Modified headspace-SPME-GC device for sampling volatile compounds in acidic medium

Most of the existing analytical methods for determining dithiocarbamate pesticide residues utilize an acid decomposition step, which promotes the release of carbon disulfide from the pesticide molecule. After release, the CS2 is sampled by static headspace techniques using gas-tight syringes and analyzed by gas chromatography with flame photometric detection (GC-FPD). In our search for faster analytical methodologies for sampling of volatile compounds we have used solid phase microextraction (SPME). However, evaluation of the commercially available SPME system for the analysis of CS2 obtained by decomposing dithiocarbamates showed it to be unsuitable for analysis in an acidic environment. The present communication reports the development of an appropriate device for sampling volatile compounds in an acidic environment by static headspace-SPME followed by GC-FPD. On examining the limitations of using a standard metal needle in HS-SPME sampling of analytes in acidic medium, a corrosion process was observed in both needle and fiber. A new double-needle device which avoids such corrosion problems was developed and built. The successful application of this device to the analysis of mancozeb in water samples is described.