Method for the separation of organochlorine residues before gas-liquid chromatographic analysis.

The adsorption characteristics of alumina and silica for column chromatography have been assessed to develop a method, using a single solvent, for the separation of seventeen organochlorine residues into four eluates prior to gas-liquid chromatographic analysis. The effects on the adsorbents of thermal activation and subsequent deactivation with water, variation of column size and choice of eluents have been critically examined. The lipid capacity of the alumina and the effect of co-extracted materials from animal tissue upon the elution profile of the organochlorines have been determined.