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U.S. Department of Energy
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Rapid characterization and monitoring by direct sampling ion trap mass spectrometry

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10149438
Direct Sampling Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry (DSITMS) has been developed for the rapid determination of organic chemicals in water, soil, and air. The technology is unique in that it involves the direct introduction of the analytes into the instrument without prior sample preparation or gas chromatographic separation. Volatile organics such as solvents and fuels are purged from water or soil/water slurries with helium and the purged material is routed directly into the Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (ITMS). Semivolatile organics are determined by collecting the sample on a solid substrate and thermally desorbing the analytes into the instrument. Airborne organics are sampled directly into the ITMS. In each case, the analytes are monitored on a near-continuous basis by the ITMS as they are being introduced. Visual results are available almost immediately and sufficient data is acquired for the quantitation of organics in water and soil in five minutes or less. Results for airborne organics are generated in realtime. Detection limits for the 34 USEPA Contract Laboratory Program Target Compound List volatile organics in water are currently in the range of 1--10 ppb depending on the analyte. Detection limits for continuous air monitoring range from 5--50 ppbv for most analytes tested to date.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); Department of Defense, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
10149438
Report Number(s):
CONF-920851--19; ON: DE92014800
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English