Fast, extraction-free analysis of chlorinated phenols in well water by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A fast and sensitive analytical method was developed for the chlorinated phenols included in the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines without the need for costly, time-consuming sample extraction and concentration. Sensitivity and specificity were achieved by derivatization with dansyl chloride and detection via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The dansyl-modified analytes displayed method detection limits in the range of 0.01–1.0 μg/L, enabling the direct determination of chlorophenols from well water without sample enrichment. Recoveries (n = 4 days) ranged from 91 to 101% and accuracies were between 79 and 116% (n = 4). This method significantly increases sample throughput compared to the current EPA method for phenols in finished drinking water.

► Fast, extraction-free analysis of chlorinated phenols in well water was achieved.
► Method detection limits exceeded the aesthetic objectives outlined in the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines by a factor of 10–100×.
► Throughput compared to EPA Method 528 (phenols in finished drinking water) was significantly increased.