Environmental and food analysis by desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization‐mass spectrometry

Abstract

Desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization-mass spectrometry (DAPPI-MS) is a versatile surface analysis technique for a wide range of analytes, especially for neutral and non-polar analytes. Here, a set of analytes typically found in environmental or food samples was analyzed by DAPPI-MS. The set included five polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), one N-PAH, one brominated flame retardant, and nine pesticides, which were studied with three different spray solvents: acetone and toluene in positive ion mode, and anisole in negative ion mode. The analytes showed [M + H](+), M(+*), and [M-H](-) ions as well as fragmentation and substitution products. Detection limits for the studied compounds ranged from 30 pg to 1 ng (from 0.14 to 5.6 pmol). To demonstrate the feasibility of the use of DAPPI-MS two authentic samples - a circuit board and orange peel - and a spiked soil sample were analyzed. Tetrabromobisphenol A, imazalil, and PAHs were observed from the three above-mentioned samples, respectively. The method is best suited for rapid screening analysis of environmental or food samples.