Gas chromatography/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy/mass spectrometry for environmental analysis: A quick turnaround method for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Two methods for organic analysis of environmental samples are discussed. The quantitative capabilities of a gas chromatograph/Fourier transform infrared spectrometer/mass spectrometer were investigated. Three methods of quantitation using FT-IR were examined. These methods were: the Gram-Schmidt method, maximum absorbance method and the integrated absorbance method. The results were compared to those obtained from the mass spectrometer operating in the single and total ion mode. The effect that injection volume has on quantitation was also investigated. Injection volumes of up to 100 uL were introduced to the GC/FT-IR/MS system using a large retention gap which preceded the analytical column; This report also details the development of a Quick Turnaround Method (QTM) to rapidly screen samples collected from Superfund sites. The method involves solid phase extraction for sample preparation and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for analysis. The compounds of interest are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons