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Sample Preparation and Chromatographic Methods Applied to Congener-Specific Analysis of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers

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Brominated Flame Retardants

Part of the book series: The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry ((HEC,volume 16))

Abstract

This chapter reviews the recent literature and highlights the technical and methodological improvements in the analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Sample preparation, extraction of the analytes and clean-up are discussed with emphasis on recent developments. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is discussed for the instrumental analysis of PBDEs. The most important parameters that may affect accurate measurements of PBDEs are also included. Information related to quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures used in the analysis of PBDEs, including method validation parameters and possible sources for biased results, is given in detail. An overview of recent inter-laboratory studies on PBDEs and a discussion of the scores and outcomes conclude the chapter.

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Acknowledgements

Dr Alin C. Dirtu acknowledges financial support from the University of Antwerp, Belgium. Dr Adrian Covaci was financially supported by the Research Council of the University of Antwerp and by a postdoctoral fellowship from the Research Scientific Foundation – Flanders (FWO). Prof. Dr Hendrik Emons (IRMM) is acknowledged for the improvement of the metrological aspects.

Disclaimer for the EC. Certain commercial equipment, instruments, and materials are identified in this paper to specify adequately the experimental procedure. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the European Commission, nor does it imply that the material or equipment is necessarily the best available for the purpose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium

    Adrian Covaci, Alin C. Dirtu & Laurence Roosens

  2. Laboratory for Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium

    Adrian Covaci

  3. Department of Chemistry, “Al. I. Cuza” University of Iasi, Carol I Bvd. No 11, 700506, Iasi, Romania

    Alin C. Dirtu

  4. European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), Retieseweg 111, 2440, Geel, Belgium

    Stefan Voorspoels

  5. Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium

    Stefan Voorspoels

  6. Umweltbundesamt, 33 00 22, 14191, Berlin, Germany

    Peter Lepom

  7. Vietnam Environment Administration Centre for Environmental Monitoring (CEM), 556 Nguyen Van Cu, Long Bien, Hanoi, Vietnam

    Peter Lepom

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  1. Adrian Covaci
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Correspondence to Adrian Covaci .

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  1. , Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, c/Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona, 08034, Spain

    Ethel Eljarrat

  2. , Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, c/Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona, 08034, Spain

    Damià Barceló

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Covaci, A., Dirtu, A.C., Voorspoels, S., Roosens, L., Lepom, P. (2010). Sample Preparation and Chromatographic Methods Applied to Congener-Specific Analysis of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers. In: Eljarrat, E., Barceló, D. (eds) Brominated Flame Retardants. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry(), vol 16. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2010_81

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