Dioxin analysis by using comprehensive gas chromatography

During the recent Belgian dioxin crisis the need for a reliable and less expensive method for dioxin analyses than gas chromatography (GC) and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was repeatedly mentioned. Such a method is even more desirable when European standards will be set for dioxins in fish and food in the near future. The DIAC proposal, therefore, focuses on the development of an alternative less expensive method, using comprehensive gas chromatography (GCxGC) with ECD detection. The main aim of the project is to develop a GCxGC-ECD procedure for the quantitative analysis of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in food and environmental matrices, and results will be compared with GC-HRMS results. The proposed method will be a valuable tool in the anti-fraud policy of the EU as regards illegal dioxin disposals in foodstuffs and motor oil. Dissemination of knowledge will be by a workshop for dioxin users, scientific papers, and a website.