A novel method using sample preparation method, "ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction" (USAEME) with manual shaking, coupled with gas chromatography using and an electron capture detector (GC-ECD) was developed for the analysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in aqueous samples. The apparatus is simple and easy to operate. After manual shaking for 10s, ultrasound was used to accelerate emulsification of the organic solvent (1-decanol) in aqueous solution. Only 10 μL of the low-toxicity extraction solvent is used in this method; no dispersive solvent is required and the total extraction time is ∼4 min. Manual shaking before ultrasound-assisted emulsification enhances the extraction efficiency by >100%. The effects of horizontal and vertical orientation as well as the location of the sample within the ultrasonic bath were studied. After centrifugation, we used an improved solvent collection system (ISCS) to reduce the amount of extraction solvent required. A 1 μL sample of the extract was injected into the GC column. Under optimum conditions, the linear range of the method is 5-2500 ngL(-1) for most of the OCPs, and the limit of detection of the method ranged from 0.6 to 2.9 ngL(-1).The relative recoveries ranged from 75 to 107% for sea water and from 70 to 99% for field fresh water. The method, which provides good enrichment factors, low LODs and minimization of the consumption of organic solvent, provides a rapid, simple and environment-friendly procedure for determining OCPs in aqueous samples.
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