Analysis of perchlorate in groundwater by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry

Journal Article · Mon May 01 04:00:00 EDT 2000 · Environmental Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es991209j· OSTI ID:20080528

Koester, C J; Beller, H R; Halden, R U

An electrospray ionization mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (ESI/MS/MS) method was developed to measure part-per-billion ({micro}g/L) concentrations of perchlorate in groundwater. Selective and sensitive perchlorate detection was achieved by operating the mass spectrometer in the negative ionization mode and by using MS/MS to monitor the CIO{sub 4}{sup {minus}} to ClO{sub 3}{sup {minus}} transition. The method of standard additions was used to address the considerable signal suppression caused by anions that are typically present in groundwater, such as bicarbonate and sulfate. ESI-MS/MS analysis was rapid, accurate, reproducible, and provided a detection limit of 0.5 {micro}g/L perchlorate in groundwater. Accuracy and precision of the ESI/MS/MS method were assessed by analyzing performance evaluation samples in a groundwater matrix and by comparing ion chromatography (IC) and ESI/MS/MS results for local groundwater samples. Results for the performance evaluation samples differed from the certified values by 4--13%, and precision ranged from 3 to 10% (relative standard deviation). The IC and ESI/MS/MS results were statistically indistinguishable for perchlorate concentrations above the detection limits of both methods.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (US)
• OSTI ID: 20080528
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 34; ISSN ESTHAG; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
GROUND WATER
ION EXCHANGE CHROMATOGRAPHY
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
PERCHLORATES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
WATER POLLUTION