title: A simple, low cost GC/MS method for the sub-nanogram per litre measurement of organotins in coastal water.
abstract: Tributyltin (TBT) is a legacy pollutant in the aquatic environment, predominantly from its use in anti-foulant paints and is listed as a priority hazardous substance in the European Union's Water Framework Directive (WFD). Measuring low concentrations of TBT and other organotins (e.g. monobutyltin (MBT), dibutyltin (DBT), diphenyltin (DPhT) and triphenyltin (TPhT)) at sub ng/L concentrations in coastal waters using standard laboratory instrumentation is very challenging. Conventional, low injection volume gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) combined with liquid-liquid extraction typically achieves limits of detection for TBT ∼10 ng L(-1). We describe a simple, programmed temperature vaporisation-large injection volume (50 μL), GC/MS selected ion monitoring method for measuring DBT, TBT, DPhT and TPhT in coastal waters at lower concentrations. Quantification of MBT was not possible using these injection volumes but was achieved using a 10 μL injection volume together with a reduced injection speed. This new approach offers: •When using a 50 μL injection, limits of detection = 0.70 ng L(-1) and limits of quantification = 2.1 ng L(-1) for TBT were achieved in derivatised standards.•Recoveries of TBT and TPhT from coastal water >97%.•Time consuming, off-line sample pre-concentration methods are unnecessary.
authors: School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Burnaby Building, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth PO1 3QL, UK.
authors: Russell F
authors: RF
authors: Cole
authors: School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St. Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK.
authors: Graham A
authors: GA
authors: Mills
authors: School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Burnaby Building, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth PO1 3QL, UK.
authors: Adil
authors: A
authors: Bakir
authors: South West Water Ltd., Bridge Road, Countess Wear, Exeter EX2 7AA, UK.
authors: Ian
authors: I
authors: Townsend
authors: Natural Resources Wales, Llanelli Laboratory, 19 Penyfai Lane, Furnace, Llanelli SA15 4EL, UK.
authors: Anthony
authors: A
authors: Gravell
authors: School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Burnaby Building, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth PO1 3QL, UK.
authors: Gary R
authors: GR
authors: Fones
keywords: Coastal water; Ethylation; Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; Large volume injection; Liquid-liquid extraction; Measurement of organotins in coastal water using GC/MS; Organotins; Tributyltin