Optimisation of a matrix solid-phase dispersion method for the determination of organophosphate compounds in dust samples

A fast and inexpensive sample preparation procedure based on the matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) technique is proposed for the isolation of several organophosphate esters (mainly employed as flame retardants and plasticizers) from indoor dust samples. Extraction and clean-up were carried out in a single step and target compounds were determined by gas chromatography (GC) with nitrogen–phosphorus detection (NPD). The main parameters affecting extraction yield and selectivity, such as type and amount of dispersant material, clean-up co-sorbent and extraction solvent, were evaluated and optimised. Under final conditions, 0.5 g of dust were dispersed with equal amounts of anhydrous sodium sulphate and Florisil, and loaded on the top of a polypropylene cartridge containing 0.5 g of alumina. The dispersed sample was washed with 2 mL of n-hexane to remove the least polar interferences and analytes were eluted with 3 mL of acetone. Recoveries of the proposed method for spiked samples ranged from 80 to 116%, and the day-to-day variability remained between 5 and 10%. Data on levels of organophosphate species in dust from private houses and vehicle cabins are provided. In both cases, the lowest concentrations corresponded to the short chain, non-chlorinated, alkyl organophosphates, whereas mean values above 1 μg g−1 were measured for the rest of analytes.