A membrane introduction mass spectrometer utilizing ion-molecule reactions for the on-line speciation and quantitation of volatile organic molecules.

Rationale: The ability of membrane introduction mass spectrometry to quantitatively resolve low molecular weight volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) using electron ionization (EI) can be compromised by isobaric interferences. This work focuses on reducing isobaric interferences with ion-molecule reactions in a portable quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer for the analysis of VOCs.

Methods: EI was used to produce reagent ions from precursors (chloroform, methyl iodide, trichloroethylene or chlorobenzene) that were continually infused into the helium acceptor phase upstream of the membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) sampling interface.

The effect of the earth's and stray magnetic fields on mobile mass spectrometer systems.

Development of small, field-portable mass spectrometers has enabled a rapid growth of in-field measurements on mobile platforms. In such in-field measurements, unexpected signal variability has been observed by the authors in portable ion traps with internal electron ionization. The orientation of magnetic fields (such as the Earth's) relative to the ionization electron beam trajectory can significantly alter the electron flux into a quadrupole ion trap, resulting in significant changes in the instrumental sensitivity.

A field-portable membrane introduction mass spectrometer for real-time quantitation and spatial mapping of atmospheric and aqueous contaminants.

Environmental concentrations of volatile and semivolatile organic compounds (VOC/SVOCs) can vary dramatically in time and space under the influence of environmental conditions. In an industrial setting, multiple point and diffuse sources can contribute to fugitive emissions. Assessments and monitoring programs using periodic grab sampling provide limited information, often with delay times of days or weeks.

Evaluation of reagentless pH modification for in situ ocean analysis: determination of dissolved inorganic carbon using mass spectrometry.

Rationale: In situ analytical techniques that require the storage and delivery of reagents (e.g., acidic or basic solutions) have inherent durability limitations.

Calibration of an in situ membrane inlet mass spectrometer for measurements of dissolved gases and volatile organics in seawater.

Use of membrane inlet mass spectrometers (MIMS) for quantitative measurements of dissolved gases and volatile organics over a wide range of ocean depths requires characterization of the influence of hydrostatic pressure on the permeability of MIMS inlet systems. To simulate measurement conditions in the field, a laboratory apparatus was constructed for control of sample flow rate, temperature, pressure, and the concentrations of a variety of dissolved gases and volatile organic compounds. MIMS data generated with this apparatus demonstrated thatthe permeability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes is strongly dependent on hydrostatic pressure.

Method for quantification of chemicals in a pollution plume using a moving membrane-based sensor exemplified by mass spectrometry.

Quantification of a chemical concentration in a pollution plume using a moving membrane-based sensor can be problematic. In many cases, the sensor passes through the plume faster than the time necessary to reach a steady-state signal, which is often used for quantification. Since the exposure time is typically not known, quantification based upon the flow injection analysis principle is also impractical.