Application and optimization of headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–flame-ionization detector (GC–FID) to determine products of the petroleum industry in aqueous samples

A simple and solvent-free analytical method has been optimized for the determination of hydrocarbons (C6–C20) from products of the petroleum industry in aqueous samples. Extraction and analysis were carried out using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography coupled with flame-ionization detector (GC–FID). A ZB-5 capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm inner diameter, 0.25 μm film thickness) was used for GC separation and a 100 μm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber was used to isolate the analytes. Parameters of HS-SPME, analytes desorption and GC–FID were selected and an analytical procedure is proposed. Under the optimum conditions the limits of detection were in the range of 2.0–13 μg L− 1 and the relative standard deviations were between 2.6 and 14%. The developed analytical method was successfully applied to the analysis of water contaminated by unleaded petrol and unfiltered water used to extinguish a simulated fire