Simplified derivatization method for the speciation analysis of organolead compounds in water and peat samples using in-situ butylation with tetrabutylammonium tetrabutylborate and GC-MIP AES

A simplified derivatization method for the speciation analysis of organolead compounds in environmental samples followed by gas chromatography-microwave induced plasma atomic emission detection is developed. An in-situ butylation using tetrabutylammonium tetrabutylborate in an acetate buffer medium of pH 4.0 with simultaneous extraction of the derivatized organolead species into hexane was performed; for the analysis of the peat samples, the desorption of the different species from the matrix by acid leaching was also included. Detection limits at the sub-ng L-1 range, comparable to those achieved by Grignard-alkylation, were obtained for the different species. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by analysis of a standard reference material (BCR-CRM 605, road dust). Examples of applications for the analysis of tap water and peat are given.