Use of open‐tubular trapping columns for on‐line extraction–capillary gas chromatography of aqueous samples

Abstract

AbstractThe applicability of open‐tubular trapping columns for on‐line extraction–capillary GC analysis is evaluated. The extraction step involves sorption of the analytes from water into the stationary phase of an open‐tubular column, removal of the water by purging the trap with nitrogen, and desorption of the analytes with an organic solvent. The effect of swelling of the stationary phase with organic solvents on the retention power of the trap is studied. When using pentane or hexane as swelling agent breakthrough volumes of at least 10 ml can easily be obtained for non‐polar compounds. For a number of medium polarity compounds breakthrough volumes of 5 ml can be achieved when chloroform is used as the swelling agent. The required drying time is less than 1 minute. Quantitative desorption requires only 75 μl of organic solvent. Solvent elimination prior to transfer to the GC column is carried out using a PTV injector and a multidimensional GC system. The system is applied for the analyses of river water, urine, and serum samples.