Analysis of volatile organic sulfur compounds in air by membrane inlet mass spectrometry

The suitability of membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) for the analysis of volatile organic sulfur compounds (VOSCs) in air samples was studied. A custom-made gas calibrator proved to be a more accurate, rapid, and convenient way to produce gas standards than gas bags, and therefore, it was used in the evaluation of the suitability of MIMS for the analysis of VOSCs in air samples. The detection limits of volatile sulfur compounds were a few micrograms per cubic meter, the measured dynamic ranges were 4 orders of magnitude, the calculated correlation coefficients were between 0.9972 and 0.9994 at concentration levels of 10−370 μg/m3, and repeatabilities defined as a relative standard deviation of six successive injections were in the range of 1.3−7.3%. The results indicate that MIMS is an excellent method for the analysis of VOSCs in air samples.