Study and application of LLE/GC method for determination of trichloroacetaldehyde in drinking water

Objective  To establish a method for determination of trichloroacetaldehyde by liquid-liquid extraction/gas chromatography(LLE/GC) in drinking water.

Methods  The method was optimized for extraction solvent, extraction volume, and chromatographic conditions, and was verified by spiking recoveries. The drinking water samples, which were disinfected through different modes, were determined by this method, and the result were compared with the national standard method.

Results  Under the optimized conditions, the concentration of trichloroacetaldehyde was in a range of 1 μg/L-50 μg/L, with a liner correlation coefficient r over 0.999 0. The spiking recovery was in a range of 92.6%-102% for tap water.

Conclusion  The LLE/GC method has high sensitivity and accuracy, which can be used for determination of trichloroacetaldehyde in drinking water and to correct the possible deviation associated with the national standard method.