Screening of Pollutants in Water Samples and Extracts from Passive Samplers using LC–MS and GC–MS

In December 2000, the European Union's Water Framework Directive (WFD) came into force with the aim of protecting and enhancing the quality of different water bodies within the community. The use of various passive sampling devices in conjunction with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) techniques to screen pollutants has proved invaluable for investigative monitoring purposes within the remit of the directive. Used together, these new analytical approaches offer a robust solution to address specific future monitoring needs, particularly those prompted by legislative change.