Determination of polychlorinated dibenzofurans in surface water by means of liquid chromatography using on-line sample preconcentration and different spectroscopic detection techniques

Abstract Three different spectroscopic techniques, UV absorbance, fluorescence and sensitized room temperature phosphorescence are examined for the detection of polychlorinated dibenzofurans. A pre-column enrichment step is used prior to reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation. The fluorescence detection mode offers the best sensitivity and selectivity but UV detection in combination with pre-column technology provides also a powerful means for trace analysis of the dibenzofurans. The method presented allows the determination of ppt-ppb concentration levels in polluted surface waters with good recoveries and reproducibility.