Application of headspace SPME-GC-MS in estimation of VOCs content from different environmental samples

Complete text of publication follows. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in all environmental media (air, water, soil, vegetation, etc.) and are originate from various human activities, biogenic and anthropogenic sources. Majority of these compounds were classified as have potential adverse health effects on humans and based on this they are necessary to be monitored. Headspace-SPME in combination with GC-MS is one of the preferred methods used for identification and quantification of possible hazardous VOC compounds from environmental samples as water, soil, vegetables, etc. This technique is inexpensive, solvent-free and easy to applied providing excellent sensitivity and good selectivity. In this study we focused on establish a useful methods applicable for all type of environmental samples in determination of VOCs. Various VOCs were estimated from different water, soil and plant samples using HS-SPME-GC-MS methods without classical solvent consumption for sample preparation. A linear working range of 1 - 150 ppb was established for most VOC compounds. Calibration yielded a linear curve over this range. This method showed a precise average of 6.9 % relative standard deviation for monitored VOC compounds.