ABSTRACT
Chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans are best analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques, using both low-resolution mass spectrometry and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). A measured amount of sample is extracted with a suitable solvent. The solvent extract containing the analytes is concentrated down to a small volume and then subjected to cleanup for the removal of interferences. The extract is injected onto the GC column for the separation of individual compounds. Acid–base partitioning cleanup may be omitted completely if the sample is expected to be clean. Alumina cleanup procedure is very important and it should be performed for all samples. Silica gel cleanup may be performed only if the alumina cleanup does not remove all interferences. The polychlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans are separated on a fused silica capillary column. Samples must be refrigerated and protected from light.
