Comparison of two different multidimensional liquid-gas chromatography interfaces for determination of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons in foodstuffs

This investigation focused on direct comparison of two popular multidimensional liquid-gas chromatography (LC-GC) systems, the Y-interface (retention gap approach) and the syringe-based interface (programmed temperature vaporizer approach). Such transfer devices are structurally very different, and could potentially have a substantial effect on the outcome of a specific application. In this work the application was a topic of much current interest, determination of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) contamination of a series of food products (rice, pasta, icing sugar, olive oil); the final results were then compared. The two LC-GC methods developed were validated for linearity over the calibration range, analyte discrimination, precision, accuracy, and limits of detection and quantification. No significant differences were found between the two approaches. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.