Applications of gas chromatography with an atomic emission detector

An atomic emission detector for gas chromatography has been developed which is, in principle, capable of detecting selectively any element (except helium) which can elute from a gas chromatographic column. Software methods have been developed so far for 23 elements and on isotope, including all of the organic elements along with mercury, lead, tin, silicon, and deuterium. Element-specific analyses are shown for several petroleum, environmental, and aroma samples. A table for the detector's element-specific detection limits, selectivities, and linear dynamic ranges is given for 12 elements and deuterium.     

Element-selective detection using capillary gas chromatography with atomic emission detection

Capillary GC coupled to an atomic emission detector (AED) provides a powerful new hyphenated technique for the separation and characterization of complex mixtures and compounds. The AED provides simultaneous and truly specific multi-element detection. The specificity of detection reduces the need for the complex sample pretreatment procedures which are necessary to reduce the interference from co-eluted substances which is experienced with detectors such as the FID and the ECD. A range of environmentally significant problems has been studied, including PCB analysis, the characterization of the reaction products of a novel waste treatment process, and the profiling of sulfur-containing species formed by the pyrolysis of various types of coal.     

On-line coupling of solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography with atomic emission detection for analysis of trace pollutants in aqueous samples

Summary An on-line, solid-phase extraction gas chromatography atomic-emission detection (SPE-GC-AED) system has been set up using an on-column interface to transfer 100 l of desorbing solvent to the GC part of the system. Analytical characteristics such as recovery, precision and linearity of calibration plots were comparable with those of the off-line combination of SPE-GC-AED using organophosphorus pesticides as test compounds. The fully on-line set-up causes a marked improvement in detection because of the quantitative transfer of the analytes from the SPE module to the GC: detection limits are as low as 5–20 ng l^–1 for the analysis of 10 ml raw and spiked surface water samples using the phosphorus channel. Detection levels can be further enhanced by processing up to 100 ml samples. The integrated analytical system is robust. The potential of the on-line set up has been demonstrated for the analysis of surface water and waste water.     

Environmental applications of capillary gas chromatography coupled with atomic emission detection — a review

Environmental applications of capillary gas chromatography coupled with atomic emission derection (GC-AED) have been reviewed with emphasis on both the commercial and laboratory-built systems. Attention was focused on (1) element-selective detection of non-metallic as well as metallic pollutants, (2) identification of contaminants, and (3) sample preparation considerations.     

Determination of chlorinated and brominated micropollutants by capillary gas chromatography coupled with on-column radio frequency plasma atomic emission detection

Capillary gas chromatography (GC) combined with on-column radio frequency plasma atomic emission detection was evaluated for the determination of polychlorinated and polybrominated biphenyls (PCBs and PBBs). Quantitation was possible utilizing a single chlorine or bromine calibration curve based on a randomly selected reference compound, because the signal per ng of halogen ranged within 17 % for 29 congeners. Combined with an internal standard to correct for potential plasma quenching from matrix components, this type of universal quantitation represented a sub-stantial simplification of current calibration procedures. In combi-nation with relatively low detection limits (1–5 pg/s of halogen), the present work suggested that GC, coupled with on-column atomic emission detection is a promising technique for the determination of halogenated micropollutants.     

Speciation of arsenic using capillary gas chromatography with atomic emission detection

A gas chromatography method with atomic emission detection (GC-AED) for the determination of dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and inorganic arsenic was optimized. The analytes were derivatized in the sample solutions with methyl thioglycolate (TGM) and the products were extracted into cyclohexane before an aliquot of this organic phase was directly injected into the chromatograph. The procedure was applied to the analysis of seawaters, wines, beers and infant foods, the last requiring an additional enzymatic reaction prior to analyte derivatization. Detection limits in seawaters and beverages were 0.05, 0.15 and 0.8 ng mL⁻¹ for DMA, MMA and inorganic arsenic, respectively. In infant foods the detection limits were 1, 10 and 25 ng g⁻¹ for DMA, MMA and inorganic arsenic, respectively. Inorganic arsenic was detected in some of the seawater samples and three of the wines analyzed at concentration levels in the range 1-40 ng mL⁻¹, and DMA in several of the infant foods in the range 20-80 ng g⁻¹. The method was validated by analyzing a certified reference material and by recovery studies. All the samples were also analyzed by hydride generation and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS), which provided data for the total arsenic content.     

Detection of nitro musks in human fat by capillarv gas chromatography with atomic emission detection (AED) using programmed temperature vaporization (PTV)

Atomic emission detection (AED) has been successfully applied to the determination of nitro musks in the fat of human adipose tissue by gas chromatography at trace concentration levels. Element specific detection with the AED combined with a clean-up procedure for nonpolar substances makes target screening analysis for lipophilic nitro aromatic compounds possible for the first time. The lack of sensitivity, especially in the AED nitrogen and oxygen trace, was compensated by higher concentration of the extracts and injection of larger sample volumes performed by cold programmed temperature vaporization (PTV) in the solvent split mode. The combination of the superior quantification properties of the atomic emission detector with large sample volume introduction makes the quantification of nitro musks down to the ppb level possible. All five nitro musks investigated exhibit linear dynamic ranges going down close to instrumental limits of detection. Moreover, organochlorine compounds could be sensitively detected in the same sample extract by the AED chlorine trace without any interferences from coeluting matrix compounds.     

Elemental composition determination of organophosphorus compounds using gas chromatography and atomic emission spectrometric detection

The elemental responses for a series of alkylated and arylated phosphates evaluated were measured on an atomic emission spectrometric detector. The signals for carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, phosphorus and oxygen were used to determine the specifity of elemental response ratios to a particular compound structure and the dependence of response ratios on the amounts of the analytes. Variations of the response ratios, as well as the accuracy and variations of the stoichiometric values of the calculated empirical formulae, were evaluated. For this purpose, a test mixture with reference compounds was used. Determination of empirical formulae with acceptable errors of a few percent is possible if the calibrating reference substance is closely related — by structure, elemental composition, molecular weight and amount — to the compounds to be identified. Analyte amounts of at least 30 ng are required for efficient calibration.     

An investigation of gas chromatography with atomic emission detection for the determination of empirical formulas

The atomic emission detector (AED) is a valuable tool for the identification of unknowns in complex mixtures. To the extent that elemental response factors are independent of compound structure, gas chromatographic results allow calculation of atomic ratios for unknown compounds. In favorable cases, empirical formulas can be found. An algorithm for automated calculation of empirical formulas for all the peaks in a chromatogram has been developed. When finite accuracy prevents an exact determination of empirical formulas, the algorithm gives a list of all formulas for each compound which are compatible with the user-defined limits. Examples are given of calculations for fatty acid methyl esters, substituted phenols, and pesticides. Analyses of volatile pollutants and polychlorinated biphenyls reveal a nonlinearity for hydrogen response, and an interference of chlorine on hydrogen. A lubricating oil analysis is used to illustrate the identification of unknowns.     

Determination of volatile halogenated organic compounds in soils by purge-and-trap capillary gas chromatography with atomic emission detection

Nine volatile halogenated organic compounds (VHOCs), including four trihalomethanes (THMs), were determined in soils by capillary gas chromatography with microwave induced-plasma atomic emission spectrometry (GC-AED), using a purge-and-trap system (PT) for sample preconcentration. Analytes were previously extracted from the soil sample in methanol and the extract was preconcentrated before being chromatographed. Element-specific detection and quantification were carried out monitoring two wavelength emission lines, corresponding to chlorine (479 nm) and bromine (478 nm). Each chromatographic run took 21 min, including the purge step. The method showed a precision of 1.1-7.2% (R.S.D.) depending on the compound. Detection limits ranged from 0.05 to 0.55 ng ml⁻¹, for chloroform and dichloromethane, respectively, corresponding to 3.3 and 36.0 ng g⁻¹ in the soil samples. The chromatographic profiles obtained showed no interference from co-extracted compounds. Low levels of dichloromethane and chloroform ranging from 0.04 to 1.13 μg g⁻¹ were found in samples obtained from small gardens irrigated with tap water. The method is reliable and can be used for routine monitoring in soil samples.     

Evaluation of a low-resolution near-IR monochromator for atomic emission detection in capillary gas chromatography

A single 0.2 m focal length near-IR monochromator providing a 0.8–3.2 nm effective bandpass was evaluated as spectrometer for F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, S-, and P-selective atomic emission detection in capillary gas chromatography. With optimized plasma conditions and careful wavelength selection, interferences from eluting hydrocarbons were almost eliminated for all the elements studied (element-to-carbon selectivities between 1000:1 and 10000:1). For Cl and S, other heteroatoms were found not to cause cross-interferences. F-, Br-, I-, and P-selective detection, however, was complicated by this second type of non-specificity. For these atoms, elemental confirmation was carried out by analyzing the samples also for heteroatoms potentially causing interferences.     

Factors affecting C:H and C:N ratios determined by gas chromatography coupled with atomic emission detection

An atomic emission detector has been evaluated for the estimation of C:H and C:N ratios of compounds eluted in gas chromatography. When C:H and C:N ratios were estimated using external reference compounds, the greatest accuracy was obtained when the quantity of the reference compound was similar to that of the analyte of interest. The accuracy of the C:H and C:N ratios determined was also affected by the molecular structure of the reference compound. C:H ratios of the greatest accuracy were obtained by using reference compounds having structures similar or close to those of the compound of interest; this was not always so for C:N ratios.     

Pressurized liquid extraction followed by gas chromatography with atomic emission detection for the determination of fenbutatin oxide in soil samples

A novel method for the determination of the miticide bis[tris(2-methyl-2-phenylpropyl)tin] oxide, also known as fenbutatin oxide (FBTO), in agricultural soils is presented. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) followed by analyte derivatization and extraction into isooctane was the used sample preparation approach. Selective determination was achieved by gas chromatography with atomic emission detection (GC-AED). Influence of different parameters on the performance of the extraction process is thoroughly discussed; moreover, some relevant aspects related to derivatization, determination and quantification steps are also presented. As regards PLE, the type of solvent and the temperature were the most relevant variables. Under optimized conditions, acetone, without any acidic modifier, was employed as extractant at 80 °C. Cells were pressurized at 1500 psi, and 2 static cycles of 1 min each were applied. Acetone extracts (ca. 25 mL) were concentrated to 1 mL, derivatized with sodium tetraethyl borate (NaBEt₄) and the FBTO derivative, resulting from cleavage of the Sn-O-Sn bond followed by ethylation of the hydroxyl fragments, extracted into isooctane and determined by GC-AED. Under final working conditions, the proposed method provided recoveries from 76 to 99% for spiked soil samples, a limit of quantification of 2 ng g⁻¹ and an acceptable precision. Analysis of samples from vineyards sprayed with FBTO, confirmed the persistence of the miticide in soil for more than 1 year after being applied.     

Determination of dimethylselenide and dimethyldiselenide in milk and milk by-products by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography with atomic emission detection

A method based on solid-phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography with microwave-induced plasma atomic emission detection for determining dimethylselenide (DMSe) and dimethyldiselenide (DMDSe) in milk and milk by-products is proposed. Parameters affecting the SPME, such as sample volume or mass, ionic strength, adsorption and desorption times and temperatures were optimized in the headspace mode. The matrix effect was evaluated for the different samples studied, concluding that standard additions calibration was required for quantification purposes. The detection limits ranged from 70 to 110 pg mL⁻¹ for DMSe and from 80 to 400 pg mL⁻¹ for DMDSe, depending on the sample under analysis. None of the twenty-three samples analyzed contained the studied compounds at concentrations above the corresponding detection limits.     

Pesticide analysis in herbal infusions by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography with atomic emission detection

A direct immersion solid-phase microextraction (SPME) procedure was used in combination with capillary gas chromatography with atomic emission detection (GC-AED) for the determination of 10 pesticides (organochlorines, organophosphorus compounds and pyrethrins) in herbal and tea infusions. Ionic strength, sample dilution and time and temperature of the absorption and desorption stages were some of the parameters investigated in order to select the optimum conditions for SPME with a 100 μm PDMS fiber-coating. Element-specific detection and quantification was carried out by monitoring the chlorine (479 nm) and bromine (478 nm) emission lines, which provided nearly specific chromatograms. Calibration was carried out by using a spiked sample infusion. The detection limits varied between 11.9 ng ml⁻¹ for deltamethrin and 0.03 ng ml⁻¹ for p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD. The recoveries ranged from 73.5% for deltamethrin to 108.3% for p,p′-DDT in a spiked white tea infusion. Two of the eight samples analyzed contained low levels of some the pesticides considered.     

Purge-and-trap preconcentration system coupled to capillary gas chromatography with atomic emission detection for 2,4,6-trichloroanisole determination in cork stoppers and wines

A method based on solvent extraction and purge-and-trap capillary gas chromatography with atomic emission detection (PT-GC-AED) for the determination of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) in wines and cork stoppers was optimized and evaluated. TCA was previously extracted from the samples in pentane and the preconcentrated extract was reconstituted in water before being injected into the chromatograph by means of the PT system. Element-specific detection and quantification was carried out by monitoring the chlorine (479 nm) emission line. Two different calibration graphs were used to quantify TCA in the cork or the wine samples, owing to the interference produced by the ethanol content in the wines. Detection limits of 25 pg g(-1) and 5 ng l(-1) were obtained for corks and wines, respectively. The method provided recoveries from spiked samples ranging from 88.5 to 102.3%, confirming the reliability of the procedure and its suitability for routine monitoring.     

Detection of C,H, N,and O in capillary gas chromatography by atomic emission

Using a new atomic emission detector for gas chromatography, the quantitative and qualitative aspects of selective elemental detection of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen were investigated. Sensitivity, precision, degree of tailing, and response variation between compounds are reported for capillary applications. Earlier atomic emission detectors reported poor sensitivity and selectivity for the analysis of oxygen. These problems have been greatly reduced due to lower interactions between elements in the sample and the silica wall of the water-cooled discharge tube. Using near-optimal sample amounts and chromatographic conditions, area precision was found to be very good with little variation in response factors among different compounds. For the compounds tested, response factors varied over a span of 2% to 3% for carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen, and over 7% for oxygen. For quantitative analysis, area ratios were calibrated directly from the area ratios of two elements of an internal standard, and yielded better precision and compound independence than the individual calibrated response of each element. Empirical formulas were calcualted using one peak as a qualitative internal standard. Unambiguous formulas were determined for some, but not all, of the compounds tested. Further increases in precision and/or compound independence is needed before empirical formula determination can be used as a routine tool.     

Determination of organotin compounds in environmental samples by supercritical fluid extraction and gas chromatography with atomic emission detection

The extraction of six tetraalkyltin and seven ionic organotin compounds from spiked topsoil samples with supercritical carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide modified with 5 percent methanol was investigated. Analysis of the soil extracts was performed by gas chromatography with atomic emission detection. Retention times, minimum detectable concentrations, and detector linear ranges are included for nine organotin compounds (seven of the nine compounds were derivatized with n-pentylmagnesium bromide prior to gas chromatographic analysis). A 2³ factorial experimental design was used to study the effect of three variables (pressure, temperature, and extraction time) on compound recovery. The results indicate that the tetraalkyltin compounds are extracted from topsoil samples with recoveries ranging from 90 to 110 percent. Recoveries for the ionic organotin compounds ranged from 50 to 75 percent for trimethyltin chloride, triethyltin bromide, and tributyltin iodide; they were below 20 percent for dimethyltin dichloride, dibutyltin dichloride, diphenyltin dichloride, and butyltin trichloride. When sodium diethyldithiocarbamate was added to the soil samples prior to extraction, followed by extraction with carbon dioxide modified with 5 percent methanol, recoveries ranged from 70 to 90 percent for trimethyltin chloride, triethyltin bromide, dimethyltin dichloride, tributyltin iodide, and dibutyltin dichloride; recoveries were approximately 40 percent for butyltin trichloride and diphenyltin dichloride.     

High temperature gas chromatography – atomic emission detection of metalloporphyrins in crude oils

High temperature gas chromatography-atomic emission spectroscopy is used for the detection of vanadyl, nickel, and iron porphyrins in crude oils. The operational variables are investigated with regard to the effects on performance in high temperature GC-AED. Under optimal conditions, the method provides charactersitic metal distributions for oils from different sources. The method is also advantageous in the study of decomposition of petroleum metal species. Several crude oils were analyzed for the content of the distillable metals in comparison with total metals as determined by a direct spectroscopic method.