Published:Journal of Chromatographic Science,
ISSN 0021-9665 Volume
45, Number 8, September 2007, pp. 486-491
Determination of Ultra Trace Levels of 1,2-Dichloroethane
in Air by Sample Enrichment Micromachined Gas Chromatography–Differential
Mobility Detection
Frances Sutherland[1], Ronda Gras[1], Jim Luong[1],
Hernan Cortes[2], and Jos Curvers[3]
[1]Dow Chemical Canada, PO BAG 16, Highway 15, Fort Saskatchewan,
Alberta, Canada T8L 2P4;
[2]Dow Chemical USA, Midland, Michigan,
USA, 48667;
[3]Varian Inc, Herculesweg 8, 4388 PL, Middelburg,
The Netherlands
A novel analytical procedure has been developed
for the analysis of ultra trace levels of 1,2-dichloroethane
(EDC) in air using sample enrichment in combination with micromachined
gas chromatography (GC) and differential mobility detection (DMD).
When compared to other contemporary GC techniques, such as GC–flame
ionization detection, GC–electron capture detection, or
GC–electrolytic conductivity detection, the employment
of a DMD in combination with a preconcentrator provided better
sensitivity and markedly improved selectivity. The increase in
sensitivity reduces false-negative results, while the improvement
in selectivity decreases the potential for false-positive results.
Using the technique described, a complete analysis can be conducted
in less than 10 min, with a detection limit of 0.7 ppb (v/v)
of EDC and a short term precision of less than 6%. A correlation
coefficient of 0.9988 was obtained over an EDC concentration
range from 0.7 ppb to 36.4 ppb (v/v). The analytical system also
has an on-board microTCD in series with the DMD, allowing both
detector outputs to be monitored simultaneously. With the pre-concentration
technique, the microTCD can detect EDC as low as 15 ppb (v/v)
with a substantially enhanced linear dynamic range in addition
to providing a confirmation means for the presence of EDC at
the level cited.
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