Detection of soil pollution by hydrocarbons using headspace-mass spectrometry and identification of compounds by headspace-fast gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

The direct coupling of a headspace sampler with a mass spectrometer is proposed as a screening tool for the rapid detection of soil pollution by hydrocarbons from petroleum and derivatives. The samples are subjected to the headspace generation process, with no prior treatment, and the volatiles generated are introduced directly into the mass spectrometer, thereby obtaining a fingerprint of the sample analysed. Suitable treatment of the signal by chemometric techniques allows unequivocal characterisation of the different types of sample. The use of fast gas chromatography with a mass spectrometer detector coupled to the headspace sampler allows identification of the major hydrocarbons present in the mineral and organic polluted samples, interpretation of the results obtained, and demonstrates the analytical potential of headspace-mass spectrometry coupling.     

Synergistic effects in mixed gas chromatographic stationary phases containing hepatkis(2.3.6-tri-O-pentyl)-β-cyclodextrin and AgNO3 or TINO3 in the separation of xylene isomers

Summary The gas chromatographic separation of xylene isomers using special mixed stationary phases consisting of heptakis(2.3.6-tri-O-pentyl)-β-CD-AgNO₃, heptakis (2.3.6-tri-O-pentyl)-β-CD-TINO₃ or bentone-34-AgNO₃ is investigated. The first two have positive synergistic effects for the separation of m, and p-xylene isomers, but negative synergistic effects for the m, and oisomers. The separation effects depend on temperature, mixing ratio and how mixing is accomplished.     

Supercritical fluid extraction of oxadixyl from food crops

Summary This work describes the study of a degradation curve of Oxadixyl in field-treated potato and tomato samples. The residues were extracted using classical and supercritical fluid (SFE) extraction methods and analyzed by HRGC/ECD. The extraction techniques were compared and the results indicate the advantages of using SFE as an alternative method for pesticide analyses in these samples.     

碳五馏分中微量阻聚剂二乙基羟胺的气相色谱测定法

提出采用HP-l毛细管色谱柱测定碳五馏分中微量阻聚剂二乙基羟胺组分的气相色谱方法。在本文提出的条件下，二乙基羟胺与其他组分分离良好，检出限低于20mg／kg，相对标准偏差为3．86％，结果准确可靠，方法满足控制分析的要求。     

Preparation and characterization of silicalite-1 membranes prepared by secondary growth of seeds with different crystal sizes

MFI-type zeolite particles of 0.1–1 μm in diameter were prepared by adjusting tetra-n-propylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) and water contents in synthesis mixtures. Using those particles as seeds, MFI-type zeolite membranes were prepared on the surface of a porous mullite tube by secondary growth. The membranes were formed as polycrystalline zeolite layers on and inside the porous support, and the membranes were composed of the [h 0 h]-oriented crystallites. The membrane consisting of a-oriented crystallites could be also prepared. However, the a-oriented zeolite layers were not active on the permeation properties of butanes. Rather the size and loaded amount of the seed particles influenced on the permeation properties through the membranes. As a result, the n-C₄H₁₀/i-C₄H₁₀ permselectivity could be increased to 220 by adjusting the size and the loaded amount of particles. These results suggest that the number of loaded particles affects on the permeation properties through the membranes.     

The determination of phenol in urine by enzymatic hydrolysis/headspace gas chromatography

Summary A new method has been developed for the determination of phenol in urine in which the phenol conjugates are hydrolysed enzymatically and the liberated phenol is analysed by headspace chromatography. The results compare favourably with those obtained by the method of van Haaften and Sie in which acid hydrolysis is carried out in a heated GC precolumn. The enzymatic hydrolysis headspace technique appears to be very reliable and does not suffer from the disadvantages of precolumn acid hydrolysis.Since this paper was submitted, we have found a report on the enzymatic hydrolysis of phenyl glucuronide in urine followed by gas chromatographic analysis which seems to have been overlooked by later workers. The paper is by H. Desoille, T. F. Gandenzi-Britto and M. Philbert in Archives des Maladies Professionelles, de Medecine du Travail et de Securite Sociale (Paris),30 (3), 129 (1969).     

Unraveling the mystery of efficacy in Chinese medicine formula: New approaches and technologies for research on pharmacodynamic substances

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the key to unlock treasures of Chinese civilization. TCM and its compound play a beneficial role in medical activities to cure diseases, especially in major public health events such as novel coronavirus epidemics across the globe. The chemical composition in Chinese medicine formula is complex and diverse, but their effective substances resemble “mystery boxes”. Revealing their active ingredients and their mechanisms of action has become focal point and difficulty of research for herbalists. Although the existing research methods are numerous and constantly updated iteratively, there is remain a lack of prospective reviews. Hence, this paper provides a comprehensive account of existing new approaches and technologies based on previous studies with an in vitro to in vivo perspective. In addition, the bottlenecks of studies on Chinese medicine formula effective substances are also revealed. Especially, we look ahead to new perspectives, technologies and applications for its future development. This work reviews based on new perspectives to open horizons for the future research. Consequently, herbal compounding pharmaceutical substances study should carry on the essence of TCM while pursuing innovations in the field.     

二维光学薄膜的气敏反射光谱特性

研究二维光学薄膜ＳｎＯ２：ＴｉＯ２在乙醇、丙酮、氨蒸汽中的气敏反射光谱，发现它与厚膜（膜厚２０μｍ）的气敏反射光谱有明显的差异，它的反射光强在气体浓度较低时随气体浓度增加而增强，气体浓度较高时则现象相反，并且它的反射峰会发生位移。利用不同气体的反射峰的气敏特性，可制成有气体选择性的气敏光纤传感器。     

Preparation and properties of surface modified ceramic membranes. Part III. Gas permeation of 5 nm alumina membranes modified by trichloro-octadecylsilane

Stable trichloro-octadecyl silane (ODS) derivatives of a 5 nm γ-alumina ceramic membrane were prepared. Gas permeabilities of the untreated membrane did not show Knudsen diffusion at 20°C. Gas permeabilities of the ODS membrane were three orders of magnitude lower; He, Ne, Ar, CO₂, C₃H₈ have near constant permeabilities 360 mol s⁻¹ m⁻² bar⁻¹, except methane which has the highest permeability of the group, 481 mol s⁻¹ m⁻² bar⁻¹. The mechanism of diffusion is solution/diffusion. Remarkably, permeabilities of ODS-alumina membrane were reduced by 5 X after exposure to a pressure difference of 1 atm (active layer side) against vacuum for only 10 min. The effect was metastable but could be reversed on standing for several hours, reversal of pressure difference or after washing with (hydrocarbon solvent) toluene. The mechanism was presumed to be due to movement of the octadecyl-hydrocarbon chains of the silane monolayer causing a partially blocked pore structure; perhaps a unique example of self-fouling.     

Trace analysis of volatile polar organics by direct aqueous injection gas chromatography

Summary Procedures for the quantitative analysis of industrial effluents which involve concentration by solvent extraction or the purge-and-trap method are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to error. Direct aqueous injection gas chromatography using an electron-capture detector for the analysis of volatile halocarbons at the ppb level is in routine use in many laboratories. We now discuss the development of a similar protocol for the analysis of volatile polar organics such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and tretrahydrofuran using a flame-ionization detector.