Forensic Jet Fuel Analysis Using Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GCxGC-FID): Fingerprinting Techniques and Fraction Specific Measurements in Environmental Media

Environmental Forensics
Oral Presentation

Prepared by E. Litman, K. DeMille
ERM Newfields, 300 Ledgewood Place, Suite 205, Rockland, Massachusetts, 02370, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 781-424-5731

ABSTRACT

Title: Forensic Jet Fuel Analysis Using Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GCxGC-FID): Fingerprinting Techniques and Fraction Specific Measurements in Environmental Media
Conference Place and Date: Houston, TX. August 3rd to 6th, 2026
Abstract Submission Date: February 9th, 2026
Conference: The NELAC Institute (TNI) Environmental Measurement Symposium 2026: A Combined Meeting of the Forum on Environmental Accreditation and the National Environmental Monitoring Conference
Authors: Eric Litman and Katie DeMille

Abstract Narrative (300 words):
The field of environmental forensic chemistry continues to incorporate the use of two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) into analytical workflows. GCxGC-Flame Ionization Detector (GCxGC-FID) provides high resolution fingerprints that chromatographically separate non-polar petroleum hydrocarbons, from polar petroleum metabolites and other non-petroleum polar chemicals. This type of advanced chromatography is particularly useful in differentiating and identifying unique compositional features in petroleum distillates like jet fuels. This presentation will include a fingerprinting analysis of military specification (Mil-Spec) and commercial grade jet fuels and will present compositional differences uniquely captured in the GCxGC environment. The presentation will also include applications of GCxGC technology used to make fraction specific total petroleum hydrocarbon measurements in environmental samples that separate non-polar and polar constituents.