Determination of Hexabromocyclododecane Diastereoisomers and Tetrabromobisphenol A in Water and Sediment by Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

A method to determine α-, β- and γ-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) in water and sediments was presented using solid phase extraction (SPE) and/or solvent extraction. Recoveries from sediments were approximately 100% for all the chemicals, while recoveries of α-, β- and γ-HBCDs from water were dependent on the extraction method. In the case of dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) extraction, recoveries of α-, β- and γ-HBCD from landfill leachates were 77%, 88% and 92%, respectively. Technical difficulties in HBCD measurement are discussed in terms of the physico-chemical properties of HBCD isomers. The method was applied to landfill samples and marine sediment.