title: Establishing an alternative method for the quantitative analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans by comprehensive two dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry for developing countries.
abstract: Comprehensive Gas Chromatography-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS) methodology has been refined for the analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in samples with different matrices. This is specifically for application in developing countries where access to gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) and highly skilled personnel is limited. The method, using an Rxi-5 Sil MS column in the first dimension ((1)D) coupled with an Rtx-200 column in the second dimension ((2)D), was used to quantify PCDDs and PCDFs in different environmental sample matrices. The results were compared with those obtained using GC-HRMS and good agreement was observed. The limit of detection (LOD) for the method (300fg on column for spiked soil samples) was determined using an Rxi-XLB ((1)D) column coupled with an Rtx-200 column ((2)D). Preliminary South African sample results are also discussed. Isomer specificity for different tetrachloro dibenzo-p-dioxins (TCDDs) and tetrachloro dibenzofurans (TCDFs) was investigated using a commercial standard. Adequate resolution was achieved. The method as described has great attraction for developing countries being both financially and operationally favourable.
authors.affiliation: National Metrology Institute of South Africa, Lynnwood Ridge 0040, South Africa. bjdevos@nmisa.org
authors.forename: Jayne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Vos
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gorst-Allman
authors.forename: Egmont
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rohwer
mesh_terms: D001572:Benzofurans / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry; D060729:Coal Ash; D003906:Developing Countries; D000072338:Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry; D007536:Isomerism; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000737:chemistry; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013019:South Africa; D014116:Toxicology / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D001572:Benzofurans; D060729:Coal Ash; D000072338:Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D052638:Particulate Matter; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; D002244:Carbon