A parallel segmented flow column interface for microflow HPLC-MS separations for environmental organic contaminant analyses

Abstract

Interfacing a microflow velocity < 100 μL/min analyses between the separation technique and MS detection for environmental organic contaminant analyses have shown potential to decrease the matrix effect. However performing such volumetric flow rates typically involves the upgrade of equipment. A plug and play study to demonstrate the potential of the Parallel Segmented Flow (PSF) column technology without any changes to the separation or detection programmed settings can facilitate microflow separations on a HPLC 400 bar hyphenated MS system. Here, we present the PSF column that interfaced 54 μL/min with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) detection. Advantages of this alternative plug and play PSF microflow interfacing strategy include robust HPLC separation % RSD retention times ≤ 0.38% and mobile phase consumption comparable to UHPLC consumption rates of 9 mL per analysis. The calculated matrix effect for microflow PSF was representative of reduced ion suppression/enhancement (<±20%), with the exception of atrazine in river water which experienced medium suppression (<±30%). The %ME is not yet competitive with capillary scale columns. The instrument detection limits (IDLs) calculated takes into account the variability (%RSD) and amount reaching the detector. The PSF had lower IDLs (3.09–7.66 pg) compared to the conventional column (1.53–31.61 pg), with the exception of atrazine’s peak height calculation. This communication focused on the microflow PSF operation strictly on conventional HPLC tandem MS system, without hardware upgrades, and applicability for robust organic contaminant separations in environmental matrices (soil and river water).