Issue 5, 2007

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.

Graphical abstract: Rapid determination of ETS markers with a prototype field-portable GC employing a microsensor array detector

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
08 Jan 2007
Accepted
12 Mar 2007
First published
02 Apr 2007

J. Environ. Monit., 2007,9, 440-448

Rapid determination of ETS markers with a prototype field-portable GC employing a microsensor array detector

Q. Zhong, R. A. Veeneman, W. H. Steinecker, C. Jia, S. A. Batterman and E. T. Zellers, J. Environ. Monit., 2007, 9, 440 DOI: 10.1039/B700216E

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