Highly Sensitive Detection of Geosmin and MIB by Purge and Trap (P&T) with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)

Drinking Water (Session 2)
Oral Presentation

Prepared by S. Smith
Xylem Lab Solutions, 1725 Brannum Lane, Yellow Springs, Ohio, 45387, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 937-301-0933


ABSTRACT

Geosmin (trans-1,10-Dimethyl-trans-9-decalol) and MIB (2-Methylisoborneol) are taste and odor compounds produce by cyanobacteria, and are one of the most insidious impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) on drinking water quality. Geosmin and MIB have a tendency to persist throughout treatment and break through into finished water. The human odor perception is in the low part per trillion range, leading to customer complaints. An HAB management strategy should therefore include the ability to accurately measure low concentrations in raw and finished water. Dr. Smith will present OI Analytical’s optimized method using purge and trap concentration with separation and detection by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry using selective ion monitoring (SIM) to achieve a reporting level of 1 ppt.