A universal sample injection system for capillary column GC using a programmed temperature vaporizer (PTV)

This article describes the use of a programmed temperature vaporizer injection system which overcomes many of the classical problems associated with other injection techniques employed in capillary GC. The system can be operated in three distinct modes.     

Injector-internal thermal desorption from edible oils performed by programmed temperature vaporizing (PTV) injection

Injector-internal thermal desorption is a promising technique for the analysis of a wide range of food components (e.g., flavors) or food contaminants (e.g., solvent residues, pesticides, or migrants from packaging materials) in edible oils and fats or fatty food extracts. Separation from the fatty matrix occurs during injection. Using programmed temperature vaporizing (PTV) injection, the oily sample or sample extract was deposited on a small pack of glass wool from which the components of interest were evaporated and transferred into the column in splitless mode, leaving behind the bulk of the matrix. Towards the end of the analysis, the oil was removed by heating out the injector and backflushing the precolumn. The optimization dealt with the gas supply configuration enabling backflush, the injector temperature program (sample deposition, desorption, and heating out), separation of the sample liquid from the syringe needle and positioning it on a support, deactivation of the support surface, holding the plug of fused silica wool by a steel wire, and the analytical sequence maintaining adsorptivity at the desorption site low. It was performed for a mixture of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plasticizers in oil or fatty food. Using MS in SIM, the detection limit was below 0.1 mg/kg for plasticizers forming single peaks and 1 mg/kg for mixtures like diisodecyl phthalate. For plasticizers, RSDs of the concentrations were below 10%; for the slip agents, oleamide and erucamide, it was 12%. The method of incorporating PTV injection was used for about one year for determining the migration from the gaskets of lids for glass jars into oily foods.     

In situ extraction/preconcentration of PCBs and PAHs from aqueous samples using polytetrafluoroethylene tubing

In situ extraction/preconcentration of organics from water samples was accomplished using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubing. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were concentrated inside the tubing by flowing aqueous samples through it. The adsorbed PCBs and PAHs were then recovered by solvent desorption. The eluent was subsequently analyzed using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) or gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Multiple samples were simultaneously processed to concentrate organics onto several PTFE tubings. Analyses of seawater and surface microlayers using this technique demonstrated that organics in the surface microlayers were elevated with respect to those in the water column, consistent with previous findings.     

Polydimethylsiloxane as a packing material in a programmed temperature vaporizer to introduce large-volume samples in capillary gas chromatography

The viability of using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a retaining material inside a programmed temperature vaporizer injector for the introduction of large-volume samples in gas chromatography is assessed. To that end, materials made up of Volaspher A-2 and coated with different percentages of PDMS (5%, 15%, and 50%) are considered. In addition, adsorbent (Tenax TA) and absorbent (PDMS) materials are comparatively studied in terms of their retention capacity. A relative standard deviation lower than 5.0% is obtained from the injection of PDMS, whereas values up to 49% are provided by Tenax TA. Significantly higher amounts of different volatile compounds are retained by PDMS in comparison with Tenax TA. In conclusion, the use of PDMS as a packing material seems to be viable for large-volume sampling and particularly recommendable for minor compounds occurring in complex matrices.     

A modified method of separating Tl(I) and Tl(III) in aqueous samples using solid phase extraction

In spite of the development of new measurement techniques in recent years, the rapid and accurate speciation of thallium in environmental aqueous samples remains a challenge. In this context, a novel method of solid phase extraction (SPE), involving the anion exchange resin AG1-X8, is proposed to separate Tl(I) and Tl(III). In the presence of diethylene triamine pentacetate acid (DTPA), Tl(III) and Tl(I) can be separated by selective adsorption of Tl(III)-DTPA onto the resin, Tl(III) is then eluted by a solution of HCl with SO₂. The validity of this method was confirmed by assays of standard solutions of Tl(I) and Tl(III). The proposed method is shown to have an outstanding performance even in solutions with a high ratio of Tl(I)/Tl(III), and can be applied to aqueous samples with a high concentration of other electrolytes, which could interfere with the measurement. Portable equipment and reagents make it possible to use the proposed method routinely in the field.     

Gas-chromatographic determination of phenols in aqueous samples after solid phase extraction

27 phenols including mono-, di-, tri-, tetra- and pentachlorophenols, mono- and dinitrophenols, mono-and dinitrocresols and dimethylnitrophenols have been extracted from aqueous samples by solid phase extraction using both modified silica gel (C₁₈) and XAD resin-adsorbents and determined by gas chromatography (GC) using capillary columns with specially desactivated weakly polar phases. If a 11 sample of spiked water is used, a considerable breakthrough is observed with phenol itself, while all other phenols are almost quantitatively extracted. The recovery of phenol itself can be improved by employing smaller sample volumes.     

Performance of programmed temperature vaporizer, pulsed splitless and on-column injection techniques in analysis of pesticide residues in plant matrices.

A programmed temperature vaporizer (PTV) injection technique has been recently implemented in our laboratory. In present paper its performance is compared with other GC injection techniques commonly used in trace analysis of organic contaminants. Twenty-six pesticides representing different chemical classes were selected for the study. This group comprised compounds typically subjected to discrimination in the injection port of the gas chromatograph, e.g., polar organophosphorus pesticides and thermolabile carbamates. In the first set of experiments standards in pure solvent were injected into GC systems employing different types of injection, i.e., (i) on-column, (ii) pulsed splitless, (iii) PTV solvent split, (iv) PTV splitless, and the responses of analytes were compared. Discrimination of troublesome compounds was significantly decreased with the application of PTV solvent split injection. In the second set of experiments repetitive injections of purified wheat samples were performed, with aims to evaluate the long-term stability of responses, as well as matrix effects in different stages of system contamination for each injection technique. The tolerance of the GC system to co-injected matrix components was increased in the order: on-column相似文献   

Absorbents as packing materials in on-line coupling of reversed phase liquid chromatography and gas chromatography via a programmed temperature vaporizer

Dynamic binding capacity (DBC) measurements of cation-exchange resins were performed with two human monoclonal antibodies. DBC showed a pH dependent maximum, which was shifted to lower pH values with increasing buffer concentrations and increasing salting-out effect of the buffer anion according to the Hofmeister series. As this downshift correlates well with zeta potential values, a measurement of the latter allows the determination of the pH value for maximum DBC under a given set of conditions. Thus, the use of zeta potential values can accelerate the purification process development and helps to understand the protein adsorption mechanism.     

Solid phase extraction and spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of thiocyanate in real samples

A simple, selective and rapid method for solid phase extraction and spectrophotometric determination of thiocyanate using a manganese (III) tetrakis (p-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin, [Mn (TPPS) OAC] bound to Amberlite IR-400 has been developed. The influence of pH, amount of solid phase, sample matrix, type and amount of eluting agent and flow rates i.e. variables affecting the efficiency of the extraction system were evaluated and conditions of the sample, eluting solution and active phase were optimized. The maximal capacity was found to be as 1.16 microg mL(-1) for 1200 mL. Thiocyanate ions can be eluted quantitatively with 8 mL 0.3 M ferric chloride. The enrichment factor was 150. The linear range of the determination is between 0.4-2.0 microg mL(-1) for preconcentration method with a limit of detection of 2.8 ng mL(-1). The method has been successfully applied for determination of trace amounts of thiocyanate in tap water, saliva sample and a synthetic mixture.     

Optimization of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) of dioxin-furans and dioxin-like PCBs from environmental samples

Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) applying three extraction cycles, temperature and pressure, improved the efficiency of solvent extraction when compared with the classical Soxhlet extraction. Polychlorinated-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like PCBs (coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co-PCBs)) in two Certified Reference Materials [DX-1 (sediment) and BCR 529 (soil)] and in two contaminated environmental samples (sediment and soil) were extracted by ASE and Soxhlet methods. Unlike data previously reported by other authors, results demonstrated that ASE using n-hexane as solvent and three extraction cycles, 12.4 MPa (1800 psi) and 150 degrees C achieves similar recovery results than the classical Soxhlet extraction for PCDFs and Co-PCBs, and better recovery results for PCDDs. ASE extraction, performed in less time and with less solvent proved to be, under optimized conditions, an excellent extraction technique for the simultaneous analysis of PCDD/PCDFs and Co-PCBs from environmental samples. Such fast analytical methodology, having the best cost-efficiency ratio, will improve the control and will provide more information about the occurrence of dioxins and the levels of toxicity and thereby will contribute to increase human health.     

Solid phase extraction and determination of metal ions in aqueous samples using Quercetin modified Amberlite XAD-16 chelating polymer as metal extractant

A new chelating polymer has been developed using Amberlite XAD-16 anchored with Quercetin. The modified polymer was characterised by Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, surface area analysis and elemental analysis. The Quercetin anchored polymer showed superior binding affinity for Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) with greater than 95% adsorption under optimum conditions. The optimum pH conditions for the quantitative sorption of metal ions were studied. The developed method showed superior extraction qualities with high metal loading capacities of 387, 313, 195, 473, 210 and 320 µmol g^?1 for Cu(II), Co(II), Cr(III), Fe(III), Mn(II) and Ni(II), respectively. The rate of metal ion uptake i.e. kinetics studies performed under optimum levels, showed t _1/2 for Co(II), Cu(II), Cr(III), Fe(III), Mn(II) and Ni(II) is 20, 15, 25, 10, 30 and 15 min, respectively. Desorption of metal ions was effective with 10 mL of 2 M HCl prior to analysis using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The chelating polymer was highly ion selective in nature even in the presence of interferent ions, with a high preconcentrating ability for the metal ions of interest. The developed chelating polymer was tested on its utility with synthetic and real samples like river, tap water samples and also with multivitamin tablets. It showed relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) values of/less than 3.0% reflecting on the accuracy and reproducibility of data using the newly developed chelating polymer.     

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.     

Solid phase extraction of DNA from biological samples in a post-based, high surface area poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microdevice

This work describes the performance of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microfluidic DNA purification devices with embedded microfabricated posts, functionalized with chitosan. PMMA is attractive as a substrate for creating high surface area (SA) posts for DNA capture because X-ray lithography can be exploited for extremely reproducible fabrication of high SA structures. However, this advantage is offset by the delicate nature of the posts when attempting bonding to create a closed system, and by the challenge of functionalizing the PMMA surface with a group that invokes DNA binding. Methods are described for covalent functionalization of the post surfaces with chitosan that binds DNA in a pH-dependent manner, as well as for bonding methods that avoid damaging the underlying post structure. A number of geometric posts designs are explored, with the goal of identifying post structures that provide the requisite surface area without a concurrent rise in fluidic resistance that promotes device failure. Initial proof-of-principle is shown by recovery of prepurified human genomic DNA (hgDNA), with real-world utility illustrated by purifying hgDNA from whole blood and demonstrating it to be PCR-amplifiable.     

Solid phase extraction and preconcentration of trace mercury(II) from aqueous solution using magnetic nanoparticles doped with 1,5-diphenylcarbazide

A new method for solid-phase extraction and preconcentration of trace mercury(II) from aqueous solution was developed using 1,5-diphenylcarbazide doped magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as extractant. The surface treatment did not result in the phase change of Fe₃O₄. Various factors which influenced the recovery of the analyte were investigated using model solutions and batch equilibrium technique. The maximum adsorption occurred at pH?>?6, and equilibrium was achieved within 5 min. Without filtration or centrifugation, these mercury loaded nanoparticles could be separated easily from the aqueous solution by simply applying an external magnetic field. At optimal conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity was 220 μmol g^?1. The mercury ions can be eluted from the composite magnetic particles using 0.5 mol L^?1 HNO₃ as a desorption reagent. The detection limit of the method (3σ) was 0.16 μg L^?1 for cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry, and the relative standard deviation was 2.2%. The method was validated by the analysis of a certified reference material with the results being in agreement with those quoted by manufactures. The method was applied to the preconcentration and determination of trace inorganic mercury(II) in natural water and plant samples with satisfactory results.     

Solid phase extraction using silica gel functionalized with Sulfasalazine for preconcentration of uranium(VI) ions from water samples

Silica gel surface was chemically functionalized by reaction the silanol from the silica surface with 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane followed by reaction with Sulfasalazine. This new sorbent has been used for the preconcentration of low levels of U(VI) ions from an aqueous phase. Parameters involved in extraction efficiency such as pH, weight of the sorbent, volume of sample and eluent were optimized in batch and column methods prior to determination by spectrophotometry using arsenazo(III) reagent. The results showed that U(VI) ions can be sorbed at pH range of 5.0–6.0 in a minicolumn and quantitative recovery of U(VI) (>98.0?±?1.6%) was achieved by stripping with 2.5 mL of 0.1 mol L^?1 HCl. The sorption capacity of the functionalized silica gel was 1.15 mmol g^?1 of U(VI). A linear calibration graph was obtained over the concentration range of 0.02–27.0 μg mL^?1 with a limit of detection of 1 μg L^?1 in treatment with 1000 mL of the U(VI) solution in which the preconcentration factor was as high as 400. The method was employed to the preconcentration of U(VI) ions from spiked ground water and synthetic sea water samples.     

Determination of tetracyclines in milk samples by magnetic solid phase extraction flow injection analysis

A method is presented for magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) of tetracyclines in milk samples. The method involves the extraction and clean-up by silica based magnetic support dispersion on non-pretreated milk samples, followed by the magnetic isolation and desorption of the analytes by acidified methanol. The tetracyclines eluted from the magnetic support were determined simultaneously by flow injection analysis with spectrophotometric detection. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of the calibration curve ranges from 0.03 to 0.60 mg L^?1, with a limit of detection of 10 μg L^?1. Recoveries were determined for milk spiked at levels from 0.15 to 0.60 mg L^?1. Average recoveries ranged from 91.0 to 97.0%, with a precision of <5.0% in all cases. The method was validated by comparing the results with those obtained by MSPE-HPLC and SPE-HPLC. No significant differences were observed (p?<?0.05)     

Solid phase extraction of trace amounts of uranium(VI) from water samples using 8-hydroxyquinoline immobilized on surfactant-coated alumina

A simple and reliable method has been developed for the determination of uranium(VI). The method is based on the separation and preconcentration of uranium(VI) using a column packed with 8-hydroxyquinoline immobilized on surfactant coated alumina prior to its spectrophotometric determination with arsenazo III. The effect of pH, sample flow rate and volume, elution conditions, and foreign ions on the sorption of uranium(VI) has been investigated. A preconcentration factor of 200 was achieved by passing 1000 mL of sample through the column. The relative standard deviation for 10 replicate analyses at the 100 ng/mL level of uranium(VI) was 2.1% and the detection limit was 0.12 ng/mL. The method was success-fully applied to the determination of uranium in natural water samples. The accuracy was assessed through recovery experiments and the analysis of a certified reference material.     

Solid phase extraction of trace amounts of uranium(VI) from water samples using 8-hydroxyquinoline immobilized on surfactant-coated alumina

A simple and reliable method has been developed for the determination of uranium(VI). The method is based on the separation and preconcentration of uranium(VI) using a column packed with 8-hydroxyquinoline immobilized on surfactant coated alumina prior to its spectrophotometry determination with Arsenazo III. The effect of pH, sample flow rate and volume, elution conditions, and foreign ions on the sorption of uranium(VI) has been investigated. A preconcentration factor of 200 was achieved by passing 1000 mL of sample through the column. The relative standard deviation for 10 replicate analyses at the 100 ng/mL level of uranium(VI) was 2.1% and the detection limit was 0.12 ng/mL. The method was successfully applied to the determination of uranium in natural water samples. The accuracy was assessed through recovery experiments and the analysis of a certified reference material.     

Characterization of polymers by multi-step thermal desorption/programmed pyrolysis gas chromatography using a high temperature PTV injector

Thermal treatment hyphenated with gas chromatography is a versatile and powerful tool in the study of polymer characterization. An inexpensive system where thermal treatment at different temperatures occurs inside a Programmable Temperature Vaporization injector (PTV) is described. The samples investigated, commercial plastics, are complex mixtures that contain several polymers and additives. These plastics as well as their pure constituents are subjected to multi-step thermal treatment. The individual chromatograms of the various constituents of the polymeric sample are correlated with those of the final material in order to identify additives (thermal desorption) and degradation products (pyrolysis). Results obtained with the new method indicate the interesting potentials of the technique for the characterization of polymer compositions. Reproducibility of absolute and relative peak areas has been considered and found to be acceptable. The absence of a heated transfer line and switching valves, which are always present in conventional set-ups, eliminates the risk of losses of high molecular weight components. Further advantages of the technique proposed are simplicity, versatility, and its inexpensive nature.