ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a protocol for high-resolution mass spectrometric (HRMS) determination of 22 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (TCDDs) in the prepared extract, a survey was taken informally of some laboratories engaged in such determinations using HRMS in electron impact mode. Detection limits are mostly a function of the type of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry employed, with the low-resolution mass spectrometry quadrupole instrument being the limiting factor. Environmental protection agency experience with HRMS determinations of part per trillion levels (ppt) of dioxins could be applied to modify the methodology as required for different matrices. The method is applicable to low-ppt analyses for chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans. The chapter describes efforts to incorporate proven analytical principles while providing state-of-the-art methodology suitable for ppt level determinations in soil, sediment, and water matrices. The soil sample is centrifuged to remove gross amounts of water, and then air dried.
