An automated micro solid phase extraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (μSPE-GC–MS) detection method for geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol in drinking water

Abstract

Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) are amongst the most common earthy and musty taste and odour (T&O) compounds found in drinking water. With low odour threshold detection limits below 10 ng L−1, and the complexity of raw water matrices, these two compounds provide a significant challenge for water companies globally. In this research, for the first time, a novel and fully automated micro-solid phase-extraction (μSPE) method coupled with gas chromatography (GC)–mass spectrometry (MS) has been developed for the detection of geosmin and 2-MIB for drinking water analysis. The new automated method described herein is environmentally friendly requiring low raw water sample volumes, of 25 mL, and only 50 μL of elution solvent. Our μSPE-GC–MS method exhibits excellent linearity for both compounds (R2 > 0.999) and low limits of detection of 2.0 ng L−1 and 4.3 ng L−1 for geosmin and 2-MIB, respectively. The method showed excellent recovery rates (95.1–100.1%) and good precision (RSD < 7%) in raw sample matrices. Our approach is fully automated onto a robotic workstation which can be readily integrated into a laboratory workflow for routine water analysis. Furthermore, the method has excellent potential to be incorporated within a portable system for onsite analysis.

Sensitivity Enhancement for Separation-Based Analytical Techniques Utilizing Solid-Phase Enrichment Approaches and Analyte Derivatization for Trace Analysis in Various Matrices

“…The back-flushing mode was employed by this system to reduce accumulating contamination on the trapping column. The simultaneous determination of natural and synthetic estrogens, progestogens, and androgens in environmental water samples at very low quantities using a quick and sensitive analytical approach has been described utilizing the GC technique [67]. An analytical GC approach incorporating a one-way SPE has been used to analyze geosmin and its metabolite, 2-methylisoborneol, for drinking water [68].…”

Direct and Reagentless Atmospheric Pressure Photoionisation Mass Spectrometry: Rapid and Accurate Differentiation of Cystic Fibrosis Related Bacteria by Monitoring VOCs

“…12,27 Chromatographic techniques are powerful but inhibit on-line/ real-time analysis. For instance, GC-MS typically requires extensive sampling stages, such as solid-phase microextraction [27][28][29][30] or thermal desorption. 4 Extensive research efforts have been applied to secondary electrospray ionisation (SESI) 31 , selected ion ow tube (SIFT) 32 and proton transfer reaction (PTR) 33 as these can offer on-line breath analysis.…”

Molecularly Imprinted Heterostructure-Based Electrochemosensor for Ultratrace and Precise Detection of 2-Methylisoborneol in Water

“…To analyze 2-MIB in water at ∼ng/L, gas chromatography− mass spectrometry (GC−MS) coupled with various extraction methods is recommended and widely used. 15,16 However, the expensive equipment and complex operating procedures set high doorsills for 2-MIB analysis, and the results have an obvious lag. 11 That is, the accurate concentrations of 2-MIB were usually obtained after hours to days, which significantly delayed the efficient treatment.…”

“…High concentrations of 2-MIB in water sources pose potential health hazards and serve as indicators of the presence of algal toxins in water. , Currently, 2-MIB is strictly regulated in drinking water at no more than 10 ng/L in many countries/areas. , Due to the low concentrations and thresholds, its accurate and convenient determination is rather challenging. To analyze 2-MIB in water at ∼ng/L, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) coupled with various extraction methods is recommended and widely used. , However, the expensive equipment and complex operating procedures set high doorsills for 2-MIB analysis, and the results have an obvious lag . That is, the accurate concentrations of 2-MIB were usually obtained after hours to days, which significantly delayed the efficient treatment .…”