Quantitation of ultra-trace nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons isomers in water by online solid-phase extraction coupled-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

•A method has been developed for 10 nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs) isomers in various types of water.•LOD of ng/L level was achieved with less water sample(4.8 mL), less detection time(15.5 min) and more automation than those reported methods.•Main MS/MS pathways for 10 nitro-PAHs isomers was established in negative atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)