Paradigms in isotope dilution mass spectrometry for elemental speciation analysis

Isotope dilution mass spectrometry currently stands out as the method providing results with unchallenged precision and accuracy in elemental speciation. However, recent history of isotope dilution mass spectrometry has shown that the extent to which this primary ratio measurement method can deliver accurate results is still subject of active research. In this review, we will summarize the fundamental prerequisites behind isotope dilution mass spectrometry and discuss their practical limits of validity and effects on the accuracy of the obtained results. This review is not to be viewed as a critique of isotope dilution; rather its purpose is to highlight the lesser studied aspects that will ensure and elevate current supremacy of the results obtained from this method.     

Capillary GC-MS — Stable isotope dilution analysis of methylmalonic acid in plasma: A candidate reference method for the diagnosis and the follow-up of methylmalonic acidaemias

Summary Because methylmalonic acid (MMA) accumulates in the body fluids of patients suffering from inherited metabolic disorders involving its pathway, the quantitation of this metabolite is not only fundamental to diagnosis but is also important in the follow-up of affected patients under treatment.We describe the method set up and used in our laboratory for the measurement of MMA in body fluids and propose its application to plasma as the reference method for the biochemical diagnosis and follow-up of methylmalonic acidaemias.     

Stable isotope dilution assays in mycotoxin analysis

The principle and applications of stable isotope dilution assays (SIDAs) in mycotoxin analysis are critically reviewed. The general section includes historical aspects of SIDAs, the prerequisites and limitations of the use of stable isotopically labelled internal standards, and possible calibration procedures. In the application section actual SIDAs for the analysis of trichothecenes, zearalenone, fumonisins, patulin, and ochratoxin A are presented. The syntheses and availability of labelled mycotoxins for use as internal standards is reviewed and specific advances in food analysis and toxicology are demonstrated. The review indicates that LC–MS applications, in particular, require the use of stable isotopically labelled standards to compensate for losses during clean-up and for discrimination due to ion suppression. As the commercial availability of these compounds continues to increase, SIDAs can be expected to find expanding use in mycotoxin analysis.     

GC-MS监测生活饮用水输配水管材及防护材料中溶出的挥发性有机物

我国的生活饮用水行业中,目前常使用的管材分为金属类管材和非金属类管材两种。由于金属类管材本身的化学特性,行业内必须在此类管材的内壁上进行防腐处理,通常采用一些高分子防腐涂料。可用于给水行业的涂料品种繁多,涂料质量好坏直接影响到水质。我们针对一些常用产品作了浸泡试验,用吹扫捕集-GC-MS方法对水中溶出的可挥发性有机物进行了检测,发现一些产品在水中溶出了大量的甲苯、乙苯、二甲苯、甲乙苯等苯系物,且浸泡30d后仍有溶出物。这些物质长期存在会导致人体中枢神经系统紊乱,严重危害人体健康。行业内关于水源水中此类有机物污染的监测比较充分,而对于防护涂料可能污染水质的状况并未引起足够重视。     

同位素稀释-气相色谱-质谱法测定白酒中23种邻苯二甲酸酯类化合物

提出了同位素稀释-气相色谱-质谱法测定白酒中23种邻苯二甲酸酯类化合物含量的方法。样品用正己烷-乙酸乙酯(1+1)混合液提取后,经DB-5MS毛细管色谱柱分离,采用电子轰击离子源选择离子反应监测模式进行质谱测定,同位素内标法进行定量分析。23种邻苯二甲酸酯类化合物的线性范围在0.2~3.0mg·L-1之间,测定下限(10S/N)在0.05~0.1mg·kg-1之间。加标回收率在73.2%~122%之间,相对标准偏差(n=6)在0.49%~11%之间。     

Thermogravimetric calibration of permeation tubes used for the preparation of gas standards for air pollution analysis

Sources of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) reference-materials at ppm and ppb levels are needed for calibration of air monitoring instruments. The permeation-tube technique is considered effective for the preparation of low concentration standards of high accuracy and stability. In this work, purpose-built PTFE permeation tubes, containing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene or m-xylene (BTEX) were accurately and rapidly calibrated. Using the sensitive thermo-balance of a thermogravimetric apparatus, very low permeation rates were determined by the continuous monitoring of the tube weight loss as a function of time. Permeation rates in the range from 25 to 350 ng min(-1) were determined with precision. Thermogravimetry appears to be a rapid method for the measurement of weight loss at constant temperature, allowing rapid characterization and recalibration of permeation tubes. A detailed study on toluene, chosen as a typical case, showed that there are variations of the permeation rate in the long term. The temperature dependence of the permeation coefficient was also explored and permeation rates were shown to display an Arrhenius behavior in the temperature range 304-324 K. Thermodynamic parameters influencing the permeation were discussed.     

Determination of VOC and TVOC in Air Using Thermal Desorption GC-MS – Practical Implications for Test Chamber Experiments

The determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) species and concentrations are important for the evaluation of indoor air quality. Numerous methods exist for the determination of levels of both VOC and TVOC (total volatile organic compounds). These include the use of direct-reading instruments as well as gas chromatographic techniques. The benefits and drawbacks of the various methods are well known, and none provide precise measurement of the complex VOC mixtures that constitute TVOC in indoor air. A specific approach for TVOC measurement has been proposed in Europe in ECA-report no.19 to overcome these shortcomings. On this basis a practical analytical method was developed and applied to emission test chamber studies. Special focus was required on compounds of high volatility and the preparation of calibration standards.     

同位素稀释气相色谱-三重四极杆质谱法测定环境空气中的多氯萘北大核心CSCD

环境空气中的多氯萘(PCNs)一般为痕量水平(pg/m^(3)),要实现其准确定量必然对分析方法的提取、净化和仪器分析提出较高要求。研究通过考察提取溶剂种类、净化流程和色谱-质谱参数,建立了加速溶剂萃取(ASE)-多层硅胶复合中性氧化铝柱的净化方法,并利用同位素稀释气相色谱-三重四极杆质谱(GC-MS/MS)对环境空气中的多氯萘进行测定。同时,通过在采样、提取和进样分析前分别添加同位素内标,开展质量控制和保证。结果表明,在2~100 ng/mL范围内3~8氯萘的平均相对响应因子(RRF)的相对标准偏差(RSD)均小于16%。PCNs同类物的方法检出限为1~3 pg/m^(3)(以样品体积为288 m^(3)计算)。采用基质加标法评价了方法对环境空气样品中PCNs测定的精密度和准确度,低、中、高加标水平下3~8氯萘的平均加标回收率分别为89.0%~119.4%、98.6%~122.5%和93.7%~124.5%,测定结果的平均相对标准偏差分别为1.9%~7.0%、1.6%~6.6%和1.0%~4.8%。整个分析过程中,采样内标和提取内标的平均回收率分别为136.2%~146.0%和42.4%~78.1%,RSD分别为5.6%~7.5%和2.7%~17.5%,满足痕量分析的要求且平行性较好。方法的灵敏度和准确度高,精密度良好,适用于环境空气中3~8氯萘的准确定量测定,可在一定程度上缓解多氯萘监测对高分辨气相色谱-高分辨质谱的依赖,为实现多氯萘的国际履约提供方法支持。     

固相吸附GC-MS分析新装居室室内气体中的有机污染物

采用活性炭对放置一段时间的新装居室内气体和新购书橱内气体进行吸附,吸附气体后的活性炭经乙醚洗脱,洗脱液经氮气浓缩,进行GC—MS分析。分析出室内空气污染物包括烷烃、烯烃、醇、酮、醛、酯以及苯系物等25种有机物,书橱内污染气体共鉴定出24种有机物,其中苯系物量最高,烷烃和烯烃量最低。     

An Assessment of Sample Preservation Methods for the Determination of Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Ratios in Mollusks

The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of preservation methods and preservation times on the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values in the tissues of six mollusk species (Mytilus edulis, Crassostrea gigas, Ruditapes philippinarum, Acanthochiton seulschnochilon, Littorina brevicula, and Rapana venosa). To identify potential preservation effects on δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values and to examine temporal changes in the effects of preservation, repeated analyses were carried out after 1 day, 5 days, 15 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months of preservation. The results showed that drying preservation was the most suitable method for preserving samples, while freezing and chemical preservation significantly affected the stable isotope values compared with those of the controls. The effects of preservatives on the tissues of different mollusk species were statistically significant for both δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values. Shifts in the δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values, due to freezing and chemical preservation, were higher in Acanthochiton seulschnochilon, Littorina brevicula, and Rapana venosa than in the other three species. The effects of preservatives on carbon isotope values were variable. In most cases, the shift of the δ¹³C values from the control samples were less than 1% for those of the treated samples. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N data from the preserved samples could thus be used in food web reconstruction studies. Further studies will be necessary, however, in order to elucidate the effects of preservation type and time on other species.     

Detailed hydrocarbon analysis of gasoline by GC-MS (SI-PIONA)

A gas chromatographic – mass spectrometric (GC-MS) method has been developed for detailed analysis of the hydrocarbon content of gasoline. The method is equipped with special software and includes the analysis of oxygenated compounds in a single run. The technique utilizes three basic components: the separating power of high resolution capillary gas chromatography, a mass spectrometer with a controllable ion source and ion fragmentation ratios, and unique software for data handling and preparation of reports. The C₄ to C₁₂ range of hydrocarbons in gasoline is covered by the method. A sample of unleaded gasoline from a gas station was analyzed without sample preparation. The results are discussed.     

Whole blood analysis for medical diagnostics by GC-MS with Cold EI

This study covers a new method and related instrumentation for whole blood analysis for medical diagnostics. Two-μL whole blood samples were collected using “minimal invasive” diabetes lancet and placed on a thin glass rod mounted on a newly designed BloodProbe. The BloodProbe with the whole blood sample was inserted directly into a ChromatoProbe mounted on the GC inlet, and thus, no sample preparation was involved. The analysis was performed within 10 min using a GC-MS with Cold EI that is based on interfacing GC and MS with supersonic molecular beams (SMB) along with electron ionization of vibrationally cold sample compounds in the SMB (hence the name Cold EI). Our blood analysis revealed several observations: (1) Detailed mass chromatograms were generated with full range of all the nonpolar lipids in blood including fatty acids, cholesterol, cholesteryl esters, vitamin E, monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides. (2) The analysis of whole blood was found to be as informative as the conventional clinical analysis of blood serum. (3) Cholesteryl esters were more sensitive than free cholesterol alone to the effect of diet of obese people. (4) Major enhancement of several fatty acid methyl esters was found in the blood of a cancer patient with liver dysfunction. (5) Vitamin E as both α- and β-tocopherol was found with person-dependent ratio of these two compounds. (6) Elemental sulfur S₈ was identified in blood. (7) Several drugs and other compounds were found and need further study of their correlation to medical issues.     

Identification of phytobioconstituents present in Simmondsia chinensis L. seeds extract by GC-MS analysis

Simmondsia chinensis L. commonly called as Jojoba and belongs to family Simmondsiaceae. It has shown positive pharmacological activities of these compounds which include antidiabetic, antirheumatic, anthelminthic, antipsoriatic, antioxidant, antiepileptic, antigonorrheal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and pesticidal activity of jojoba. The multifaceted action of numerous bioactives existing in the seed extract with therapeutic activity have attracted great research interest by pharmaceutical industries. n-hexane extract of Simmondsia chinensis L. (SC) Seeds was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy for identification and characterization of phytobioconstituents and its therapeutic claim by traditional system. The major compounds discovered in SC seeds extract are cis-9-octadecen-1-ol (24.85%), 9-octadecen-1-ol, (Z)- (18.24%), Stigmast-5-en-3-ol (14.10%), Ergost-5-en-3-ol, (3-β)-ol (5.26%), (Z)-14-tricosenyl formate (5.24%), Thiositosteroldisulfide (3.64%), Silane, Dimethyl (dimethylpentyloxysilyloxy) tetradecyloxy- (3.41%), Ergost-5-ene, 3-methoxy-, (3β,24R)- (2.55%), Ergosta-5,22-dien-3-ol (2.22%), 1,19-eicosadiene (2.17%), Pentacosane (2.02%), Stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol (1.64%), 1,19-eicosadiene (1.57%), 9-octadecen-1-ol, (Z)- (1.46%), 9,19-cyclo-9β-lanostan-3β-ol, 24-methylene- (1.14%), (9Z)-9-octadecenyl palmitate (1.50%), Hexadecanoic acid, 9-octadecenyl ester, (Z) (1.37%), 9Z)-9-octadecenyl (9Z)-9-hexadecenoate (1.01%). The hexane extract of Simmondsia chinensis seeds comprises various polar and nonpolar phytobioconstituents. These compounds were established qualitatively via GC-MS evaluation. GC-MS reports will be promising in pharmaceutical sector in identification of variety of Phytobioconstituents in distinct plant extracts, polyherbal extract and the standardization of particular plant materials.     

Evaluation and interlaboratory validation of a GC-MS method for analysis of pesticide residues in teas

A method was described for simultaneous determination of nine organic heterocyclic pesticide residues by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring. Atrazine, vinclozolin, procymidone, triflumizole, imazalil, buprofezin, propiconazole, fenarimol, and pyridaben were clearly separated from each other, extracted with acetone—hexane mixture, purified with graphitized carbon black cartridge and neutral Al₂O₃ cartridge, eluted with acetone—hexane mixture, simultaneously determined by GC-MS, and then quantified with an external standard method. Recoveries of pesticides ranged from 73 % to 116 % at the spiked level of 0.01–30 mg kg⁻¹, while the relative standard deviation was between 3 % and 27 %. In addition, the limits of determination (0.01 mg kg⁻¹ to 5.0 mg kg⁻¹) and linearity (0.02–40 μg mL⁻¹) revealed that simultaneous determination of multi-residues in Chinese teas (like Oolong tea, green tea, red tea, etc.) was possible. Furthermore, an interlaboratory study among 5 labs was conducted to further validate the method, and the results were satisfactory.     

Simultaneous determination of monomethylmercury, monobutyltin, dibutyltin and tributyltin in environmental samples by multi-elemental-species-specific isotope dilution analysis using electron ionisation GC-MS

In this work, the simultaneous determination of four organometallic species (monomethylmercury, monobutyltin, dibutyltin and tributyltin) in environmental samples by using a GC-MS system with electron ionisation has been established. The measurement of isotope ratios in each species was accomplished by selecting the most adequate molecular cluster, and simple mathematical equations were applied to correct the contributions of 13C from the organic groups attached to the tin and mercury atoms. The influence of different parameters such as dwell time on the precision and accuracy of the measured isotope ratios in each target species has also been studied. The determination and the sample preparation procedures presented in this work were first individually validated by analysing several certified reference materials for butyltin compounds (mussel tissue CRM-477 and marine sediment SOPH-1) and for monomethylmercury (tuna fish CRM-464) using an innovative focused microwave technology for the extraction of the species from the solid samples. Additionally, the simultaneous determination of the four species was successfully validated by obtaining quantitative recoveries in spiked natural waters and by analysing the certified reference material BCR-710 (certified in tributyltin and monomethylmercury). The values obtained in such certified tissue were fully in agreement not only with the certified mass fractions but also with the proposed indicative values for mono- and dibutyltin.     

GC-FTIR and GC-MS in odour analysis of essential oils

The analysis of odour components in East Indian Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album L.) and in Patchouli Oil (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) based on GC-, GC-FTIR- and GC-MS-data resulted in the identification of-santalene,-santalal,-santalal, epi--santalal,-santalol,-santalol, (E)--santalol,-bergamotol and spirosantalol in Sandalwood Oil and of (–)-patchoulol,-guaiene,-patchoulene, seychellene,-bulnesene, norpatchoulenol and pogostol in Patchouli Oil as the most intense aroma compounds of these oils.     

Automated measurement of permeation and dissolution of propranolol HCl tablets using sequential injection analysis

Aim of this study was to automate sampling and quantification of the previously described apparatus for combined determination of dissolution and permeation through Caco-2 monolayer by means of sequential injection analysis (SIA). Native fluorescence of propranolol HCl in Krebs-Ringer buffer (KRB) was used for quantification. Sampling was done at three different locations within the apparatus at a high sampling frequency (approximately 60 h⁻¹). Injection volume delivered to the fluorescence detector was 50 μL for permeation monitoring and 25 μL for dissolution monitoring. Linear regression for 50 μL injection yielded a detection limit calculated as 0.04 μg mL⁻¹ of propranolol HCl in KRB (R² > 0.999). However, linearity for dissolution monitoring was not given for the complete range of concentrations and first order polynomial calibration was established (R² > 0.9999). To conclude, the SIA system was able to monitor simultaneously dissolution and permeation of the immediate release propranolol HCl tablets and the authors succeeded in automating the apparatus for combined measurement of dissolution and permeation. In addition, the obtained data was consistent with data obtained by manual sampling followed by HPLC analysis.     

扁桃油中脂肪酸组成的GC-MS法分析

以正己烷为提取剂,采用超声法提取油脂,经KOH-甲醇甲酯化处理后,以气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)联用技术鉴定出陕西蒲城3个品种扁桃油中的脂肪酸主要组成为:油酸、亚油酸、9-十六碳烯酸、硬脂酸、棕榈酸,其中不饱和脂肪酸总量占91.4%以上,主要成分油酸占73.3%以上。     

Increase of ambient formaldehyde in Beijing and its implication for VOC reactivity

Influencing atmospheric OH radical budget and tropospheric ozone production,ambient formaldehyde(HCHO) is one of the key oxygenated volatile organic compounds(OVOCs).We present the variations on formaldehyde column densities in summertime in Beijing retrieved from ozone monitoring instrument(OMI) between 2005 and 2011.Satellite columns of HCHO correlated well with available ground-based measurements despite some noticeable differences.The orthogonal distance regression(ODR) method was used to estimate the ratio between satellite columns and ground-level concentrations,whereas ordinary least squares(OLS) method was used to fit the trend of ambient formaldehyde.The formaldehyde concentrations derived from HCHO columns were in the range of 7-12 ppbv and steadily increased at an approximate rate of 0.64 ppbv/yr(7.8%at 2005 level) with an uncertainty of 51%.VOC reactivity quantified by means of OH loss rates showed increasing contribution from formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, rising from 35%in 2005 to 40%in 2010,and decreasing contribution from anthropogenic VOCs,dropping from 49%in 2005 to 40%in 2010.More attention should be paid to understanding the net feedback of increasing formaldehyde to ozone formation potential.     

The use of permeation tube device and the development of empirical formula for accurate permeation rate

A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the accuracy of permeation tube (PT) devices using a calibration gas generator system to measure permeation rate (PR) of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Calibration gas standards of benzene, toluene, and m-xylene (BTX) were produced from PTs at varying flow rates (FR) of 20-1200 mL min(-1) and constant temperature (30°C). Results indicate that changes in flow rate greatly affected the permeation rate of each VOC at this temperature. This paper presents experimental approaches to accurately measure actual permeation rate (APR) and the derivation of empirical equations for predicted permeation rate (PPR). If the magnitude of bias is defined as the difference between PPR and the manufacturer's permeation rate (MPR), the bias was typically 19-40% for toluene (T) and 31-54% for m-xylene (X). Benzene (B) exhibited the least bias of 1.4-18.8%, nevertheless our PPR values for benzene were more reliable at lower flow rates (0.75-1.20%). This study highlights the importance of flow rate and associated pressure changes as a key to accurate permeation rate estimation from permeation tube devices.