Abstract

Headspace solid phase micro-extraction gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (HS-SPME-GC/FID) method was compared with headspace gas chromatography/mass selective detection (HS-GC/MS). Organic solvent-spiked urine as well as urine samples from workspace was analyzed under optimal condition of each method. Detection limit of each compound by HS-SPME-GC/FID was 3.4-9.5 μg/L, which enabled trace analysis of organic solvents in urine. Linear range of each organic solvent was 10-400 μg/L, with fair correlation coefficient between 0.992 and 0.999. The detection sensitivity was 4 times better than HS-GC/MS in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Accuracy and precision was confirmed using commercial reference material, with accuracy around 90% and precision less than 4.6% of coefficient of variance. Among 48 urine samples from workplace, toluene was detected from 45 samples in the range of 20-324 μg/L, but no other solvents were found. As a method for trace analysis, SPME HS GC/FID showed high sensitivity for biological monitoring of organic solvent in urine.