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Congener-specific detection of dioxins using jet-REMPI
H Oser1, K Copic, M J Coggiola
1Molecular Physics Laboratory, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. harald.oser@sri.com
Chemosphere
|May 25, 2001
Summary
SRI developed a continuous emissions monitor for toxic dioxins. This study demonstrates congener-specific detection of dichloro dibenzo-p-dioxins at ppt levels using supersonic jet/resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Combustion processes generate 210 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran congeners.
- Fewer than 20 dioxin congeners are considered toxic and require monitoring.
- Understanding dioxin formation is crucial for effective monitoring and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a continuous emissions monitor for highly toxic dioxins.
- To achieve congener-specific detection of dioxins at low concentrations.
- To advance the understanding of dioxin formation and control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized supersonic jet/resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SJ/REMPI-TOFMS).
- Performed congener-specific detection of two dichloro dibenzo-p-dioxins.
- Investigated detection of chlorinated aromatic compounds using a two-color REMPI scheme.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated congener-specific detection of dichloro dibenzo-p-dioxins at parts-per-trillion (ppt) concentrations.
- Achieved detection of target dioxins within a complex mixture.
- Presented preliminary data on detecting other chlorinated aromatic compounds.
Conclusions:
- SJ/REMPI-TOFMS is a viable technique for congener-specific dioxin detection at environmentally relevant concentrations.
- The developed method contributes to improved monitoring and understanding of toxic dioxin emissions.
- Further development of this technology can lead to enhanced environmental monitoring and control of dioxin pollution.