Determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes in air by solid phase micro-extraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

The aim of the study was to analyse BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes) in air by solid phase micro-extraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME/GC/MS), and this article presents the features of the calibration method proposed. Examples of real-world air analysis are given. Standard gaseous mixtures of BTEX in air were generated by dynamic dilution. SPME sampling was carried out under non-equilibrium conditions using a Carboxen/PDMS fibre exposed for 30 min to standard gas mixtures or to ambient air. The behaviour of the analytical response was studied from 0 to 65 g/m³ by adding increasing amounts of BTEX to the air matrix. Detection limits range from 0.05 to 0.1 g/m³ for benzene, depending on the fibre. Inter-fibre relative standard deviations (reproducibility) are larger than 18%, although the repeatability for an individual fibre is better than 10%. Therefore, each fibre should be considered to be a particular sampling device, and characterised individually depending on the required accuracy. Sampling indoor and outdoor air by SPME appears to be a suitable short-delay diagnostic method for volatile organic compounds, taking advantage of short sampling time and simplicity.     

Microchemical Investigation of Archaeological Copper Based Artefacts Disclosing an Ancient Witness of the Transition from the Value of the Substance to the Value of the Appearance

In many Italian archaeological sites dated between the sixth and third centuries BC, unworked lumps of Cu-based materials are sometimes found, the so called Aes Rude, which according to archaeological considerations were appreciated as currency, as a medium of exchange and as a form of saving. The microchemical investigation of these ancient artefacts discloses their nature as apparently not usable for any functional applications or possible use. Indeed, Aes Rude resemble ordinary copper material, but microchemical results indicate that they are constituted by highly ferruginous leaded copper, making them useless for producing other metal objects by means of casting or hot and cold working. Notwithstanding this intrinsic negative feature, the production of these intractable Cu-based alloys was deliberately carried out to maximise the process yield in terms of produced metal from an impure and unselected metal ore by tailoring the smelting process parameters. With these considerations in mind, the microchemical investigation of these ancient iron–copper alloys gives evidence of the passage from the acceptance of an artefact value based on its true nature or potential use to the acceptance of the value based only on its appearance or form irrespective of its present or future use. This information could contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of human thought and economic and social interactions.     

Trace analysis of rapamycin in human blood by micellar electrokinetic chromatography

A capillary electrophoretic method with UV detection at 278 nm has been developed for analysis of the immunosuppressant rapamycin (sirolimus) in human blood at low microgram per liter levels. Separation has been achieved in an acidic carrier electrolyte containing sodium dodecylsulfate and 30% (v/v) acetonitrile. For sample clean-up and preconcentration, an off-line solid-phase extraction step using a silica-based reversed-phase material and an on-capillary focussing technique were employed. The latter allows the injection of increased sample volumes without excessive band broadening. Although this new method is less sensitive than existing liquid chromatographic procedures combined with mass spectrometry, it is fully suited to routine analysis of rapamycin in blood from patients treated with this drug. Last but not least the low costs make it an attractive alternative to established methods.     

化学计量及分析测试技术发展动态

介绍国内外标准物质、分析测试技术的发展状况,重点介绍了美国、加拿大近几年在痕量有机分析、光谱化学分析、高准确度库仑分析、电感耦合等离子质谱、炉内原子化等离子体发射光谱等方面的研究动态。     

16种有机标准物质的研制

介绍16种有机标准物质的研制方法。16种有机标准物质与US EPA、US Supelco及国家标准物质研究中心的同类标准物质比较,均匀性、稳定性及定值准确性均达到或优于其性能指标,符合国家计量技术规范的要求。     

毛细管电泳法进行化妆品中砷的形态分析

从样品前处理、毛细管电泳修饰、进样方式、分离模式和检测条件等方面对毛细管电泳法研究化妆品中砷的形态进行讨论。在不同pH值的缓冲溶液中,用毛细管电泳法进行化妆品中砷的形态分析,测定波长为197nm。采用磷酸盐缓冲溶液,化妆品中As(Ⅲ)、二甲基胂(DMA)、对氨苯基胂酸(ANA)、一甲基胂(MMA)和As(V)等5种形态的砷可通过毛细管电泳法得到有效分离。     

Applications of homemade kit in mutation detection of genes

With the accomplishment of Human Genome Project (HGP), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and mutation detection in human genome are becom-ing a new researching focus. These researches can help us to understand the phenotype diversity of indi-vidual, disease susceptibility and drug resistance of different colonies. Traditional method used for muta-tion detection is slab gel electrophoresis, which re-mains labor-intensive and time-consuming because of the requirement of radioactivity or te…     

Development of an Amperometric Biosensor for β‐N‐Oxalyl‐L‐α,β‐Diaminopropionic Acid (β‐ODAP)

An amperometric method for the determination of the neurotoxic amino acid β‐N‐oxalyl‐L ‐α,β‐diaminopropionic acid (β‐ODAP) using a screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) is reported. The electrode material was bulk‐modified with manganese dioxide and used as a detector in flow injection analysis (FIA). The enzyme glutamate oxidase (GlOx) was immobilized in a Nafion‐film on the electrode surface. The performance of the biosensor was optimized using glutamate as an analyte. Optimum parameters were found as: operational potential 440 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl), flow rate 0.2 mL min^?1, and carrier composition 0.1 mol L^?1 phosphate buffer (pH 7.75). The same conditions were used for the determination of β‐ODAP. The signal was linear within the concentration range 53–855 μmol L^?1 glutamate and 195–1950 μmol L^?1 β‐ODAP. Detection limits (as 3σ value) for both analytes were 9.12 and 111.0 μmol L^?1, respectively, with corresponding relative standard deviations of 3.3 and 4.5%. The biosensor retained more than 73% of its activity after 40 days of on‐line use.     

Use of a Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with Spinel‐Type Manganese Oxide as a Potentiometric Sensor for Lithium Ions in Flow Injection Analysis

A potentiometric sensor constructed from a mixture of 25% (m/m) spinel‐type manganese oxide (lambda‐MnO₂), 50% (m/m) graphite powder and 25% (m/m) mineral oil is used for the determination of lithium ions in a flow injection analysis system. Experimental parameters, such as pH of the carrier solution, flow rate, injection sample volume, and selectivity for Li⁺ against other alkali and alkaline‐earth ions and the response time of this sensor were investigated. The sensor response to lithium ions was linear in the concentration range 8.6×10^?5–1.0×10^?2 mol L^?1 with a slope 78.9±0.3 mV dec^?1 over a wide pH range 7–10 (Tris buffer), without interference of other alkali and alkaline‐earth metals. For a flow rate of 5.0 mL min^?1 and a injection sample volume of 408.6 μL, the relative standard deviation for repeated injections of a 5.0×10^?4 mol L^?1 lithium ions was 0.3%.