Comparison of Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography with Dry Electrolytic Conductivity Detection for the Determination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Humus-Rich Soil

Abstract

Ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS) has been showen to provide fast on-site analysis of coarse sandy soil for the determination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). However the presence of humus results in instrument foaling and extensive down time do to instrument clean-up. For this reason a method was investigated for the ultrasonic extraction of PCBs from humus-rich soil that could be used at remote locations. Analysis of the extracted PCBs was conducted using 1) IMS and 2) gas chromatogram equipped with a dry electolytic conductiviy detector (GC/DELCD). The research conducted for this thesis outlines the method development and analysis of PCBS using these two instruments. The IMS analyiss was found to be complicated by co-extracted matrix compounds. Results and limitations of IMS analysisare present here. The method development and validation of a method for the ultrasonic extraction and analysis of PCBs using the GC/DELCD is provided.