Separation of technical 4-nonylphenols and their biodegradation products by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC) coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) was applied to improve the separation of 4-nonylphenol isomers and their biodegradation products. The structurally similar nonylphenol isomers were separated by combining a 30 m long semi-polar column and a short polar capillary. Both were coupled via a custom-made liquid nitrogen cryogenic modulator. The advanced GC resolution of coeluting isomers, additionally supported by fast scanning TOF-MS, provided clearer, non-interfered mass spectra of individual isomers. Thus, identification of components is facilitated as shown for isomeric 4-nonylphenols and metabolites of their biodegradation by Clavariopsis aquatica, an aquatic fungus. GC x GC-TOF-MS analysis enabled the separation of about 40 alkylphenol isomers included in technical 4-nonylphenol. During biodegradation the variety of emerging compounds increased with longer reaction time. The comprehensive analysis indicated a broad spectrum of hydroxylated, carboxylated nonylphenolisomers and additionally, chlorinated aromatic compounds produced and released from the fungal culture.
Moeder
M
M
UFZ Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany. monika.moeder@ufz.de
Martin
C
C
Schlosser
D
D
Harynuk
J
J
Górecki
T
T
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D010636:Phenols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D010636:Phenols; C041594:4-nonylphenol