Improved methods for enrichment of organic ultra trace components for analysis by gas chromatography

This thesis describes some new methods for analysis oforganic trace components from air and water by gaschromatography. The work is particularly focused on thedevelopment of new technologies for analyte enrichment, usingsorbent-based concepts. Short lengths of open tubular columnswere examined for their potential use as denuders.Polydimethylsiloxane-based stationary phases as well as anadsorbent-based column were evaluated in an equilibrium mode oftrapping. For the analytes selected, detection levels in theppb range were obtained (Paper I). A new, fully automated set-up for analysis of organic tracecomponents in aqueous samples has been developed (Paper II).The work combines specific advantages of the solid phase microextraction (SPME) technology and stir bar sorptive extractionconcept. Ultra trace components, down to 0.1 ppt could bedetected. Finally a simple method for preparation a new type ofultra thick film open tubular trap is described (Paper III).The traps are characterized by an irregular coating, and it wasdemonstrated that the performance characteristics of thesetraps were practically as good as of traps with a smooth,regular coating. The technology can be utilized in many areas,e.g. environmental monitoring, process analysis and otherfields dealing with analysis of trace organic volatiles ingaseous samples. Keywords:Organic trace components, volatiles, denuders,sorbent trapping, thick film trapping, open tubular traps,SPME, automation, water analysis, gas analysis, environmentalanalysis.NR 2014080