Chapter 3 Analytical Methodology of POPs

The analysis of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for environmental forensic applications requires methods that are very selective to ensure target analytes can be identified and quantified without bias. POPs are used in a wide variety of applications, such as flame retardants, fire suppressants, heat transfer agents, surfactants, and pesticides, mainly because of their chemical inertness and stability. They are persistent in the environment, bioaccumulative and/or toxic and therefore require analytical methods that are sensitive enough to meet the low detection limits needed for the protection of the environment and human health. A variety of techniques, procedures, and instruments can be used. Optimum conditions are important to ensure that analytes are quantitatively extracted, matrix coextractables and interferences are removed and instruments are used most effectively and efficiently.