| Abstract: | Two different gas chromatographic detectors, the helium ionization detector (HID) and the more commonly used flame ionization detector (FID), were used in parallel to compare their responses to a number of organic compounds. Atmospherically important oxygenated species were analyzed, as well as hydrocarbons and chlorinated and sulfur containing organics. The HID exhibited the better response to all compounds investigated, most notably to formaldehyde and higher oxygenates. A gas chromatographic system was developed to trap and analyze atmospheric organic compounds with HID detection. This required careful choice of the adsorbent material and removal of inorganic components (namely nitrogen and oxygen) before analysis. Real air samples were then taken and analyzed qualitatively for a range of olefinic and aromatic compounds. |
