Mobile Mass Spectrometry Used for On‐Site/In Situ Environmental Measurements

Abstract

The potential of mass spectrometry (MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques for on‐site analysis of compounds in a variety of matrixes such as air, water, soil and surfaces is discussed. The fundamental principles of operation including different mass separation procedures, modes of injection and separation methods for mixtures are presented here with a special emphasis on equipment suitable for measurement in the field. Commercially available systems as well as prototypes are described in detail. The power of MS and/or GC/MS analyses on‐site compared with conventional methods carried out in the laboratory is demonstrated in a detailed review of the literature dealing with measurement campaigns and experiences when applying mobile MS and GC/MS. In conclusion, mobile mass spectrometers have reached a high standard of quality and the operational areas in which they are utilized are likely to increase considerably in the future.

A New Maximum Likelihood Approach with Asymmetric Residual Distribution for Multicomponent Mass Spectra Analysis

“…Recently, EI mass spectrometry, especially when combined with direct sample introduction methods (for example, membrane inlet and capillary restrictor), has gained a lot of popularity in the on-line and in-situ analysis of environmental and industrial samples, fermentation monitoring, electrochemical applications and the study of the kinetics of chemical and biological reactions. [1][2][3] A new maximum likelihood approach with asymmetric residual distribution for multicomponent mass spectra analysis…”