Trace analysis of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers in environmental samples by low-pressure gas chromatography–ion trap mass spectrometry

A rapid determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and the three xylene isomers (BTEX), including a nearly baseline separation of the xylene isomers in environmental samples within 1 min has been carried out using low-pressure gas chromatography–ion trap mass spectrometry (LP-GC–IT-MS). In order to evaluate the different parameters which may influence the performance of LP-GC–IT-MS, different column and mass spectral parameters were varied. Comparing LP-GC–IT-MS with the conventional equivalent, we obtained excellent detection limits as well as a good RSD of 8–13% in addition to a much shorter analysis time. In order to evaluate LP-GC–IT-MS for use in environmental samples, we determined BTEX in air.