Dynamic Microwave-Assisted Extraction Coupled On-Line with Solid-Phase Extraction and Large-Volume Injection Gas Chromatography: Determination of Organophosphate Esters in Air Samples

An on-line method was developed for the extraction, cleanup, and analysis of airborne organophosphate esters collected on glass fiber filters. The extraction and cleanup step was performed by conducting the dynamic microwave-assisted extraction (DMAE) coupled to solid-phase extraction (SPE). This system was further connected to include large-volume injection gas chromatography. The Injection interface was a programmable temperature vaporizer. The system performance test was investigated using spiked glass fiber filters. The DMAESPE recovery of the organophosphate esters was found to be greater than 97%. The repeatability of the uncorrected peak areas and the retention times was determined to be 4.2-8.0 and 0.03% relative standard deviation, respectively, and limits of detection were in the range 61-186.2 pg/m3. The method was tested in a newly restored office, in which several of the targeted organophosphate esters were detected. The total sampling and analysis time was less than 1.5 h.