Analysis of Environmental Signatures of Chemical Weapons, Biological Weapons and High Energy Explosive Products by Triplet Quadrupole Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy for Threat Detection

Abstract

The proposed instrument will support the development of novel methods for the identification of threats from biological weapons (or other pathogens), chemical weapons, high energy explosives and narcotics. Historically, Mass Spectrometers (MS) are used to identify the unique chemical signatures of bacterial pathogens, explosives, chemical weapons and narcotics. The proposed research will examine “containerized air” sampling, such as the air trapped in planes during flight, to develop high sensitivity, rapid through-put protocols to assess if the area was/is being exposed to, or in the case of biological weapons infected by, biological weapons (or pathogens), chemical weapons, explosives or narcotics. The research will not identify specific individuals, but will rather use the air samples to determine if an individual was exposed offering a method for early detection and response. In the case of explosives it should allow for the detection of anyone involved in the bomb making process within 3 days before the flight.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Aug 12, 2016
Source ID
N000141512815

Entities

People

  • D. Ila

Organizations

  • Fayetteville State University
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.