Identification of volatile components in waste waters by combined head-space gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A method for the identification of volatile components in effluent waters is described. The sample is heated in a closed vessel at 80 degrees C and the head-space vapour injected in a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer. Mass spectra are recorded every 4 seconds and stored by a Data Acquisition System. The reconstructed spectra enable very easy identification of the peaks of the chromatogram. The important contribution of the computer system to the sensitivity of the technique is demonstrated.