Simultaneous determination of bromide and iodide as acetone derivatives by gas chromatography and electron capture detection in natural waters and biological fluids.

Oxidation of bromide and iodide ions in acidic solutions in the presence of acetone forms the corresponding acetone derivatives. Iodate was reduced with thiosulfate prior to the determination. After extraction with benzene the bromo- and iodoacetone were measured by gas chromatography using electron capture detection. The bromide and iodide contents of rainwater, drinking water, river water, seawater, oil brine, common salt, cow milk, and human blood serum were determined. The relative standard deviations for bromide at 10(-7) M and for iodide at 10(-8) M concentration were 1.9% and 3.0%, respectively, using a 10-mL sample for the determination without preconcentration.