Determination of Organophosphorus Compounds in Mediterranean Coastal Waters and Biota Samples Using Gas Chromatography with Nitrogen-Phosphorus and Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometric Detection

Abstract

Abstract An analytical method is described for the determination of organophosphorus compounds in water and biota samples. This includes solvent extraction, a clean up procedure using silica gel and gel permeation chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus and positive and negative chemical ionization mass spectrometric detection. Organophosphorus compounds were measured in river waters and biota samples (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Mullus barbatus and Gambusia affinis) from the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The results show that phosphates are only found in water samples affected by industrial activities, whereas organophosphorus pesticides, exhibiting higher bioconcentration factors, are found in biota samples. Key Words: Organophosphorus compoundschemical ionization mass spectrometrygas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detectiongel permeation chromatographyanalysis of water and biota samples