Rapid determination of ETS markers with a prototype field-portable GC employing a microsensor array detector
Abstract
The adaptation of a portable gas chromatograph (GC) prototype with several unique design features to the determination of vapor-phase markers of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is described. This instrument employs a dual-stage adsorbent preconcentrator, two series-coupled separation columns that can be independently temperature programmed, and a detector consisting of an array of nanoparticle-coated chemiresistors, whose response patterns are used together with retention times for vapor recognition. An adsorbent pre-trap was developed to remove semi-volatile organics from the sample stream. Conditions were established to quantitatively capture two ETS markers, 2,5-dimethylfuran (2,5-DMF) and 4-ethenylpyridine (4-EP, as a surrogate for 3-EP), and to separate them from the 34 most prominent co-contaminants present in ETS using ambient air as the carrier gas. A complete analysis can be performed every 15 min. Projected detection limits are 0.58 and 0.08 ppb for 2,5-DMF and 4-EP, respectively, assuming a 1 L sample volume, which are sufficiently low to determine these markers in typical smoking-permitted environments. © The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Publication Title
Journal of Environmental Monitoring
Recommended Citation
Zhong, Q., Veeneman, R., Steinecker, W., Jia, C., Batterman, S., & Zellers, E. (2007). Rapid determination of ETS markers with a prototype field-portable GC employing a microsensor array detector. Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 9 (5), 440-448. https://doi.org/10.1039/b700216e
