Application of on-line solid-phase extraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to the determination of endocrine disruptors in water samples

We have applied a method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE), on-line coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry through an on-column interface, to determine a group of endocrine-disrupting compounds in water samples. We have optimised the parameters affecting the SPE process and transfer step and used the method to analyse river, coastal and tap waters. In the full-scan acquisition mode, all the compounds were determined by preconcentrating only 15 ml of water sample. Di-n-butyl phthalate, benzylbutyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate at concentrations between 0.02 and 0.5 μg l−1 were determined in some real samples.