detected at a level of 0.1ng/ml. The method was validated for the stable cyclic compounds in the concentration range from the limit of quantification (LOQ: 0.2-0.4ng/ml) to hundred times LOQ. The within and between assay precisions at hundred times LOQ were 1-2% and 7-8% relative standard deviation, respectively. This technique requires almost no sample handling, and the total time for sampling and analysis was less than 1h. The method was successfully employed for muddy river water and sea water samples.