Benefits of High Resolution Mass Spectrometry in Environmental Analysis
Poster Presentation
Prepared by C. Martins
Thermo Fisher Scientific, 355 River Oaks Parkway, San Jose, CA, 95134, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 408-965-6240
ABSTRACT
The identification and quantification of micropollutants at low concentrations requires both sensitivity and selectivity against complex matrices. For a large range of compounds, selected reaction monitoring (SRM) of precursor-product ion transitions has been the method of choice. Recently, other screening strategies taking into account full scan mode and other advanced MS/MS scan modes have been taken into account due to the development of a more rugged, sensitive and selective instrumentation. The benefits are quite evident from having the possibility to look retrospectively at the sample to the little compound optimization needed. Furthermore the resolving power of such instrumentation is a powerful tool for identification purposes.
Several cases will be shown where the benefits of HRMS in environmental analysis can be demonstrated. One of the examples will focus on the analysis of fullerenes in environmental samples. This family of compounds is used in several electronic, biomedical and photovoltaic applications, as well as in personal care products, therefore, its dispersion in the environment is expected. The combination of Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization and High Resolution Mass Spectrometry proved to be very successful for the analysis of fullerenes 1.
A considerable improvement in sensitivity was observed when using APPI against ESI. Moreover, the resolving power used allowed for the correct assignment of the observed alkyl additions, due to the presence of methanol in the gas phase.
High Resolution Mass Spectrometry coupled to Liquid Chromatography is a very powerful combination for screening and identification purposes. The application of accurate mass screening and identification described in this work demonstrate that the instrumentation currently available in the market can be used in compliance with the EU directives.
1Oscar Nunez, Héctor Gallart-Ayala, Claudia P.B.Martins, Encarnacion Moyano, Maria Teresa Galceran (2012) Analytical Chemistry 84 (12) 5316–5326
Poster Presentation
Prepared by C. Martins
Thermo Fisher Scientific, 355 River Oaks Parkway, San Jose, CA, 95134, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 408-965-6240
ABSTRACT
The identification and quantification of micropollutants at low concentrations requires both sensitivity and selectivity against complex matrices. For a large range of compounds, selected reaction monitoring (SRM) of precursor-product ion transitions has been the method of choice. Recently, other screening strategies taking into account full scan mode and other advanced MS/MS scan modes have been taken into account due to the development of a more rugged, sensitive and selective instrumentation. The benefits are quite evident from having the possibility to look retrospectively at the sample to the little compound optimization needed. Furthermore the resolving power of such instrumentation is a powerful tool for identification purposes.
Several cases will be shown where the benefits of HRMS in environmental analysis can be demonstrated. One of the examples will focus on the analysis of fullerenes in environmental samples. This family of compounds is used in several electronic, biomedical and photovoltaic applications, as well as in personal care products, therefore, its dispersion in the environment is expected. The combination of Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization and High Resolution Mass Spectrometry proved to be very successful for the analysis of fullerenes 1.
A considerable improvement in sensitivity was observed when using APPI against ESI. Moreover, the resolving power used allowed for the correct assignment of the observed alkyl additions, due to the presence of methanol in the gas phase.
High Resolution Mass Spectrometry coupled to Liquid Chromatography is a very powerful combination for screening and identification purposes. The application of accurate mass screening and identification described in this work demonstrate that the instrumentation currently available in the market can be used in compliance with the EU directives.
1Oscar Nunez, Héctor Gallart-Ayala, Claudia P.B.Martins, Encarnacion Moyano, Maria Teresa Galceran (2012) Analytical Chemistry 84 (12) 5316–5326
