Analytical Sciences

Determination of Musty-Odor Compounds in Water by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry with a Needle-Type Sample-Preparation Device

Ikuo UETA,* Tomoki MITSUMORI,* Susumu KAWAKUBO,* and Yoshihiro SAITO**

*Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Yamanashi, Kofu 400-8511, Japan
**Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Japan

The musty-odor compounds (MOCs) 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) and geosmin in water samples were determined by a purge-and-trap method using a needle-type extraction device followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. For the extraction of these compounds, a triple-layer-type extraction needle containing divinylbenzene and activated carbon particles as the particulate extraction media was introduced. Several experimental parameters, including the sample temperature during extraction, the addition of sodium chloride, and desorption conditions, were thoroughly optimized in this study. The detection limits for 2-MIB and geosmin were 1.0 and 0.5 ng L⁻¹, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of MOCs and other volatile organic compounds in tap-water samples.

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