Analysis of BTEX and other substituted benzenes in water using headspace SPME-GC-FID: method validation

Abstract

The analysis of BTEX and other substituted benzenes in water samples using solid phase microextraction (SPME) and quantification by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) was validated. The best analytical conditions were obtained using PDMS/DVB/CAR fibre using headspace extraction (HS-SPME) at 50 °C for 20 min without stirring. The linear range for each compound by HS-SPME with GC/FID was defined. The detection limits for these compounds obtained with PDMS/DVB/CAR fibre and GC/FID were: benzene (15 ng L⁻¹), toluene (160 ng L⁻¹), monochlorobenzene (54 ng L⁻¹), ethylbenzene (32 ng L⁻¹), m-xylene (56 ng L⁻¹), p-xylene (69 ng L⁻¹), styrene (35 ng L⁻¹), o-xylene (42 ng L⁻¹), m-dichlorobenzene (180 ng L⁻¹), p-dichlorobenzene (230 ng L⁻¹), o-dichlorobenzene (250 ng L⁻¹) and trichlorobenzene (260 ng L⁻¹). This headspace SPME-GC-FID method was compared with a previously validated method of analysis using closed-loop-stripping analysis (CLSA). The headspace SPME-GC-FID method is suitable for monitoring the production and distribution of potable water and was used, in field trials, for the analysis of samples from main intakes of water (surface or underground) and from the water supply system of a large area (Lisbon and neighbouring municipalities).