Ultra-trace-level determination of the antifouling agent Irgarol 1051 by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection

The contamination level of the s-triazine herbicide Irgarol 1051, which is used as the active ingredient in antifouling paints, was studied in the Western Scheldt estuary. The combined use of large-volume injection gas chromatography and ion trap (MS-MS) detection, enabled identification and quantification at the 0.1-1 ng/l level. By using tandem mass spectrometric detection (MS-MS), rather than conventional MS, a great gain in selectivity was achieved. The concentration levels found ranged between 1 and 10 ng/l.