Analysis of metals at sub ppb levels by HG-GC-PID

ABSTRACT SYMPOSIUM NAME: Advances in Analytical Separations

ABSTRACT SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM AREA NAME: [ANYL] Division of Analytical Chemistry

CONTROL ID: 2213879

PRESENTATION TYPE: Oral

TITLE: Analysis of metals at sub ppb levels by HG-GC-PID Pacific Blrm F - Renaissance Boston Waterfront Publication Number: 164 *John Driscoll, pidguy@aol.com, *Jennifer Maclachlan, pidgirl@gmail.com. PID Analyzers, LLC, Sandwich, Massachusetts, United Statesm-2:25pm

AUTHORS (FIRST NAME, LAST NAME): John N. Driscoll2, Jennifer L. Maclachlan1

INSTITUTIONS (ALL): 1. PID Analyzers, LLC, Centerville, MA, United States. 2. PID Analyzers, LLC, Sandwich, MA, United States.

ABSTRACT BODY:  Abstract: Hydride generation (HG), is a relatively simple method that has been used to clean up and concentrate samples for more than 40 years. It was used primarily in combination with atomic absorption (AAS) spectroscopy & a liquid nitrogen trap to measure down to low ppb levels. This instrumentation has been replaced by more sensitive and expensive equipment like graphite furnace AAS or ICP/MS for the detection of sub ppb levels of metals. A number of papers have been published using gas chromatography- photoionization (GC/PID). This is a more sensitive method than AAS but a liquid nitrogen trap was still required. We have found recently that a capillary GC with an improved PID can replace the liquid nitrogen trap yet still provide sub ppb detection limits. The metals that we have been working with include: As, Pb, Cd, Se, Te, Sn, Fe… We have also developed a new static headspace method that simplifies the normal hydride generator, reduces the analysis time and provides a modest improvement in sensitivity with a very wide operating range. These new developments will be described in this presentation.