PERFORMANCE OF AN EXTRACTION DISK IN SYNTHETIC ORGANIC-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS USING GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHY MASS-SPECTROMETRY

Forty-three semi-volatile organic compounds listed in Method 525 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy in order to test the applicability of the Empore(TM) extraction disk in water analysis. Accuracy and precision data was determined at two concentrations and compounds were identified by retention time and by comparison with the National Institute of Standards and Testing (National Bureau of Standards) computerized mass spectral library. The results indicate, that the speed of routine analysis can be increased considerably by using the extraction disk instead of extraction carridges, with practically the same reliability. Data acquired after the completion of the initial work demonstrates that the performance for pentachlorophenol can be markedly enhanced by the use of an unpacked insert in the gas chromatography injector.