title: Use of capillary gas chromatography with negative ion-chemical ionization mass spectrometry for the determination of perfluorocarbon tracers in the atmosphere.
abstract: A sensitive and selective technique for the quantitative measurement of atmospheric perfluorocarbon trace species at the sub part per quadrillion (10(-15)) levels is presented. The method utilizes advances in adsorbent enrichment techniques coupled with benchtop capillary gas chromatography and negative ion-chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The development and enhancement of sampling technology for tracer experiments is described, and the results from background measurements and a preliminary field experiment are presented. The overall precision of the analytical method with respect to the preferred tracer for these atmospheric transport studies, perfluoromethylcyclohexane, was +/-1.7%. The background concentrations of perfluorodimethylcyclobutane, perfluoromethylcyclopentane, and perfluoromethylcyclohexane at a remote coastal location (Mace Head, Ireland, 53 degrees N, 10 degrees W) were found to be 2.5 (+/-0.4), 6.8 (+/-1.0), and 5.2 fL L(-1) (+/-1.3), respectively. Background concentrations within an urban conurbation (Bristol, U.K.) were slightly greater at 3.0 (+/-1.5), 8.1 (+/-1.8), and 6.3 fL L(-1) (+/-1.1), respectively.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, UK.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Cooke
authors.lastname: Simmonds TPG
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nickless
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Makepeace
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D007202:Indicators and Reagents
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D005466:Fluorocarbons; D007202:Indicators and Reagents