title: Determination of ultra trace levels of 1,2-dichloroethane in air by sample enrichment micromachined gas chromatography-differential mobility detection.
abstract: A novel analytical procedure has been developed for the analysis of ultra trace levels of 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC) in air using sample enrichment in combination with micromachined gas chromatography (GC) and differential mobility detection (DMD). When compared to other contemporary GC techniques, such as GC-flame ionization detection, GC-electron capture detection, or GC-electrolytic conductivity detection, the employment of a DMD in combination with a preconcentrator provided better sensitivity and markedly improved selectivity. The increase in sensitivity reduces false-negative results, while the improvement in selectivity decreases the potential for false-positive results. Using the technique described, a complete analysis can be conducted in less than 10 min, with a detection limit of 0.7 ppb (v/v) of EDC and a short term precision of less than 6%. A correlation coefficient of 0.9988 was obtained over an EDC concentration range from 0.7 ppb to 36.4 ppb (v/v). The analytical system also has an on-board microTCD in series with the DMD, allowing both detector outputs to be monitored simultaneously. With the pre-concentration technique, the microTCD can detect EDC as low as 15 ppb (v/v) with a substantially enhanced linear dynamic range in addition to providing a confirmation means for the presence of EDC at the level cited.
authors.affiliation: Dow Chemical Canada, P.O. BAG 16, Highway 15, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sutherland
authors.forename: Ronda
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gras
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Luong
authors.forename: Hernan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cortes
authors.forename: Jos
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Curvers