Further developments in the determination of sulfur compounds in air by gas chromatography

High-performance liquid chromatography detection of sulfide in tissues from sulfide-treated mice

The biological and forensic use of ion-interaction reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for the determination of hydrogen sulfide-derived methylene blue is evaluated by measuring the sulfide content in tissues from sulfide-treated mice. Various preparative conditions were examined. The determinations of background levels of sulfide from brain, liver and kidney were compared to sulfide levels from mice exposed to 60 micrograms g-1 sodium hydrosulfide. At the time of death, significant increases above background sulfide levels were measured for all three biological tissues. To evaluate its forensic potential, we used this sulfide detection methodology to evaluate comparatively the sulfide levels from fresh and frozen samples of brain, liver and kidney. The stability of sulfide levels obtained from frozen brain makes this tissue the most reliable tissue for forensic evaluation. Samples of brain, liver and kidney obtained within 24 h of death by sulfide intoxication had demonstrable elevations in sulfide concentration.

Gas chromatographic determination of sulphur compounds in town gas

The gas chromatographic (GC) determination of the sulphur compounds in town gas (in the Nagoya area) was studied by using a flame-photometric detector (FPD) and the cold-trap method with liquid oxygen. The column packings used were 25% TCEP on Shimalite (AW, DMCS), 25% TCP on Shimalite (AW, DMCS), 10% PPE on Shimalite TPA, Porapak Q and silica gel. The major components identified were carbonyl sulphide, hydrogen sulphide, carbon disulphide, thiophene and tetrahydrothiophene (THT). The identities of thiophene and THT were also confirmed by GC combined with the use of a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The average concentrations and standard deviations of thiophene and THT were 8.8 +/- 1.8and 124 +/- 35 ng per 0.051, respectively. The latter value corresponds to 0.7 ppm, which is relatively high for the concentration of an odorant.

Evaluation of organic pollutants in the open air and atmospheres in industrial sites using graphitized carbon black traps and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis with specific detectors

A method for evaluating the organic content of the atmosphere, involving the use of personal samplers, is described. A comparison of the performances of Tenax GC and Carbopack B is given in terms of sample recovery. Apparatus including selective columns, specific detectors and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is also described. Practical examples of the analysis of organic air pollutants trapped in the open air and the atmosphere in a chemical plant are discussed. A comparison of the results of complete gas chromatography and of the total hydrocarbon content is also made.