Simplified analysis of chlorinated ethenes in water samples by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection

Ticknor, JL; Elsayed-Ali, O; Kim, W; Trotz, MA; Cunningham, JA

HERO ID

3559748

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2013

Language

English

HERO ID 3559748
In Press No
Year 2013
Title Simplified analysis of chlorinated ethenes in water samples by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection
Authors Ticknor, JL; Elsayed-Ali, O; Kim, W; Trotz, MA; Cunningham, JA
Journal Environmental Engineering Science
Volume 30
Issue 1
Page Numbers 30-37
Abstract Chlorinated ethenes are among the most common environmental contaminants and are known or suspected carcinogens. This class of compounds includes perchloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE), and their breakdown products, including dichloroethene (DCE) isomers and vinyl chloride (VC). Engineers and scientists must be able to measure concentrations of these chemicals in water samples to assess site contamination, monitor clean-up progress, and test possible remediation technologies. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC/FID) is a common method for measuring these contaminants in environmental samples. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that FID response factors are equal for all chlorinated ethene compounds. The rationale for the investigation was that if the hypothesis is correct, a single calibration curve can be used for GC/FID analysis of all chlorinated ethene compounds, saving time and money during sample analysis. Based on our measurements, a single calibration curve (FID response versus mass of analyte injected) is applicable to analysis of PCE, TCE, and all three DCE isomers (r(2) = 0.990, n = 50 measurements), allowing for simplified quantification of those chemicals. However, the apparent FID response factor for VC was lower by similar to 40%, indicating that a separate calibration curve would need to be used to accurately estimate the VC concentration in water samples. The difference in the apparent VC response factor is caused predominantly by losses of VC to volatilization during the analysis.
Doi 10.1089/ees.2012.0101
Wosid WOS:000313053400006
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Scopus URL: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84874091743&doi=10.1089%2fees.2012.0101&partnerID=40&md5=914b2c56906d2983e2f55a79ca55649f
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword gas chromatography; flame ionization; response factor; ground water; chlorinated ethenes; headspace