Environmental Mass-Spectrometry
Environmental Mass-Spectrometry
Overview
The Environmental Mass Spectrometry Laboratory has over 30 years of experience in the analysis of soil and sediments, and gas samples. We specialise in the analysis of soil organic matter, pesticides, herbicides, pollutants, microbial and petrochemical lipids, petrochemical and greenhouse gases. We use Gas Chromatography (GC) to resolve complex mixtures of gases, and volatile and semi-volatile compounds, coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and other detectors such as flame ionisation (FID) and electron capture (ECD).
A range of clean-up techniques can be performed to prepare samples prior to GC analysis such as sonication, Soxhlet/Soxtec™, liquid-liquid extraction, microwave and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), column chromatography, and solid phase extraction (SPE).
The Environmental Mass Spectrometry Laboratory can perform both routine and bespoke GC and GC-MS analysis with integrated liquid and pyrolysis autosamplers, and gas sampling valves. The laboratory can also perform headspace analysis. A range of column types are available for gas, polar and non-polar compounds to provide optimised separation of complex matrices backed up by the knowledge and experience of the technical staff. Appropriate methods can be developed according to customer requirements.
The laboratory also has LC-MS systems and a thermogravimetric analyser interfaced to a mass spectrometer (TGA-MS).
If you have questions about the SAgE Analytical Facility or would like to request a quote, contact us.
Agilent 7890A/5975C GC-MS and Frontier Lab 3030S Pyrolyser
The Agilent 7890A/5975C GC-MS is a single quadrupole mass analyser with EI/CI ion sources. It is equipped with a Frontier Lab 3030S Pyrolyser with an integrated autosampler. It has split-splitless and PTV injectors.
It is used mainly for the analysis of macromolecular and polymeric organic matter.
Thermo Trace 1310/TSQ 8000 Evo GC-MS (Triple-Quad)
The Thermo Trace 1310/TSQ 8000 Evo GC-MS is a triple quadrupole mass analyser. It is equipped with split-splitless and PTV injectors. It has a Thermo Triplus autosampler.
The triple quadrupole analyser enables multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with very high sensitivity to facilitate trace level detection in complex matrices.
It is used mainly for quantitative analysis of natural and pollutant hydrocarbons. Typical types of samples tested include water, soil and sediments, and crude oils.
Shimadzu GC-2014 GC-FID/ECD Gas Analyser
The Shimadzu GC-2014 GC-FID/ECD incorporates a dual packed column and dual gas sampling valve, and a ‘Methanizer’ set up specifically for the analysis of permanent gases and highly volatile vapours.
It is used mainly for headspace analysis of greenhouse gases such as methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.
Agilent 7890B/5977B GC-MS
The Agilent 7890B/5977B GC-MS is a single quadruple mass analyser with EI/CI ion sources.
It is used mainly for semi-volatile analysis e.g. aliphatics, PAHs, essential oils.
Agilent 8890/5977B GC-MS
The Agilent 8890/5977B GC-MS is a single quadruple mass analyser with gas sampling valve. It incorporates a temperature controlled 6-port valve with replaceable sample loop. It can also be used for headspace and liquid injections.
It is used mainly for the analysis of VOCs and permanent gases using a capillary PLOT column.
HP 6890/5973 GC-MS
The HP 6890/5973 GC-MS is a single quadruple mass analyser with EI source.
It is used mainly for permanent gas analysis by direct sampling of the headspace using a capillary PLOT column.
Agilent 8890 GC-FID / Agilent 8890 GC-FID/ECD
The Agilent 8890 GC-FID and GC-FID/ECD are equipped with autosamplers for liquid injections and sampling valves for gas analysis.
ThermoFinnigan DeltaV+
The ThermoFinnigan DeltaV+ in an isotope ratio mass spectrometer, interfaced to a Thermo Trace GC with split-splitless injector and autosampler, for compound-specific δ13C and δD measurements.
ThermoFinnigan LCQ Advantage LC-MSn
This is a Thermo Surveyor LC system with autosampler and diode array detector. It is an LCQ Advantage Ion Trap MS with MSn MS-MS functionality. It has Electrospray and APCI interfaces.
It is used for (micro)biological and environmental small polar molecule detection and identification.
Currently, it is mainly used for bacteriohopanepolyol characterisation in bacterial membrane lipid extracts and soil, sediment and rock lipid extracts.
Waters Xevo TQS UPLC-MS-MS
This is a Waters Aquity gradient UPLC system with autosampler and diode array detector. It has Xevo TQS triple quadrupole UPLC-MS-MS, with Electrospray, APCI and APPI interfaces.
It is used for (micro)biological and environmental small polar molecule detection, identification and quantification.
Currently, it's mainly used for detection and quantification of organic environmental micropollutants of waters, soils and sediments, such as:
- estrogenic endocrine disruptors
- pesticides and pesticide metabolites
Netzsch Jupiter STA 449C
The Netzsch Jupiter STA 449C is a thermogravimetric analyser interfaced to an Aeolos QMS 403 quadrupole mass spectrometer.
It is used for the characterisation of evolved volatiles during the thermal analysis of a variety of samples, including soils and sediments as well as some engineered materials.
Dr Bill Guthery
Senior Analytical Technician
Prof Yit Arn Teh
Professor of Soil Science
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Contact us
If you have questions about the SAgE Analytical Facility or would like to request a quote, contact us.