Rapid determination of ETS markers with a prototype field-portable GC employing a microsensor array detector.
The adaptation of a portable gas chromatograph (GC) prototype with several unique design features to the determination of vapor-phase markers of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is described. This instrument employs a dual-stage adsorbent preconcentrator, two series-coupled separation columns that can be independently temperature programmed, and a detector consisting of an array of nanoparticle-coated chemiresistors, whose response patterns are used together with retention times for vapor recognition. An adsorbent pre-trap was developed to remove semi-volatile organics from the sample stream. Conditions were established to quantitatively capture two ETS markers, 2,5-dimethylfuran (2,5-DMF) and 4-ethenylpyridine (4-EP, as a surrogate for 3-EP), and to separate them from the 34 most prominent co-contaminants present in ETS using ambient air as the carrier gas. A complete analysis can be performed every 15 min. Projected detection limits are 0.58 and 0.08 ppb for 2,5-DMF and 4-EP, respectively, assuming a 1 L sample volume, which are sufficiently low to determine these markers in typical smoking-permitted environments.
Zhong
Qiongyan
Q
Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 109 S. Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
Veeneman
Rebecca A
RA
Steinecker
William H
WH
Jia
Chunrong
C
Batterman
Stuart A
SA
Zellers
Edward T
ET
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005663:Furans / Q000032:analysis; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000032:analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012906:Smoke / Q000032:analysis; D014026:Nicotiana
D015415:Biomarkers; D005663:Furans; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D011725:Pyridines; D012906:Smoke; C037555:2,5-dimethylfuran; C029351:4-vinylpyridine