Internal quality-control criteria for environmental monitoring of organic micro-contaminants in water

Simultaneous microwave-assisted extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, phthalate esters and nonylphenols in sediments

A new method was developed for the simultaneous extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phthalate esters (PEs), nonylphenols (NPs) and nonylphenol mono- and diethoxylates (NP1EOs and NP2EOs, respectively) in sediment samples by means of a closed microwave system. The extractions were carried out at 21 psi and 80% of microwave power and 15 ml of acetone were used as the common extraction solvent. The filtered extract was further fractionated in two groups using Florisil cartridges: PAHs and PCBs were eluted with n-hexane:toluene (4:1) and the PEs, NPs and ethoxylates were eluted with ethyl acetate. All the compounds were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In case of PAHs and PCBs, the developed method was validated by comparison of the results obtained for the certified reference material NIST 1944 with the certified values. In the absence of a reference material for phthalate esters and nonylphenols, one sediment sample was extracted twice under the optimal conditions in order to check than an exhaustive extraction of the analytes occurred. This method is currently used in the study of the distribution of those organic contaminants in the estuaries of the Bay of Biscay (Spain).

Assessment of potential (inhalation and dermal) and actual exposure to acetamiprid by greenhouse applicators using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

New analytical methods based on liquid chromatography with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) have been developed and validated for assessing the exposure of greenhouse workers to acetamiprid. Both ambient (potential inhalation and dermal exposure) and internal dose (biological monitoring of urine samples) measurements were carried out. Potential inhalation exposure was assessed using Chromosorb 102 cartridges connected to air personal samplers. Potential dermal exposure was estimated by using whole body dosimetry. The measurement of actual exposure was done by analyzing the parent compound in urine samples of the applicators, after a solid-phase extraction (SPE) step. The methods showed a good accuracy (72-92%), precision (2-13%) and lower limits (few microg l(-1)). The validated approaches have been applied to assess potential and actual exposure of agricultural workers spraying acetamiprid in greenhouses. The results shown the need to wear personal protective equipment (suits) in order to reduce the absorbed dose of acetamiprid.