Analysis of short chain chlorinated paraffins in sediment samples from the Czech Republic by short-column GC/ECNI-MS.

Top layer sediment samples from the Czech Republic were analyzed to obtain the preliminary information about contamination of the region by chlorinated paraffins. Sediment samples from three locations with different industrial discharges were taken over the period of 2 years. The analysis was performed by short-column gas chromatography-electron capture negative ion mass spectrometry (SCGC/ECNI-MS). Short chain chlorinated paraffin sediment concentrations varied between 24.00 and 45.78 ng g(-1) (dry weight, d.w.) in the Kosetice area, 16.30-180.75 ng g(-1) (dry weight) in the Zlín area and 4.58-21.57 ng g(-1) dry weight in the Beroun area. Highly chlorinated undecanes prevailed in the samples. On the basis of these results, more detailed studies should be conducted to determine the magnitude and extent of chlorinated paraffin contamination in these regions.