Development of a micro electrochemical cell for in-situ deposition of 63Ni for use in electron capture detector (ECD) in gas chromatography

In this work, we describe a novel electrochemical approach to deposit 63Ni coatings on the inner surface of a copper annular ring for its application as an ionization source in electron capture detector of gas chromatograph. A description of the electrolytic cell, the process of deposition and the experimental set up used, analysis of the nickel deposit and results are presented in this article. Sources containing ∼370 MBq (∼10 mCi) 63Ni could be prepared. The quality of the prepared source in terms of nonleachability, uniform distribution of activity and stability that are necessary before application were evaluated and found to be highly satisfactory.

On-line coupled liquid chromatography-gas chromatography

On-line coupled liquid chromatography-gas chromatography (LC-GC) is a powerful technique that combines the best features of LC and GC and is ideal for the analysis of complex samples. This review describes the unique features of on-line coupled LC-GC. The different interfaces and evaporation techniques are presented, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Guidelines are given for selecting a suitable LC-GC technique and representative applications are noted.

Trace analysis of pesticides by gas chromatography

The analysis of pesticides is relevant to both food quality and the environment. Many laboratories are occupied with the analysis of pesticides in food, water or soil. Capillary gas chromatography is the technique most widely used in pesticide analysis. In present laboratory practice it serves as a screening method for over 300 pesticides. In this review we describe the role of gas chromatography as an analytical tool in combination with currently used or recently developed sample preparation techniques.

Detection of irradiated food--methods and routine applications

Irradiation of food for the purpose of extension of shelf life, control of microbial load, reduction of pathogenic microorganisms and disinfection is regarded by many consumers with suspicion. One reason is the lack of methods within food-controlling laboratories which can detect irradiation treatment and which are applied to control correct labelling. This review describes the potential of various methods to reveal irradiation treatment. Special emphasis is given to the three most successful methods, thermoluminescence, electron spin resonance spectroscopy and detection of volatiles. The possibilities and limitations of applying the methods in routine control are discussed.

Analysis of organic micropollutants in the lipid fraction of foodstuffs

An overview is given of current techniques for the analysis of organic micropollutants that accumulate in the fatty fraction of foodstuffs, such as pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans. Isolation and clean-up are considered to be of great importance in the field of residue analysis. In general, problems are related to the low levels of the individual compounds at which they usually occur and the complexity of extraction and clean-up procedures for isolating and separating analytes from matrix components and other contaminants. Therefore, special attention is focused on sample pretreatment and on coupled chromatographic techniques, showing developments towards multi-residue methods, miniaturization and automation of analytical procedures. Coupling of chromatographic techniques with spectroscopic techniques is also considered as an important tool for identification and confirmation purposes.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in the environment

This review surveys the problems arising from the release of PCBs into the environment from the point of view of the analytical chemist. These problems are very complex and interdependent and so it is essential to recognize their mutual links rather than to separate one problem from another (sources of contamination, fate in the environment, toxic properties and particular capabilities, limitations and purposes of analytical methods). Prominent attention should be paid in the future to congener-specific analyses of "toxic" congeners using high-resolution gas chromatography and to toxicity-assessing biological methods.