The Use of Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry in Routine Dioxin Analysis under Consideration of Different Types of GC Columns

Feasibility for the use of a Shimadzu QP-5000 quadrupole mass spectrometer in routine dioxin analyses especially for fly ash and sewage sludge samples has been examined. The results obtained with QP-5000 (LRMS) show good coincidence with measurements on a high resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS). Investigations of the elution profiles of PCDD/Fs on the polar SP-2331 and on the nonpolar DB-5ms capillary column reveal clear advantages of the DB-5ms phase concerning detection limits and time saving.