Application Note: Analysis Of Volatile Organic Compounds By Purge-And-Trap GC/MSD

By Philip L. Wylie

Purge-and-trap sample concentration followed by gas chromatography with mass spectral detection is the most widely used technique for the analysis of volatile compounds in water. Using 5-mL water samples, most target compounds can be quantitated at 0.5 µg/L or lower. Analysis of 25-mL samples provides even greater sensitivity. Agilent Technologies' Purge-and-Trap/Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectral Detection system is recognized worldwide for its reliability, sensitivity and ease of use. Agilent also provides specialized environmental software, consumables, and gas chromatography columns for volatiles analysis. When combined with Agilent's service and support, laboratories have everything required to produce high-quality, reliable results.

Without careful monitoring, many chemical by-products of modern industrial production can be released into the environment, often contaminating ground and surface water bodies upon which we all depend. In many parts of the world, public drinking water is chlorinated to kill diseasecausing bacteria. Some byproducts of this process, such as the halogenated methanes, are unhealthy at high concentrations. Therefore, chlorinated drinking water must be routinely monitored for these compounds and others to ensure public safety.