Faster and simpler determination of chlorophenols in water by fiber introduction mass spectrometry.

Solid phase microextraction (SPME) of chlorophenols [2-chlorophenol (2CP), 2,4-dichlorophenol (24CP), 4-chloro-3-methylphenol (43CP), 2,4,6-tri-chlorophenol (246CP) and pentachlorophenol (PCP)] followed by direct mass spectrometric analysis has been performed by fiber introduction mass spectrometry (FIMS). Two SPME fibers (65 microm PDMS/DVB and 85 microm PA fibers) were tested, and FIMS was performed via selective ion monitoring (SIM). The extractions were evaluated at 10% ionic strength and pH 1. Best extraction times were determined for both fibers. Limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) for both fibers were in the low microg L(-1) range. Coefficients of correlation for the analytical curves showed linear responses and mineral water and river water samples spiked with 50 microg L(-1) presented high recoveries. FIMS, as compared to current EPA methods, is demonstrated to allow faster and simpler (elimination of pre-separation or derivatization steps) analysis of chlorophenols in water with the required sensitivity.