Development and Optimization of an External-Membrane Introduction Photoionization Mass Spectrometer for the Fast
Christian Gehm1, Thorsten Streibel1,2, Sven Ehlert3
1Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Chair of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry , University of Rostock , Dr.-Lorenz-Weg 2 , 18059 Rostock , Germany.
Analytical Chemistry
|November 19, 2019
Summary
This study introduces a new method for detecting aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water. The technique allows for rapid, direct measurements at low concentrations without sample preparation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose risks to human health and the environment.
- Sensitive, real-time analytical techniques are crucial for monitoring (P)AHs in aquatic samples.
- Traditional methods often require laborious sample enrichment steps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a novel analytical approach for the direct determination of (P)AHs in water.
- To demonstrate the efficacy of resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization coupled to external-membrane introduction mass spectrometry (REMPI-eMIMS) for aquatic analysis.
- To introduce an external sheet membrane probe (ESMP) as an improved inlet for REMPI-eMIMS.
Main Methods:
- Utilized resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) for selective and sensitive analyte ionization.
- Employed external-membrane introduction mass spectrometry (eMIMS) for direct phase transfer from aqueous to gaseous states.
- Integrated an external sheet membrane probe (ESMP) with REMPI time-of-flight mass spectrometry (REMPI-TOFMS).
Main Results:
- Achieved direct, real-time measurements of selected (polycyclic)aromatic compounds in water samples.
- Demonstrated sensitive detection limits down to tens of ng/L for target analytes.
- Showcased the feasibility of analyzing (P)AHs in aquatic environments with minimal to no sample preparation.
- Confirmed the system's capability for rapid analysis, providing results within minutes.
Conclusions:
- The developed REMPI-TOFMS system with the ESMP inlet is a promising tool for the direct, sensitive, and rapid analysis of (P)AHs in aquatic environments.
- This approach eliminates the need for cumbersome pre-concentration steps, simplifying the monitoring process.
- The technique offers a significant advancement for environmental monitoring and risk assessment related to (P)AH contamination.
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