US EPA Method 524.2 using the Teledyne Tekmar Atomx XYZ and Thermo Scientific ISQ 7000 Mass Spectrometry (MS) System Coupled with a Thermo Scientific TRACE 1310 Gas Chromatograph (GC)

Abstract
US EPA Method 524.2 was used to determine the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in drinking water. This method is effective at concentrating trace levels of VOCs, however it can also transfer a significant amount of water vapor to the Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) due to the four-minute desorb time recommendation. The Teledyne Tekmar Atomx XYZ purge and trap (P&T) VOC sample preparation system combined with a Thermo Scientific ISQ 7000 Mass Spectrometry (MS) system and coupled with a Thermo Scientific TRACE 1310 Gas Chromatograph (GC) was used to create a working linear calibration curve and method detection limits (MDLs) for target compounds. This study will demonstrate the ability of the Atomx XYZ’s innovative moisture control system (MCS) to remove water vapor transferred to the GC/MS.

Introduction
The Atomx XYZ is Teledyne Tekmar’s most advanced P&T system and is based on the time-tested Atomx instrument platform. The concentrator’s efficient trap cooling design reduces sample cycle time by as much as 14% over the previous model. Combined with its 84-position soil and water autosampler, the result is more samples tested per 12-hour period. The redesigned MCS improves water vapor removal by as much as 60%, thereby reducing peak interference and increasing GC column lifespan. In addition to other refinements, the Atomx XYZ incorporates a precision-machined valve manifold block to reduce potential leak sources and ensure the system is both reliable and robust.

Read the full article Click here