Gas-chromatographic procedure for the determination of environmental organochlorine residues in avian tissues with confirmation of identities by chemical derivatisation

Abstract

A procedure is described for the determination of low levels of organochlorine residues in avian tissues collected for environmental monitoring. The analytical scheme combines published and modified methods for the identification, confirmation and quantitation of these residues. A hexane extract is cleaned up using chromatography on alumina and silica gel followed by reaction with chromium (VI) oxide before measurement of residues using electron-capture gas chromatography. Identities of a range of compounds are confirmed by chemical derivatisation.