Optimisation of sorbent trapping and thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometric conditions for sampling and analysis of hydrogen cyanide in air.
Among the chemicals belonging to the schedules of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), sampling and analysis of highly volatile compounds such as hydrogen cyanide (HCN) require special consideration. The latter is present in numerous old chemical weapons that are stockpiled awaiting destruction in Northeastern France: thus, sampling on stockpile area and subsequent verification of HCN levels is compulsory to ensure safety of workers on these areas. The ability of several commercial sorbents to trap hydrogen cyanide at various concentration levels and in various humidity conditions, was evaluated. Furthermore, thermal desorption of the corresponding samples, followed by analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was also optimised. Carbosieve S-III, a molecular sieve possessing a very high specific area, proved the most efficient sorbent for HCN sampling in all conditions tested. Conversely, the presented results show that Tenax, albeit generally considered as the reference sorbent for air monitoring and analysis of CWC-related chemicals, is not suitable for HCN trapping.
Juillet
Yannick
Y
Département Analyse Chimique, Centre d'études du Bouchet, F-91710 Vert le Petit, France.
Le Moullec
Sophie
S
Bégos
Arlette
A
Bellier
Bruno
B
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006856:Hydrogen Cyanide / Q000032:analysis*
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents; D006856:Hydrogen Cyanide