MASS-SPECTROMETRY IN ENVIRONMENTAL-ANALYSIS

The coupling of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry provides the most useful technique for structure elucidation and quantitative analysis of organic compounds in environmental samples. The technique finds its application in all environmental media: air, water, wastes, soil, particularly in connection with reliable sampling and sample preparation. Alternative separation and ionization techniques are used in practice on special occasions, such as the assessment of the health hazard caused by an unknown compound, when structure elucidation cannot be performed by the standard gas chromatography/mass spectrometry equipment.