Rapid and sensitive determination of urinary 2,5-hexanedione by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

A rapid and sensitive method for the determination of 2,5-hexanedione (HD) (the principal metabolite of n-hexane) in urine samples by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is described. The sample preparation procedure was based on solid-liquid extraction after acid hydrolysis; it was optimized to enable accurate HD determination in less than 30 min. Analysis of spiked real samples showed a recovery of more than 85% at the 0.1-ppm level, with a relative standard deviation of 5% and a detection limit as low as 0.01 ppm. Intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation at the 0.5-ppm level were 4 and 5%, respectively. The chromatographic peak assigned to HD was identified by collecting the HPLC eluate at the retention time of HD and analysing it using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry coupled with high-resolution gas chromatography. Urine samples of unexposed and exposed subjects were analysed following the proposed analytical procedure. HPLC and high-resolution gas chromatographic analyses were also compared on these samples. A correlation factor of 0.992 was obtained, which showed a good agreement between the two sets of data.     

Charge-transfer complexes of Cu(II)/HD analogue in sol–gel sensors

An optically transparent xerogel encapsulating Cu(II) acetate is fabricated to detect mustard gas (HD) analogues via a charge-transfer mechanism. A fast response (color change from sky blue to canary yellow) is observed for the chlorinated sulfide, and is accompanied by an absorption band at 370–420 nm. MO calculations revealed that the chlorinated HD analogue displays a charge-transfer transition extended from sulfur to chlorine atom. A 1:1 complex of Cu(II)/HD analogue is preferred. For a colorimetric sol–gel detector prepared at pH 3, the detection limit of HD analogue is calibrated at 0.03 μl per 1.5 ml sensor volume.     

芥子气过氧化物消毒产物的气相色谱-质谱测定

采用气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)技术对芥子气的过氧化物消毒产物进行了分离和检测。不完全消毒定性检测到芥子气的6种氧化产物,未检测到其水解产物。增加消毒剂用量和延长消毒时间都会使消毒产物进一步氧化,最终变成二乙烯基砜、氯乙基乙烯基砜和芥子砜3种消毒产物。定量分析得出,1 mol芥子气生成的最终消毒产物分别为二乙烯基砜0.193 mol,氯乙基乙烯基砜0.145 mol,芥子砜0.504 mol。3种化合物线性范围1~30 mg/L,加标回收率在57%~78%之间,相对标准偏差小于3.1%,检出限均为0.5 mg/L。     

A simple and controlled oxidative decontamination of sulfur mustard and its simulants using ozone gas

A simple and efficient oxidative decontamination method was developed for sulfur mustard (HD), a potential chemical warfare agent. The method involves treatment of chemical warfare agent HD and its simulants, i.e., dimethyl sulfide, diethyl sulfide, and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide with ozone gas at ambient conditions in acetonitrile solvent. Ozone gas readily oxidizes sulfur mustard in a controlled manner to give its corresponding nontoxic sulfoxide. This transformation is selective and takes place even at subzero temperatures. The oxidation products of HD and its simulants were monitored and quantified by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.     

Study on the initial evaporation rates of distilled sulphur mustard (HD) in concrete using wind tunnel and TD-GC/MSD: effect of drop size and temperature

In this paper, we demonstrate a robust, analytical method for the study of the initial evaporation rates of distilled sulphur mustard (HD) in concrete at various drop sizes and temperatures. We used a 5-cm wind tunnel and thermal desorption (TD) in connection with gas chromatograph and mass spectrometry detection (GC/MSD). Drops of neat HD, ranging in sizes of 1, 3, 6 and 9 µL, were applied to small concrete coupons. The temperatures were either 18°C, 25°C, 35°C or 50°C. The drop of HD rapidly spread in concrete upon its release. The initial evaporation rates of the drop of HD were analysed by TD in conjunction with GC/MSD. The results showed that the initial evaporation rates increased while HD spread over the surface of concrete, then decreased as the contamination was over. We also found that the initial evaporation rates of the drop of HD in concrete are linearly proportional to drop size and temperature. In particular, drop size or spreading factor has a more pronounced effect on the initial evaporation rates of the drop of HD in concrete than temperature.     

莪术中挥发性成分的微波辅助固相顶空气相色谱法分析

将微波无溶剂提取(SFME)与顶空气相色谱(HS-GC)在线联用,建立了中药材的微波辅助固相顶空气相色谱法(MASP-HSGC),并用该方法快速直接分析了莪术药材中的挥发性成分。研究中对色谱条件、微波作用时间、微波作用功率等因素进行了考察,并以莪术醇为标准品考察了回收率和检出限,同时测定了莪术醇在莪术药材中的含量。对采用水蒸气蒸馏法(HD)和SFME法获得的莪术挥发油进行了气相色谱-质谱（GC-MS）分析,所得结果与所建立方法的结果进行对比。结果表明: HD-GC、SFME-GC和MASP-HSGC法所测得的化合物分别为35、33和40种;3种方法测得的莪术醇含量分别为（0.294±0.015）、（0.331±0.023）和（0.297±0.009） mg/g。该法简便快速,可用于莪术中挥发性成分的分离分析。     

压电晶体微天平阵列传感器识别毒剂的研究

压电晶体微天平(QCM)阵列传感器在毒剂侦检领域具有广泛的应用前景。本研究建立了QCM阵列传感器毒剂检测系统,以氢键酸性共聚硅氧烷(BSP3)、聚表氯醇(PECH)和乙基纤维素(ECEL)为膜材料制备了对毒剂敏感的QCM阵列传感器,对沙林、芥子气、甲基膦酸二甲酯进行了定量检测,并结合模式识别方法对检测结果进行了分析处理,识别率达到98%以上,为探索QCM阵列传感器对毒剂的定性定量分析提供了方法依据。     

Headspace-trap gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for determination of sulphur mustard and related compounds in soil

Methods for trace determination of sulphur mustard (HD) and some related cyclic sulphur compounds in soil samples have been developed using headspace-trap in combination with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Two quite different types of soil were employed in the method optimisation (sandy loam and silty clay loam). Prior to analysis, water saturated with sodium chloride was added to the samples, at a water to soil ratio of 1:1. A detection limit of 3 ng/g was achieved for HD, while the cyclic sulphur compounds 1,4-thioxane, 1,3-dithiolane and 1,4-dithiane could be detected at 0.2–0.7 ng/g. The methods were validated in the concentration range from the limit of quantification (LOQ) to hundred times LOQ. The within assay precision at fifty times LOQ was 6.9–7.3% relative standard deviation (RSD) for determination of the cyclic sulphur compounds, and 15% RSD for determination of HD. Recoveries were in the range of 43–60% from the two soil types. As the technique requires very little sample preparation, the total time for sample handling and analysis was less than 1 h. The technique was successfully employed for the determination of cyclic sulphur compounds in a sediment sample from an old dumping site for chemical munitions, known to contain HD degradation products.     

芥子气与SDS作用机理的NMR研究

利用化学位移、弛豫时间、自扩散系数、NOE效应等多种核磁共振(NMR)信息对芥子气(HD)与阴离子表面活性剂十二烷基硫酸钠(SDS)的作用机理进行了研究.加入HD后,化学位移的变化表明HD主要增溶在SDS胶束的H4,H3及H5区域,其水解产物更靠近H5区域;H4和H5的自旋-自旋弛豫时间(T2)与自旋一晶格弛豫时间(T...     

Improvements in monitoring the N-terminal valine adduct in human globin after exposure to sulfur mustard and synthesis of reference chemicals

The N-terminal valine adduct (HETE-Val) in globin is believed to behave as a long-lived biomarker after exposure to sulfur mustard (HD). Development of a highly sensitive method for monitoring HETE-Val, particularly at low HD exposure levels or for retrospective detection, would be a significant achievement. In this study, by improving the sample preparation method, a sensitive NCI-GC/MS method was established for the analysis of HETE-Val in globin after HD exposure. To optimize and investigate the sample preparation method, all the relevant HETE-Val chemicals were synthesized, purified, and characterized. By carrying out optimized solid phase extraction (SPE) cleanup followed by modified Edman degradation results in a low detection level and clean baseline. The minimum detectable exposure level of human blood (in vitro) to HD is 20 nmol/L (S/N > 3). The interday and intraday precisions of the proposed method were found to be acceptable with less than a 15% relative standard deviation (RSD). A nearly linear dose-effect relationship was observed between HETE-Val and a HD exposure concentration range of 0.1-120 μmol/L. The percentage of HD that reacted with N-terminal valine in globin obtained from human blood (in vitro) was quantified using the proposed method.     

Extraction of the Volatile and Semivolatile Compounds in Seeds of Cuminum cyminum L. Using Hydrodistillation Followed by Headspace-Ionic Liquid-Based Single-Drop Microextraction

Hydrodistillation (HD) coupled with headspace single-drop microextraction by using ionic liquid (IL) as the extraction solvent, followed by gas chromatography analysis technique, was successfully developed to determine the volatile and semivolatile compounds in seeds of Cuminum cyminum L. In the proposed method, a 1.5-??L microdrop of 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, working as the extraction solvent was suspended in the headspace of a 50-mL round-bottom sample flask. After extracting for 30?min, both IL and target analytes were injected into the gas chromatographic system by thermal desorption for 5?s under 240?°C. Then, the IL was retracted back to the microsyringe. Thus, the capillary column should not be contaminated and a clean chromatogram was obtained. The parameters affecting extraction performance were investigated and optimized. The extraction efficiency of the proposed method was compared with that of HD, which is a standard extraction method. The contents of constituents in the extract obtained by the proposed method were close to those obtained by HD. It seems to be an environmentally friendly, time-saving, high efficiency and low solvent consumption technique and would be useful, especially for aromatic plants analysis.     

Solvent-free microwave extraction and hydrodistillation of essential oils from endemic Origanum husnucanbaseri H. Duman, Aytac & A. Duran: comparison of antibacterial activity and contents

The essential oils (EOs) obtained by solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) and hydrodistillation (HD) from endemic Origanum husnucanbaseri H. Duman, Aytac & A. Duran were investigated using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system. The main constituents of both oils obtained from SFME and HD from O. husnucanbaseri are borneol (15.2-12.8%), α-terpineol (12.3-10.8%) and trans-sabinene hydrate (11.8-9.92%). The EO obtained from SFME contained substantially higher amounts of oxygenated compounds and lower amounts of monoterpenes than that from HD. The antibacterial activities of the EOs from SFME and HD were evaluated by the disc diffusion method against six bacterial strains. The EO extracted by SFME was more effective than the EO extracted by HD against the tested bacteria, except for Klebsiella pneumoniae American type culture collection (ATCC) 13883. Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 in particular were more sensitive against the EO extracted by SFME.     

Extraction of the Volatile and Semivolatile Compounds in Seeds of Cuminum cyminum L. Using Hydrodistillation Followed by Headspace-Ionic Liquid-Based Single-Drop Microextraction

Hydrodistillation (HD) coupled with headspace single-drop microextraction by using ionic liquid (IL) as the extraction solvent, followed by gas chromatography analysis technique, was successfully developed to determine the volatile and semivolatile compounds in seeds of Cuminum cyminum L. In the proposed method, a 1.5-μL microdrop of 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, working as the extraction solvent was suspended in the headspace of a 50-mL round-bottom sample flask. After extracting for 30 min, both IL and target analytes were injected into the gas chromatographic system by thermal desorption for 5 s under 240 °C. Then, the IL was retracted back to the microsyringe. Thus, the capillary column should not be contaminated and a clean chromatogram was obtained. The parameters affecting extraction performance were investigated and optimized. The extraction efficiency of the proposed method was compared with that of HD, which is a standard extraction method. The contents of constituents in the extract obtained by the proposed method were close to those obtained by HD. It seems to be an environmentally friendly, time-saving, high efficiency and low solvent consumption technique and would be useful, especially for aromatic plants analysis.

     

Trace determination of sulphur mustard and related compounds in water by headspace-trap gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

A method for trace determination of sulphur mustard (HD) and some of its cyclic decomposition compounds in water samples has been developed using headspace-trap in combination with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Factorial design was used for optimisation of the method. The trap technology allows enrichment and focusing of the analytes on an adsorbent, hence the technique offers better sensitivity compared to conventional static headspace. A detection limit of 1 ng/ml was achieved for HD, while the cyclic sulphur compounds 1,4-thioxane, 1,3-dithiolane and 1,4-dithiane could be detected at a level of 0.1 ng/ml. The method was validated for the stable cyclic compounds in the concentration range from the limit of quantification (LOQ: 0.2–0.4 ng/ml) to hundred times LOQ. The within and between assay precisions at hundred times LOQ were 1–2% and 7–8% relative standard deviation, respectively. This technique requires almost no sample handling, and the total time for sampling and analysis was less than 1 h. The method was successfully employed for muddy river water and sea water samples.     

Determination of volatile flavor components in danggui cultivars by solvent free injection and hydrodistillation followed by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis

The rhizome of Angelica gigas Nakai, Angelica sinensis Diels and Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa (Umbelliferae) were chopped and extracted by hydrodistillation (HD) and solvent free solid injector (SFSI) methods to obtain the volatile compounds that were then characterized and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). SFSI extraction yielded a generally higher amount of volatile compounds than that produced by HD. A total of 48 components [including terpenes (8), aldehydes (4), alcohol (2), coumarins (9), Phthalide (3), acids (2) and sterols (2)] were identified by SFSI and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry from the three species of danggui cultivars, whereas, 24-essential oil was obtained by HD for Korean danggui only. According to these analyses, several coumarin derivatives such as decursinol angelate (16.83%) and decursin (29.34%) were found to be the dominant ones, followed by lomatin (10.25%) and marmesin (9.33%) in Korean danggui. Furfural and butylidene phthalide were the main components in Japanese in addition to butylidene dihydro-phthalide in Chinese danggui. Some parameters affecting the extraction efficiency such as injector temperature, injection time and pre-heating time were optimized. The results showed that the SFSI-method gave a higher yield of components with higher molecular mass than hydrodistillation. SFSI required little time to prepare the sample, little sample mass and a small quantity of organic solvent was needed. It can be concluded that analysis of volatile flavor compounds by SFSI in combination with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is a suitable monitoring technique to differentiate danggui cultivars.     

Characteristics of Exposure to Chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT) and Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) among Humidifier Disinfectant-Associated Lung Injury (HDLI) Patients in South Korea

This study aimed to quantify both chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT) dissolved in different product brands and to characterize the exposure to these chemicals among humidifier disinfectant-associated lung injury (HDLI) patients. Both CMIT and MIT dissolved in different humidifier disinfectant (HD) products were quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The inhalation level of CMIT and MIT was estimated based on HD-associated factors as reported by HDLI patients. A total of eleven HD products marketed until the end of 2011 were found to contain CMIT and/or MIT. The level of combined CMIT and/or MIT dissolved in these HD products ranged from 12 to 353 ppm. The level varied among HD products and the year of manufacture. The average inhalation levels were estimated to be 7.5, 4.1, and 3.2 μg/m³ for the definite, probable, and possible groups, respectively. If probable and possible groups were collapsed together, the inhalation level of the collapsed group was significantly different from that of the definite group (p < 0.001). All HDLI patients responded as having used HD not only while sleeping, but also as having a humidifier treated with HD within close proximity every day in insufficiently ventilated spaces. These HD use characteristics of patients may be directly/indirectly linked to the HDLI development.     

Decontamination of VX, GD, and HD on a surface using modified vaporized hydrogen peroxide

Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) has proven efficacy for biological decontamination and is a common gaseous sterilant widely used by industry. Regarding chemical warfare agent decontamination, VHP is also effective against HD and VX, but not GD. Simple addition of ammonia gas to VHP affords reactivity toward GD, while maintaining efficacy for HD (and bioagents) and further enhancing efficacy for VX. Thus, modified VHP is a broad-spectrum CB decontaminant suitable for fumigant-type decontamination scenarios, i.e., building, aircraft, and vehicle interiors and sensitive equipment. Finally, as an interesting aside to the current study, commercial ammonia-containing cleaners are also shown to be effective surface decontaminants for GD, but not for VX or HD.     

Electrochemical Sensing of Chemical Warfare Agent Based on Hybrid Material Silver‐aminosilane Graphene Oxide

The threat from chemical warfare agents (CWAs) imparts an alarming call for the global community not limited to human being but also extends as unprecedented environmental threat, hence, timely detection and degradation in the event of CWAs attack is very crucial. Herein, we describe a hybrid material of 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modified graphene oxide (GO) on glassy carbon (GC) electrode along with electrodeposited silver nanodendrimers (AgNDs) for the electrochemical detection and degradation of CWA sulphur mustard (HD). The AgNDs/APTES‐GO hybrid material was characterized by SEM, EDX, BET, TGA, Raman, UV‐Vis, XPS and XRD techniques. The AgNDs/APTES‐GO modified GC electrode was also characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Electrochemical studies indicated presence of electrocatalysis owing to the synergistic effect of AgNDs and GO for sensing CWA HD via reductive dehalogenation. The AgNDs/APTES‐GO modified GC electrode exhibited linearity for CWA HD from 5.3 μM to 42.4 μM. Constant potential electrolysis was performed with modified electrode and degradation products were analysed using GC‐MS, highlighting the great potential of graphene based hybrid material. This new strategy provides an opportunity for the development of “detect and destroy” system for the CWAs and other environmental toxic pollutant, which could help in mitigation of on‐ site events for first responders.     

Supercritical CO2 extract and essential oil of aerial part of Ledum palustre L. – Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity

The anti-inflammatory activity of two extracts from the aerial parts of Ledum palustre has been reported. The volatile oil was obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and the essential oil by hydrodistillation (HD). The oils were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to monitor their composition. Both extracts shared as main compound (41.0–43.4%) ledol (23.3–26.7%) and ascaridole (15.1–4.5%). The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the subcutaneous carrageenan injection-induced hind paw oedema. The treated animals received essential oil (SFE and HD), the reference group received ketoprofen or piroxicam and the control group received NaCl 0.9%. A statistical analysis was performed by the Student t-test. The results show that L. palustre essential oil enhanced a significant inhibition of oedema (50–73%) for HD oil and (52–80%) for SFE oil. These results were similar to those obtained with piroxicam (70%) and ketoprofen (55%).     

Expanding the number of phthalates monitored in house dust

Phthalates have been used as plasticisers for several decades in various industry and consumer products. A method was developed for the determination of 13 not commonly monitored phthalates in household dust. The method was based on solvent extraction using sonication, sample clean-up by solid phase extraction (SPE), and analysis using isotope dilution gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). The method was applied to the analysis of dust samples collected using two vacuum sampling techniques from 38 urban Canadian homes: a sample of fresh or ‘active’ dust (FD) collected by technicians and a composite sample taken from the household vacuum cleaner (HD). Spearman rank correlations between HD and FD samples were significant for six phthalates with median concentrations above their method detection limits (MDLs), suggesting that the HD samples provide comparable results with FD samples. Seven phthalates were detected and quantified in a Canada-wide set of 126 household dust samples, among which six phthalates were detected at frequencies higher than 87%, with median (range) concentrations of 1.9 (<0.42–240) (μg/g) for diisohexyl phthalate (DIHxP), 3.8 (<0.16–260) (μg/g) for di-n-heptyl phthalate (DHepP), 6.6 (<1.1–1170) (μg/g) for diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP), 1.1 (<0.12–390) (μg/g) for di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP), 6.3 (<0.16–430) (μg/g) for dinonyl phthalate (DNP), and 1.8 (<0.18–850) (μg/g) for di-n-decyl phthalate (DDP). High detection frequencies and widely scattered concentration levels of these phthalates in this preliminary set of 126 samples suggested a high variability in potential exposure to phthalates in Canadian homes. NIST SRM 2585 (organic contaminants in house dust) was also analysed; eight phthalates were detected, with concentrations ranging from 6.0 μg/g for DOP to 79 μg/g for DIHxP. The results from SRM 2585 may contribute to the certification of phthalate concentration values in this SRM.