Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for rapid field sampling and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Modern gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods and equipment, with the sensitivity and structural information these methods provide, make GC-MS an excellent choice for field detection and identification of a range of organic Chemicals. Numerous sampling techniques allow detection of GC-MS analytes in environmental matrices, although multiple sample-handling steps and use of extraction solvents increase the complexity and time needed to complete analyses. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) has been shown to be suitable for sampling environmental contaminants from air, water and soil for GC-MS analysis. We provide applied examples of environmental samples collected and analyzed in the field using SPME-GC-MS for qualitative identification of workplace air contaminants from a poorly characterized paint and of gas-phase contaminants present during forensic and clean-up operations following a large lire involving aircraft fuel. In both instances, passive SPME sampling concentrated analytes from the air following short sampling periods and was followed immediately by GC-MS analysis in the field, without further sample preparation. The SPME sampling method is attractive for field use because of its portability, simplicity, broad applications, sensitivity, and favorable attributes as a sample-introduction method for GC-MS analyses. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.