Selective enrichment of the degradation products of organophosphorus nerve agents by zirconia based solid-phase extraction

Selective extraction and enrichment of nerve agent degradation products has been achieved using zirconia based commercial solid-phase extraction cartridges. Target analytes were O-alkyl alkylphosphonic acids and alkylphosphonic acids, the environmental markers of nerve agents such as sarin, soman and VX. Critical extraction parameters such as modifier concentration, nature and volume of washing and eluting solvents were investigated. Amongst other anionic compounds, selectivity in extraction was observed for organophosphorus compounds. Recoveries of analytes were determined by GC–MS which ranged from 80% to 115%. Comparison of zirconia based solid-phase extraction method with anion-exchange solid-phase extraction revealed its selectivity towards phosphonic acids. The limits of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) with selected analytes were achieved down to 4.3 and 8.5 ng mL−1, respectively, in selected ion monitoring mode.