Trace level detection of chlorinated paraffins in biological and environmental samples, using gas chromatography/mass...

A method is described for detection of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) in biological and environmental samples. Sample preparation includes sulfuric acid treatment followed by adsorption chromatography on alumina, which yields the CPs in one fraction that is almost free of interfering material. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with negative-ion chemical ionization, the limit of detection is 5 ng (corresponding to the lower ppb range). CP levels of 30 ppm, 200 ppb, and 5 ppb were found in sewage sludge, human fat, and sediment, respectively.