Characterization of organic pollutants in industrial effluents by high-temperature gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Abstract

The characterization of complex mixtures of organic contaminants present in industrial effluents is a well-known problem. The determination of individual target analytes depends very much on the analytical method used. In this article, the possibilities of using high-temperature gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HT-GC–MS) are explored. In HT-GC–MS non-polar and medium-polarity phases can be operated at temperatures up to 370–420°C, allowing the analysis of high-molecular-weight compounds. So far, the applications of HT-GC have included the analysis of hydrocarbons up to C-100, lipids, sugars, and polyglycerols, but no data have been reported on the characterization of organic pollutants present in industrial effluents. The general sample handling approach reported here is based either on a sequential solid-phase extraction (SSPE) procedure, with a change of solvent composition in the elution from two different cartridges (C18 and Lichrolut EN), or on a toxicological fractionation. Effluent samples from tanneries, petrochemical plants, and textile industries are characterized, and the levels of the main organic pollutants identified are indicated. More than 50 compounds, including n-alkanes, phthalates, esters, acids, and phenols, were identified in the effluents studied.