Quantification of volatile sulfur compounds in complex gaseous matrices by solid-phase microextraction

Procedures were assessed for quantifying nine volatile sulfur compounds found in complex gaseous samples collected at a biogas-production plant and a sewage treatment plant. The target compounds were extracted by solid-phase microextraction (using the 75-microm Carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane fiber coating) at 22 degrees C for 20 min, and analyzed by GC-MS. Detection limits ranged between 1 pptv (v/v) for carbon disulfide and 470 pptv (v/v) for hydrogen sulfide. High amounts of organic compounds were found during full-scan analysis of the samples and standard additions to individual sub-samples revealed that the analysis was subject to matrix effects. However, the functions obtained by standard additions were still linear and quantification was possible for all the compounds tested except hydrogen sulfide. No detectable losses were observed during storage in the sampling containers, made of Tedlar film, over a storage period of 20 h. However, water permeated through the walls and the relative humidity in the bag increased during storage until it reached the ambient level. Finally, it was shown that the drying agent, CaCl2, caused no detectable losses of any of the compounds.