Solid-Phase Removal of Dissolved Organic Species from Water and Identification by GC-MS

A method is described for the detection and identification of dissolved organic compounds (DOCs) in various water samples. Acid treated active silica gel sorbent (pH 3) was packed into a micro-column and used as a solid-phase extraction medium for adsorption of DOCs. Silica particles-adsorbed-organic species were then divided into equal portions followed by suspension into various organic solvents of different polarities such as methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and toluene. Suspended silica-adsorbed-organic species were shaken for 1h at room temperature and the organic extracts were subjected to GC-MS analysis under temperature programming conditions for qualitative detection and identification of these species. Blank solvents and silica samples were also subjected to the same extraction procedures and GC-MS analysis for comparison.