Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry for Homeland Security and Forensic Applications

Abstract

Abstract. A man-portable membrane inlet mass spectrometer has been built and tested to detect and monitor characteristic odors emitted from the human body and also from threat substances. In each case, a heated membrane sampling probe was used. During human scent monitoring experiments, data were obtained for inorganic gases and volatile organic compounds emitted from human breath and sweat in a confined space. Volatile emissions were detected from the human body at low ppb concentrations. Experiments with compounds associated with narcotics, explosives, and chemical warfare agents were conducted for a range of membrane types. Test compounds included methyl benzoate (odor signature of cocaine), piperidine (precursor in clandestine phencyclidine manufacturing processes), 2-nitrotoluene (breakdown product of TNT), cyclohexanone (volatile signature of plastic explosives), dimethyl methylphosphonate (used in sarin and soman nerve agent production), and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (simulant compound for sulfur mustard gas). Gas phase calibration experiments were performed allowing sub-ppb LOD to be established. The results showed excellent linearity versus concentration and rapid membrane response times.

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“…environmental analysis). 225 RIKEN, the National Research Institute of Police Science, and Okayama University of Japan have developed a fieldable mass spectrometer that is designed to detect chemical warfare agents (CWAs) in air. The system uses a unique electron cyclotron resonance ion source and a quadrupole mass filter, achieving unit resolution throughout its 50 Da mass range.…”

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Mobile mass spectrometry for water quality monitoring of organic species present in nuclear waste ponds

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