Analysis of high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by laser desorption-ionisation/time-of-flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry

Abstract

Laser desorption-ionisation/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LDI/TOF MS) and liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation-ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC/APCI-ITMS) were used for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with molecular weight exceeding 278 Da (HMW-PAHs) in air, water and soil samples from the contaminated area of DEZA chemical plant, Valašské Mezříčí, Czech Republic, and from its vicinity. Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were employed for passive sampling. LDI-TOF MS proved to be a suitable method for quick evaluation of the HMW-PAHs distribution; the presence of PAHs with molecular mass exceeding 500 Da in real samples was proved by this method. Identification and quantitation of individual PAHs was realised using LC/APCI-ITMS. LDI-TOF mass spectra and selected LC/APCI-MS profiles (m/z 303, 327 and 351) were used to confirm the source of contamination by high-molecular-weight PAHs in this area. © 2005 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.