Gas Chromatography/Matrix Isolation-Infrared Spectrometry for Air Sample Analysis

摘要

The report describes the application of gas chromatography/matrix-isolationinfrared (GC/MI-IR) spectrometry to the analysis of environmental air sample extracts. Samples that were analyzed include extracts from woodsmoke-impacted air, XAD-2 blanks, indoor air, and carpet samples. The emphasis of the report is on the use of GC/MI-IR to identify semivolatile organic compounds in these extracts. The complementarity of GC/MI-IR spectrometry and conventional electron-impact ionization gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (EI-GC-MS) is illustrated. The capability of GC/MI-IR to discriminate between isomeric compounds that are difficult to separate chromatographically and to distinguish by EI-GC/MS is demonstrated. Preliminary results regarding the potential of GC/MI-IR spectrometry for the quantitative analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in air sample extracts are presented. Problem areas and modifications of a commercial GC/MI-IR system are discussed.