Detection of VX contamination in soil through solid-phase microextraction sampling and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of the VX degradation product bis(diisopropylaminoethyl)disulfide.
A solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) sampling and analysis method was developed for bis(diisopropylaminoethyl)disulfide (a degradation product of the nerve agent VX) in soil. A 30-min sampling time with a polydimethylsiloxane-coated fiber and high temperature alkaline hydrolysis allowed detection with 1.0 microg of VX spiked per g of agricultural soil. The method was successfully used in the field with portable GC-MS instrumentation. This method is relatively rapid (less than 1 h), avoids the use of complex preparation steps, and enhances analyst safety through limited use of solvents and decontamination of the soil before sampling.
Hook
Gary L
GL
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, USA.
Kimm
Gregory
G
Koch
David
D
Savage
Paul B
PB
Ding
Bangwei
B
Smith
Philip A
PA
D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D004220:Disulfides / Q000032:analysis*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D009946:Organothiophosphorus Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D012015:Reference Standards; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*
D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents; D004220:Disulfides; D009946:Organothiophosphorus Compounds; D012989:Soil Pollutants; C480701:bis(diisopropylaminoethyl)disulfide; C009680:VX-agent