Real-time PCB monitoring using time-of-flight mass spectrometry with picosecond laser ionization.
The study demonstrates the applicability of laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for real-time measurement of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Picosecond 266-nm laser light ionization reduced fragmentation and provided very high PCB detection sensitivity. This high sensitivity has advantages in terms of real-time monitoring capability as compared to the conventional GC-ECD or GC-MS methods, which require at least several days for the analysis of PCBs. Detection sensitivity of under 0.01 mg/Nm3 was achieved with a 1-min measuring time; this sensitivity is superior to the exhaust gas control guideline of 0.15 mg/Nm3 by a factor of 10. A prototype PCB monitoring device has been developed and tested in a pilot PCB treatment plant. The 1-min detection time represents a substantial advance in the monitoring of exhaust gas and the workplace atmosphere in accordance with safety regulations.
Nagasaki Research and Development Center, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., 5-717-1 Fukahori-machi, Nagasaki 851-0392, Japan. yoshihiro_deguchi@mhi.co.jp
Yoshihiro
Y
Deguchi
Shinsaku
S
Dobashi
Norihiro
N
Fukuda
Katsuhiko
K
Shinoda
Masatoshi
M
Morita
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D017132:Workplace
D000393:Air Pollutants; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls