In the present study, we propose a method for the evaluation of different classes of xenobiotic organic compounds enclosed in the municipal landfill leachate using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with quadrupole mass spectrometry (GCxGC-qMS). Here we show that, due to high peak capacity of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography, in a single run it is possible to separate compounds with different physical-chemical properties (such as aliphatic and aromatic compounds, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, phthalates, aldehydes, ketones, nitrogen containing compounds, organo-phosphoric flame retardants etc.), compounds which have proved to be endocrine disruptors, compounds that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, reprotoxic or harmful for the environment. Even though a solvent extraction method has been optimised, the extraction step still remains the main problem for a comprehensive characterization of all classes of organic toxicants enclosed in the municipal landfill leachate. <alternatives> [...] </alternatives>
