Direct atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry for the continuous real-time trace analysis of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes in ambient air |
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Authors: | Koffi Badjagbo Pierre Picard Serge Moore Sébastien Sauvé |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, CP 6128, H3C 3J7, Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, Canada 2. Phytronix Technologies Inc., Québec, Canada 3. Centre d’Expertise en Analyse Environnementale du Québec, Laval, Canada
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Abstract: | Real-time monitoring of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) in ambient air is essential for the early warning
detection associated with the release of these hazardous chemicals and in estimating the potential exposure risks to humans
and the environment. We have developed a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method for continuous real-time determination of
ambient trace levels of BTEX. The technique is based on the sampling of air via an atmospheric pressure inlet directly into
the atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source. The method is linear over four orders of magnitude, with correlation
coefficients greater than 0.996. Low limits of detection in the range 1–2 μg/m3 are achieved for BTEX. The reliability of the method was confirmed through the evaluation of quality parameters such as repeatability
and reproducibility (relative standard deviation below 8% and 10%, respectively) and accuracy (over 95%). The applicability
of this method to real-world samples was evaluated through measurements of BTEX levels in real ambient air samples and results
were compared with a reference GC-FID method. This direct APCI-MS/MS method is suitable for real-time analysis of BTEX in
ambient air during regulation surveys as well as for the monitoring of industrial processes or emergency situations. |
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