On-line analysis of volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons in air by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry Improvements in preconcentration and injection steps

Zoccolillo, L; Amendola, L; Insogna, S; Pastorini, E

HERO ID

2128541

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

Language

English

PMID

20444461

HERO ID 2128541
In Press No
Year 2010
Title On-line analysis of volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons in air by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry Improvements in preconcentration and injection steps
Authors Zoccolillo, L; Amendola, L; Insogna, S; Pastorini, E
Journal Journal of Chromatography A
Volume 1217
Issue 24
Page Numbers 3890-3895
Abstract An analytical system composed of a cryofocusing trap injector device coupled to a gas chromatograph with mass spectrometric detection (CTI-GC-MS) specific for the on-line analysis in air of volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons (VCHCs) (dichloromethane; chloroform; 1,1,1-trichloroethane; tetrachloromethane; 1,1,2-trichloroethylene; tetrachloroethylene) was developed. The cryofocusing trap injector was the result of appropriate low cost modifications to an original purge-and-trap device to make it suitable for direct air analysis even in the case of only slightly contaminated air samples, such as those from remote zones. The CTI device can rapidly and easily be rearranged into the purge-and-trap allowing water and air analysis with the same apparatus. Air samples, collected in stainless steel canisters, were introduced directly into the CTI-GC-MS system to realize cryo-concentration (at -120 degrees C), thermal desorption (at 200 degrees C) and for the subsequent analysis of volatiles. The operating phases and conditions were customised and optimized. Recovery efficiency was optimized in terms of moisture removal, cold trap temperature and sampling mass flow. The injection of entrapped volatiles was realized through a direct transfer with high chromatographic reliability (capillary column-capillary column). These improvements allowed obtaining limits of detection (LODs) at least one order of magnitude lower than current LODs for the investigated substances. The method was successfully employed on real samples: air from urban and rural areas and air from remote zones such as Antarctica.
Doi 10.1016/j.chroma.2010.04.013
Pmid 20444461
Wosid WOS:000278563900020
Url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021967310004814
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons; On-line air analysis; Canister; Cryofocusing; GC-MS