Environmental applications of mass spectrometry

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Organic and spark source mass spectrometry are key techniques for identifying environmental pollutants.
• A comprehensive review of 1976 publications is essential for understanding the state of environmental analysis at the time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and review publications from 1976 that utilized organic and spark source mass spectrometry for environmental sample analysis.
• To focus on the identification of pollutants rather than the specific methodologies employed.

Main Methods:

• Systematic compilation of scientific literature published in 1976.
• Inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting identified pollutants in environmental samples.
• Exclusion of studies not incorporating data from the specified techniques, forensic samples, standards, or drug residue analyses.

Main Results:

• A total of 349 reports were cited, covering a wide spectrum of pollutant identification.
• Studies ranged from those identifying numerous pollutants to those analyzing single samples with limited pollutant findings.
• The review emphasizes the breadth of pollutants identified in diverse environmental matrices.

Conclusions:

• The year 1976 saw significant contributions to environmental pollutant identification using mass spectrometry.
• The compiled data provides a snapshot of environmental contamination concerns and analytical capabilities of the era.
• This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers tracking the historical progression of environmental analysis.