Optimization of large volume injection-programmable temperature vaporization-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis for the determination of estrogenic compounds in environmental samples

Large volume injection-programmable temperature vaporization-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (LVI-PTV-GC–MS) was optimized for the determination of estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), 17α-ethynyl estradiol (EE2), mestranol (MeEE2) and estriol (E3) for their determination in environmental samples (estuarine water, wastewater, fish bile and fish homogenate) after derivatization with 25 μL (BSTFA + 1% TMCS) and 125 μL of pyridine. Experimental designs such as Plackett–Burman (PBD) and central composite designs (CCDs) were used to optimize the LVI-PTV variables (cryo-focusing temperature, vent time, vent flow, vent pressure, injection volume, purge flow to split vent, splitless time and injection speed). Optimized conditions were as follows: 45 μL of n-hexane extract are injected at 60 °C and 6 μL/s with a vent flow and a vent pressure of 50 mL/min and 7.7 psi, respectively, during 5 min; then the split valve is closed for 1.5 min and afterwards the injector is cleaned at 100 mL/min before the next injection. The method was applied to the determination of estrogenic compounds in environmental samples such as estuarine water, wastewater, and fish homogenate and bile. Limits of detection (0.04–0.15 ng/L for water samples, 0.04–0.67 ng/g for fish bile and 0.1–7.5 ng for fish homogenate) obtained were approx. ten times lower than those obtained by means of a common split/splitless inlet.