title: Analysis of mixed halogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PXDD/PXDFs) in soil by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS).
abstract: Mixed halogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PXDD/PXDFs, X=Br, Cl) are formed through combustion processes, and may be more toxic than their corresponding chlorinated and brominated analogues. With 4600 potential congeners, limited analytical standards, and complex environmental matrices, PXDD/PXDFs present a significant analytical challenge. Gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) offers both selectivity and sensitivity through multiple reaction monitoring of unique transitions in a novel approach to PXDD/PXDF congener identification. Method validation was performed through analysis of soil samples obtained from a recycling plant fire. Of the PXDD/PXDFs examined, monobromo-dichlorodibenzofuran was the most prevalent, ranging in concentration from 8.6ngg(-1) to 180ngg(-1). Dibromo-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, a compound of toxicological concern, ranged from 0.41ngg(-1) to 10ngg(-1). Concentrations of PXDD/PXDFs were between 6% and 10% that of the corresponding polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs), with the exception of dibromo-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin concentrations, which were 36% that of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins. Higher levels of polybrominated PXDD/PXDFs may indicate a significant bromine source was present during combustion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. amyers@chem.utoronto.ca
authors.forename: Anne L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.forename: Scott A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Mabury
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Reiner
mesh_terms: D001572:Benzofurans / Q000032:analysis*; D000072338:Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; D004147:Dioxins / Q000032:analysis*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D054879:Halogenation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry
chemical_list: D001572:Benzofurans; D000072338:Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; D004147:Dioxins; D012989:Soil Pollutants; C503656:dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin; C023614:dibenzofuran