Determination of SVOCs in water samples using the Bruker μDROP™ method for the EVOQ™ GC-TQ MS/MS system

Significance of the topic

Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are a diverse group of environmental pollutants that include pesticides, PCBs, PBDEs and PAHs. Many SVOCs persist in water resources, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Recent European water-quality directives (2013/39/EU, 2015/1787/EU) have tightened control of SVOCs down to sub-ppt levels, creating demand for rapid, sensitive and cost-effective analytical workflows in environmental and public health laboratories.

Objectives and study overview

This work presents the development and thorough validation of the Bruker µDROP dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method coupled with the EVOQ GC-TQ MS/MS system. The goal was to enable ultra-trace quantification of 62 priority SVOCs in various water matrices (ultrapure, tap, river, sea) in compliance with EU regulations. Key aims included achieving low-ppt detection limits, high sample throughput and minimal solvent use.

Methodology and instrumention used

The µDROP method applies dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) to 35 mL water samples, using a proprietary mixture of extractant and dispersant reagents. Sample preparation takes ≈10.5 min for batches of 40 tubes, followed by automated GC-TQ MS/MS analysis.

• Instrument: Bruker EVOQ GC-TQ MS/MS with 436 GC and 8400 autosampler
• Column: BR-5ms (30 m × 0.25 mm, 0.25 µm)
• Ionization: EI 70 eV; MRM acquisition with dynamic windows and Compound Based Scanning for optimized cycle time
• Software: Hystar 4.1 acquisition, TASQ 1.4 processing

Main results and discussion

Validation demonstrated excellent performance across all matrices:

• Linearity: R² ≥ 0.99 for all SVOCs, σRF ≤ 30%
• Precision: inter-day RSD ≤ 30% at low and high working levels
• Matrix effects: calibration slopes in tap, river and sea water deviated by ≤ 18% from ultrapure water (CV 8.5%), enabling procedural standard calibration in simple matrices
• MRLs/MDLs: method reporting limits between 0.10 and 5 ng/L; detection limits (MDL) down to 0.02 ng/L for many compounds

Benefits and practical applications

The µDROP-EVOQ workflow offers:

• High throughput: simultaneous preparation of 40 samples in ~10 min
• Minimal solvent and glassware consumption: aligns with green-chemistry goals
• Cost efficiency: reduced per-sample consumable use versus SPE or LLE
• Regulatory compliance: meets stringent EU directives and ISO 17025 criteria

Future trends and potential uses

Opportunities for expansion include integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), extension of the analyte panel (e.g., emerging contaminants), and coupling with high-resolution MS for non-target screening. Further miniaturization and automation will continue to enhance throughput and sustainability.

Conclusion

The Bruker µDROP method with EVOQ GC-TQ MS/MS provides a rapid, robust and ultra-sensitive solution for routine analysis of SVOCs in water. It delivers sub-ppt detection limits, strong linearity and reproducible precision across diverse matrices, while reducing solvent use and laboratory waste. This workflow is well suited for environmental monitoring and public health laboratories aiming to comply with evolving water-quality regulations.

Reference

• European Commission. Directive 2013/39/EU of 12 August 2013 amending Directives 2000/60/EC and 2008/105/EC on priority substances in water policy.
• European Commission. Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.
• European Commission. Directive (EU) 2015/1787 of 6 October 2015 amending Annexes II and III to Council Directive 98/83/EC on water quality for human consumption.
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