[Analysis of phenolic compounds in aqueous samples by gas chromatography coupled with headspace solid-phase...

The direct trace analysis of phenolic compounds in aqueous samples was performed by headspace solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography (HS-SPME/GC). A laboratory made poly (phthalazine ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK, 30 microm) coated fiber was used to extract the phenols from aqueous samples. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as extraction temperature and time, pH value, and salt concentration, were optimized. The low pH value and high salt concentration can increase the extraction efficiency of phenols. The limits of detection (LODs) were from 0.003 to 0.041 microg/L, which were within the range of EPA Method 604. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 16%. Compared with commercial polyacrylate (PA) fiber (85 microm), the PPESK fiber shows high affinity toward phenolic compounds, and therefore, high absolute recoveries. The phenols were detected with the recoveries of 100.5%-111.8% for a tap water sample and 94.8%-117.3% for a seawater sample at the spiked level of 20 microg/L.