Analysis of triazines by capillary electrochromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry using a low-flow...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Triazine herbicides are widely used in agriculture.
• Accurate and sensitive detection methods are crucial for monitoring environmental contamination.
• Existing methods like reversed EOF CE-MS and MEKC-MS have limitations in sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize capillary electrochromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (CEC-MS) for the analysis of triazine herbicides.
• To compare the performance of CEC-MS with other capillary electrophoresis techniques.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of eight triazine herbicides using CEC-MS.
• Optimization of separation buffer pH, organic content (acetonitrile), and applied voltage.
• Comparison of gradient CEC with isocratic elution.
• Utilized a tapered CEC column and a low-flow interface.

Main Results:

• CEC-MS demonstrated a significantly better signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio than reversed EOF CE-MS and MEKC-MS.
• Optimal separation was achieved in 18 minutes with a buffer of pH 7.0, 70% acetonitrile, and 17 kV.
• Gradient CEC provided superior separation compared to isocratic elution.
• The tapered column and low-flow interface enhanced sensitivity and reduced dead volume.

Conclusions:

• CEC-MS is a highly effective technique for sensitive triazine herbicide analysis.
• The optimized CEC-MS method offers advantages in sensitivity and efficiency.
• This method provides independent control over CEC separation and ESI analysis conditions.