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In-line coupling capillary electrochromatography with amperometric detection for analysis of explosive compounds
1Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec.
Electrophoresis
|May 29, 2000
Summary
Capillary electrochromatography coupled with amperometric detection offers a sensitive method for analyzing explosives in environmental samples. This technique provides improved detection limits compared to previous methods.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Nitroaromatic and nitroamine explosives pose environmental risks.
- Accurate detection methods are crucial for monitoring soil and groundwater contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an in-line capillary electrochromatography (CEC) with amperometric detection (AD) method for explosives analysis.
- To optimize CEC separation conditions and assess detection performance.
Main Methods:
- In-line coupling of CEC with amperometric detection at a bare gold electrode.
- Optimization of mobile phase composition (methanol, water, sodium dodecyl sulfate, MES) for different C18 column particle sizes.
- Electrochemical reduction detection at -0.7 or -1 V vs. Ag/AgCl.
Main Results:
- Optimized mobile phases were determined for 3 µm and 1.5 µm C18 columns.
- Detection limits for 13 explosives ranged from 100 to 200 ppb, showing a twofold improvement over EKC/AD.
- Successful quantification of explosives in real environmental samples (groundwater and soil extracts).
Conclusions:
- CEC with amperometric detection is a viable and sensitive technique for explosives analysis in environmental matrices.
- The method demonstrated good agreement with EPA standards, highlighting its practical applicability.