Application of Solid Phase Microextraction with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry as a Rapid, Reliable, and Safe Method for Field Sampling and Analysis of Chemical Warfare Agent Precursors
Abstract
Solid phase microextraction was combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) for detection of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in the headspace above deionized (DI) water samples, with linear results that were sensitive to below Department of Defense short-term drinking water standards. HCN and several common volatile organic contaminants were also detected in 3 water types in a laboratory and field setting. The method provides an advantage over the standard drinking water detection methods for HCN as it can also simultaneously detect common low molecular weight hydrocarbons. Linear results were achieved for the detection of diisopropylamine (DIPA) by SPME-GC-MS in soil from 0.72 - 3584.5 micrograms DIPA/g soil and in DI water from 0.018 - 17.9 microgram/milliliter. The methods were successfully field tested with common hydrocarbon contaminants in 3 common agricultural soil types and 3 water types. In particular, this methodology would be useful for investigation of a suspected VX nerve agent production facility. Solid phase dynamic extraction (SPDE) was compared to passive SPME for vapor sampling of DIPA and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) with analysis by fast GC-MS. Equilibrium sampling by SPDE for DIPA and DMMP vapor provided linear results at lower concentrations and gave larger extracted ion peak areas than comparable SPME sampling. This unique application has shown great potential for further laboratory and field use, both for health risk assessment and initial chemical detection employment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA435624
Entities
People
- Douglas K. Parrish
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences