Direct-sampling MS measurement of volatiles in environmental samples
We are developing methods for detecting volatile organics in water and soil samples. Our twofold goal is to develop rapid, fieldable screening procedures to identify contaminated samples that will require full analysis by EPA-approved methods, and to scope the utility of direct sampling MS for quantitating volatiles in the low ppb range. The apparatus consists of a Finnigan ion trap mass spectrometer (ITMS) connected via an open-split interface with a purge device. The sample, contained in a standard 40 mL VOA vital, attaches to the purge device. The sample is sparged with helium at a flow rate of 100--150 mL/min. A portion of the purge gas flows into the ITMS through a restricting capillary. Mass spectra are obtained under EI conditions. Direct sampling ITMS is useful for screening environmental samples for volatiles. Our results show that quantitation is feasible, despite some matrix effects. We plan to study other matrices and investigate alternative methods for troublesome compounds such as water-soluble ketones. 2 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOD; Department of Defense, Washington, DC (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 5737650
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9105181-13; ON: DE91013417
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540220* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
540320 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AROMATICS
BENZENE
CALIBRATION
CONCENTRATION RATIO
DESIGN
DETECTION
DISPERSIONS
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
FLOW RATE
FLUIDS
GASES
HELIUM
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LEACHATES
MASS SPECTRA
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
MATERIALS
MATTER
MIXTURES
NONMETALS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
RARE GASES
SAMPLING
SCREENING
SOILS
SOLUTIONS
SPECTRA
SPECTROSCOPY
TESTING
VOLATILE MATTER
VOLATILITY
WATER