Development of solid phase extraction methods for CW on-site sample preparation in support of the Cooperative On-Site Analysis Exercise (COSAX) project

摘要

New chemical warfare (CW) on-site sample work-up procedures were developed to prepare environmental samples for gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis in the field. The new methods and procedures were developed with the time, power, and equipment-size constraints set forth by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). In addition, the methods were developed to isolate a wide range of CW degradation compounds (e.g., semipolar, polar, sulfur-containing, and phosphorus-containing compounds). The sample work-up techniques centered on a combination of liquid extractions followed by solid phase extraction (SPE). The utilization of these methods facilitated on-site sample work-up of diverse samples, e.g., liquids, swipes, soil, and decontamination solutions. The equipment required to implement the newly developed SPE methods can be transported easily (the kit weighs approximately 40 kg) and is comprised of commercially available components. This paper documents the experimental evolution of the SPE on-site sample methods.