Separation of technical 4-nonylphenols and their biodegradation products by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) was applied to improve the separation of 4-nonylphenol isomers and their biodegradation products. The structurally similar nonylphenol isomers were separated by combining a 30 m long semi-polar column and a short polar capillary. Both were coupled via a custom-made liquid nitrogen cryogenic modulator. The advanced GC resolution of coeluting isomers, additionally supported by fast scanning TOF-MS, provided clearer, non-interfered mass spectra of individual isomers. Thus, identification of components is facilitated as shown for isomeric 4-nonylphenols and metabolites of their biodegradation by Clavariopsis aquatica, an aquatic fungus. GC × GC–TOF-MS analysis enabled the separation of about 40 alkylphenol isomers included in technical 4-nonylphenol. During biodegradation the variety of emerging compounds increased with longer reaction time. The comprehensive analysis indicated a broad spectrum of hydroxylated, carboxylated nonylphenolisomers and additionally, chlorinated aromatic compounds produced and released from the fungal culture.