Comparison of the sensitivities of seven N-nitrosamines in pre-screened waters using an automated preconcentration system and gas chromatography with different detectors.
A simple, expeditious procedure for confirming the presence of N-nitrosamines in previously screened positive water samples was proposed. Water samples were continuously aspirated into a photometric flow system for screening. Positive samples were then confirmed and N-nitrosamines were identified by gas chromatography using different detectors (mass spectrometry, flame ionization and nitrogen-phosphorus). The system for the screening purpose was based on the preconcentration of the analytes onto a sorbent column, elution, and derivatization to form nitrite, then formation of a coloured product (Griess reaction) and photometric detection. The detection limits of the gas chromatographic method for 100 ml of sample were 2.0-3.5 microg/l, 20-80 and 3-13 ng/l for flame ionization, nitrogen-phosphorus and mass spectrometric detectors, respectively. The precision as RSD was similar for all detectors (3.0-6.5%). The screening of different types of water showed that wastewaters contain levels of N-nitrosamines that can be detected only using MS as a detector.
Jurado-Sánchez
Beatriz
B
Department of Analytical Chemistry, Campus de Rabanales, University of Córdoba, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain.
Ballesteros
Evaristo
E
Gallego
Mercedes
M
D001331:Automation; D002849:Chromatography, Gas / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D009602:Nitrosamines / Q000032:analysis*; D010783:Photometry / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D052616:Solid Phase Extraction; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D009602:Nitrosamines; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical